Meshtastic Channel Setup Guide
New to Freq51? Begin with the Start Here guide and use the Freq51 configuration tool before entering channel details manually.
A guide to setting up private and other channels on your Meshtastic node.
Each channel includes its name, key, and purpose.
Use this to configure your node to connect with local or community networks.
Freq51 does not publish QR codes or Meshtastic URLs for public channels because they can silently change LoRa settings such as hop limit, MQTT permission, or transmit power. Enter the channel names and keys manually. If you would like to create a public-purpose channel, contact us to have it documented.
🧭 Table of Contents
- Primary Channel (General Freq51 Mesh)
- Utah Channels
- Idaho Channels
- Emergency Communications Channels
🔹 Primary Channels (General Mesh)
| Channel Name | Role | PSK/Key | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
Freq51 | Primary | 1A== | Main Freq51 mesh network for general users. Enables broad communication across regions. |
MediumFast | Secondary | AQ== | Default test channel for ping and test messages on the mesh. |
💡 Configure Freq51 as your primary channel. Add MediumFast as a secondary channel when you need to test your node.
🏔️ Utah Channels
Special channels for Utah-based groups and initiatives.
These can be added as secondary or tertiary channels for local coordination and alerts.
| Channel Name | Role | PSK/Key | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
BBBB-Alerts | Secondary | empty | Alerts from FEMA iPAWS/EAS, NOAA, USGS Volcano Alerts, and more. |
DC801 | Secondary | MHHa9wlKe4chJ01SuTKt1RnqbSXv4UJNAP+ONcKfa0c= | DC801 - 801 Labs |
SAINTCON | Secondary | dFa5cC4GuZ9AnFgPKzBjzqO6Ch8doQdOMqzwlmEff0Q= | SAINTCON |
💬 These channels help Utah users receive local alerts and coordinate within their communities.
🌲 Idaho Channels
Special channels for Idaho-based users and organizations.
These can be added as secondary channels to support local groups, alerts, and coordination.
| Channel Name | Role | PSK/Key | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
2ndStarLabs | Secondary | BRdqPvLgcJKPN5BBCHUVxU6YavR11R3HAoy5wSZdSqc= | Channel for members of Second Star Labs Hackerspace in Twin Falls, ID. |
IDAlerts | Secondary | EdYPaoEzYapldDMwSIeYaLuOVhEqAj5S0Hm5owRoWEg= | Alerts from FEMA iPAWS/EAS, NOAA, USGS Volcano Alerts, and more. |
IDEmergency | Secondary | z/N/1qMBO9LubPEQ7tjOZfUrFuRCmni2OosuNgHpgJM= | Monitors public channels for emergency keywords (911, fire, rescue) and relays info here. |
💬 These Idaho-specific channels extend the mesh to local emergency and community networks.
🚨 Emergency Communications Channels
Emergency channel names, regional coverage, and QR codes are maintained on the Emergency Communications page. Use those channels only for real incidents, drills, and directly related coordination.
⚙️ How to Add Channels
- Open the Meshtastic App or use the CLI (
meshtastic --setcommands). - Navigate to Channels → Add Channel.
- Enter the Channel Name and PSK/Key from the table above.
- Choose the Role (Primary or Secondary).
- Save and sync your settings.
💡 Be sure all devices in your group use the same channel name and PSK.
Last edited: August 6, 2026