Keyboard shortcuts

Press ← or → to navigate between chapters

Press S or / to search in the book

Press ? to show this help

Press Esc to hide this help

Freq51 Onboarding Guide - Welcome to the Intermountain Mesh!

🎯 Quick Start - Get Connected in 15 Minutes

Welcome to Freq51! This guide will get you up and running on our Meshtastic network.

📦 What You’ll Need

⚡ Quick Setup

1️⃣ Flash the Latest Firmware

Before configuring your node, make sure it is running the latest Meshtastic firmware.

Use the official web flasher:

https://flasher.meshtastic.org/

Supported devices include:

  • RAK devices
  • Seeed SenseCAP / Tracker
  • XIAO
  • Heltec
  • Raspberry Pi based nodes

If you need help flashing firmware see the
Firmware Update Guide.

2️⃣ Connect to Your Node

Install the Meshtastic mobile app and connect to your device.

Most nodes connect via:

Bluetooth (recommended)

Alternative connection methods include:

  • WiFi
  • USB / Serial

Follow the in-app pairing process until you can see your device in the Meshtastic app.

The mobile app is used for pairing and basic device setup. The Freq51 configuration tool will be used next to apply the network settings.

3️⃣ Load Your Freq51 Configuration

Instead of manually configuring dozens of settings, use the Freq51 Auto Config Tool.

Open the configuration tool here: https://tools.freq51.net/config/

Before starting: Your computer must be connected to the node using one of the following methods:

  • USB / Serial connection to the device
  • WiFi/Wired Connection to the node’s ip address Depending on what type of hardware it is (ESP32/Raspberry pi)

Once connected, the tool will detect your node and apply the correct configuration automatically.

The tool will generate the correct settings for:

  • LoRa preset
  • Frequency slot
  • Freq51 channel
  • Hop limits
  • Other required network settings

Simply follow the instructions provided by the tool and apply the configuration to your node.

Using the tool ensures all nodes on the network stay compatible and correctly configured.

🏷️ Node Roles - Choose the Right One

Understanding roles is important for maintaining a healthy mesh network.

👤 CLIENT (Recommended for most users)

  • Best for: Handheld devices, mobile setups, most users
  • Behavior: General-purpose node that rebroadcasts packets only if no other node has already done so
  • Visibility: Visible in nodes list/topology
  • Use when: This is the default/normal choice

Behavior: General-purpose node that rebroadcasts packets only when needed.

This is the default role most users should choose.

🏠 CLIENT_BASE (Rooftop or strategic clients)

  • Best for: Rooftop or other well-placed nodes, that are not quite on Router leve.
  • Behavior: Node that rebroadcasts packets to/from favorited noded with priority, else acts as client.
  • Visibility: Visible in nodes list/topology
  • Use when: This is your best placed node or Strategic Client

Behavior: Prioritizes rebroadcasting packets from favorited nodes, otherwise behaves like a client.

🔇 CLIENT_MUTE (Extra or local nodes)

  • Best for: Additional handheld devices near better-placed nodes, Car-mounted devices, temporary deployments
  • Behavior: Like CLIENT but does NOT forward other devices’ packets at all (no repeating/routing)
  • Visibility: Visible in nodes list
  • Use when: You have extra handheld/indoor nodes near a better-placed node and want to avoid adding needless rebroadcasts. This is particularly useful with indoor nodes.

Behavior: Does not forward packets from other nodes, helping reduce unnecessary network traffic.

🔄 ROUTER (Advanced infrastructure)

  • Best for: Strategically placed infrastructure (mountain/very tall tower with big line-of-sight)
  • Behavior: Always rebroadcasts each packet once and is prioritized for routing (“cuts in line” vs other roles)
  • Visibility: Visible in nodes list/topology
  • Use when: Device is strategically placed to extend coverage for many others
  • ⚠️ Important: Misplacing routers increases collisions and wastes hops. Contact the [Discord community] before deploying
  • 📖 Detailed Guide: See our comprehensive Router Deployment Guide before considering setting up a router.

Behavior: Always rebroadcasts each packet once and is prioritized for routing.

⚠️ Important

Incorrect router placement can harm network performance.

Before deploying a router please review the guide:

Router Deployment Guide

🔄 ROUTER_LATE (Infrastructure - Advanced users only!)

  • Best for: Adding reliability/coverage for local clusters without stealing priority
  • Behavior: Always rebroadcasts once, but only after all other modes have had their chance (not prioritized)
  • Visibility: Visible in nodes list/topology
  • Use when: You need a “safety net” for a small area or dead spots without stealing routing priority from better infrastructure

Behavior: Repeats packets after other node types have had their chance.

For a deeper explanation of roles watch this video from The Comms Channel:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=htjwtnjQkkE

🗺️ Local Resources

Coverage Areas

Primary coverage currently includes:

  • Salt Lake Valley
  • Tooele County
  • Utah County
  • Boise
  • Twin Falls

Growing areas include:

  • Davis County
  • Weber County

See the Infrastructure page for current node deployments.

💬 Getting Help

The fastest place to get help is our community Discord.

Join here:

https://discord.com/invite/7ANChSNNbW

Members can help with:

  • Device setup
  • Antennas
  • Node placement
  • Firmware issues
  • Expanding coverage

❓ Quick Troubleshooting

Can’t see other nodes?

  • Make sure you used the Freq51 configuration tool
  • Verify antenna connections
  • Try moving your node to a higher location
  • Location broadcasts are intentionally infrequent and may take several hours to appear on the map

Messages not getting through?

  • You may be outside mesh coverage
  • Check the infrastructure map
  • Try a higher antenna placement
  • Verify your configuration using the Freq51 config tool

📡 Welcome to the Mesh

Freq51 is a community-built Meshtastic network connecting people across the Intermountain West.

Using the auto configuration tool helps keep the network reliable and compatible for everyone.

👉 https://tools.freq51.net/config/

Questions? Join the Discord and say hello — we’re happy to help! 📡