Your first radio
Get connected, step by step.
A compatible companion radio, the MeshCore app, and the local radio settings are the essentials. You can work through the rest one step at a time.
- 01
Choose a companion radio
Check the exact model and US frequency version in the official device list. Start with companion firmware, not repeater or room-server firmware.
Compare radio options → - 02
Install the MeshCore app
Choose the official app for your phone. Android and iPhone interfaces can differ; use the setup steps shown in your app.
- 03
Install or check companion firmware
If your radio is not already running MeshCore companion firmware, connect it to a computer and use the official web flasher in a supported browser. Select the exact board and companion firmware.
Open MeshCore Flasher and supported-device list ↗Not sure if your radio needs flashing?
Ask the seller which firmware is installed, or check the device instructions. If the MeshCore app already connects and identifies it as a companion, you may be ready to continue.
- 04
Connect your phone and radio
Open the app and follow its connect or scan steps. Bluetooth or USB support depends on the radio. Confirm the app can read your companion before changing settings.
- 05
Enter the Ouachita Link settings
In the radio's settings, enter these Ouachita Link radio settings, save them, then reconnect and confirm the values. App labels may vary slightly.
- Frequency
- 910.525 MHz
- Bandwidth
- 62.5 kHz
- Spreading factor
- 9 (SF9)
- Coding rate
- CR8
- Path hash mode
- 1
- 06
Check each connection milestone
- Phone connected: the app can read your companion.
- Radio configured: saved settings match the profile above.
- Another node appears: a nearby radio has been heard; a quiet list can also mean no active node is in range.
- Message delivered: a person or service confirms receipt. This is separate from Bluetooth connection or seeing a node.
- 07
Try a message with a neighbor
Join the community to find someone nearby who can test with you. Radio reach depends on terrain, antennas, location, and which radios are active; delivery is not guaranteed.
Ask the Ouachita Link community ↗
Quick troubleshooting
Start with the simple checks.
My phone cannot find the radio
Charge and power on the radio, keep it nearby, enable Bluetooth if using it, and follow the app's connection flow. Some devices connect over USB instead.
I do not see any nearby nodes
Confirm the radio settings and antenna, then try another location or time. A quiet node list does not prove the radio is faulty; local reach varies with terrain and active nodes.
My message is not getting through
Check that the other person is using the same local radio profile and is reachable. Try again when both radios are active, or ask a nearby community member to test.
I may have selected the wrong firmware
Stop before changing more settings. Confirm the exact model and current firmware with the official flasher instructions or the community. Reflashing may replace information stored on the radio.