Chicago Mesh Network
MeshCore LoRa Network
The Chicago mesh runs MeshCore protocol over LoRa radios
across the Chicagoland area. Nodes relay messages, share
positions, and provide coverage for off-grid comms.
MeshCore Radio Parameters
Frequency: 910.525 MHz
Bandwidth: 62.5 KHz
Spreading Factor: 7
Coding Rate: 5
Path Hash Mode: 2 (3-byte)
Loop Detection: Moderate
Note: These are MeshCore parameters (not Reticulum).
MeshCore and Reticulum are separate protocols on
separate frequencies.
Reticulum Radio Parameters
Frequency: 914.875 MHz
Bandwidth: 125.0 KHz
Spreading Factor: 8
Coding Rate: 5
TX Power: 22 dBm (hardware dependent)
Observer Network
MQTT observers bridge radio traffic to the internet,
feeding CoreScope, the live map, and health check tools.
Observer MQTT brokers (by priority):
1. LetsMesh US (mqtt-us-v1.letsmesh.net)
2. ChiMesh.org (mqtt.chimesh.org)
3. Chicago Offline (wsmqtt.chicagooffline.com)
4. rflab.io (mqtt.rflab.io)
5. LetsMesh EU (mqtt-eu-v1.letsmesh.net)
6. CO TCP fallback (mqtt.chioff.com:1883)
Pre-built observer firmware at:
chicagooffline.com/observers
Node Types
>> Companions — handheld/personal nodes
>> Repeaters — extend mesh coverage
>> Room Servers — group chat hosting
>> Observers — MQTT bridge to internet