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⚙️ Configuringintermediate

Configuring Node Network Settings

Set up your LoRa node to join HRMesh and configure network parameters

Overview

Once your hardware is assembled and programmed, you'll need to configure network settings to ensure your node can communicate with other HRMesh nodes and repeaters.

Key Configuration Parameters

Frequency Band

HRMesh operates in license-free frequency bands depending on region:

  • US (902–928 MHz): Use US915 or US902 firmware variant
  • EU (863–870 MHz): Use EU868 firmware variant
  • Australia: Use AU915 variant

Set your region in the firmware configuration before uploading:

// In config.h or platformio.ini
#define LORABAND US915  // or EU868, AU915

Spreading Factor and Bandwidth

These settings affect range vs. data rate:

SF Sensitivity Speed Power Best For
7 -124 dBm Fast Low Short range, urban
9 -129 dBm Medium Medium Balanced coverage
11 -137 dBm Slow High Maximum range
12 -139 dBm Very Slow Very High Long distance

Recommended: Start with SF9 for balanced performance.

Node ID and Network Key

Configure unique identifiers:

  1. Node ID: A unique identifier for your device (0–255 or 0–65535 depending on protocol)
  2. Network Key: Shared encryption key for all HRMesh nodes (provided by your community coordinator)

Store these in EEPROM or flash memory:

const uint8_t nodeID = 42;
const uint8_t networkKey[16] = { /* 16 bytes from community */ };

Web Configuration Interface

Many Heltec boards support a web-based config portal:

  1. Power on the node with GPIO0 held low
  2. Connect to the HRMesh-Config-XXXX WiFi network
  3. Open 192.168.4.1 in your browser
  4. Fill in:
    • Node name
    • Network frequency
    • Spreading factor
    • Network key
  5. Click Save and Reboot

Testing Your Configuration

After configuration:

  1. Check Serial Output:

    [INFO] Node 42 initialized
[INFO] Frequency: 915.0 MHz
[INFO] Spreading Factor: 9
[INFO] Waiting for network...

  2. Verify Connectivity:

    • Look for [INFO] Network joined message
    • Monitor signal strength indicators
    • Send a test message to confirm two-way communication

  3. Monitor Performance:

    • Check RSSI (Received Signal Strength Indicator)
    • Review message delivery success rate
    • Log range tests from known distances

Advanced: LoRaWAN vs. Point-to-Point

HRMesh can operate in two modes:

LoRaWAN Mode (Class A):

  • Requires gateway connection
  • Higher power consumption
  • Centralized architecture

Point-to-Point Mode (Mesh):

  • Peer-to-peer communication
  • Lower power consumption
  • Decentralized—recommended for HRMesh

Ensure your firmware is compiled for Mesh mode.

Troubleshooting

Node doesn't join network:

  • Verify network key matches community settings
  • Check frequency band matches your region
  • Ensure at least one repeater is in range

Intermittent connectivity:

  • Try increasing spreading factor (better range, slower speed)
  • Check for RF interference (microwave, WiFi, etc.)
  • Reposition antenna away from metal objects

Message delivery is slow:

  • Reduce spreading factor for faster (but shorter range) messages
  • Move closer to repeaters
  • Review network congestion

Next Steps