← Back to Wiki
⚙️ Configuringbeginner

Flashing MeshCore Firmware

How to load MeshCore firmware onto your node using the web flasher.

MeshCore is the open-source firmware that powers nodes on the HRMesh network. Flashing firmware is the process of loading that software onto your hardware. Both the MeshCore flasher and the WhisperOS flasher run entirely in your browser.

Firmware Types

There are two firmware types relevant to HRMesh members:

  • Companion firmware — for personal nodes you carry or keep at your desk. Connects to a phone app for messaging.
  • Repeater firmware — for fixed infrastructure nodes that relay packets to extend network coverage.

If you’re setting up a personal node, you want companion firmware. If you’re deploying a node on a rooftop or tower to help expand the network, you want repeater firmware.

Which Firmware Should I Use?

For companion nodes, HRMesh recommends Whisper OS as the preferred firmware. It is built on MeshCore and optimized for small-screen devices with standout features including:

  • Excellent power saving — up to 7 days standby on supported devices
  • Intelligent predictive text with full keyboard support
  • GPS duty cycle controls for balancing fix frequency against battery life
  • Live radio diagnostics viewable directly on the device
  • BLE over-the-air (OTA) firmware updates
  • Repeater mode with live packet stats

Whisper OS supports: FoBE Quill, GAT562, Heltec T096, Heltec T114, Heltec Tracker V2, Heltec V3/V4, MeshTiny, ProMicro, RAK4631, and Wio Tracker L1.

If your device is not on that list, or you are flashing a repeater node, use the standard MeshCore firmware instead.

  1. Connect your node to your computer via USB.
  2. Open the Whisper OS Flasher in a Chromium-based browser (Chrome, Edge, or Brave).
  3. Select your device from the list.
  4. Click Flash and wait for the process to complete. Do not disconnect the device during flashing.
  5. Once done, your node will reboot into Whisper OS.

Flashing Standard MeshCore Firmware

  1. Connect your node to your computer via USB.
  2. Open the MeshCore Configurator in a Chromium-based browser.
  3. Select your device and choose the firmware type (Companion or Repeater).
  4. Follow the on-screen steps to flash. The configurator walks you through the process and handles device detection automatically.
  5. Once flashing completes, the node will restart with the new firmware.

Tips

Use a Chromium-based browser. The web flashers use the WebSerial API, which is only supported in Chrome, Edge, and Brave. Firefox and Safari may not work.

Put the device in bootloader mode if needed. Some devices require you to hold a button while connecting USB to enter flash mode. Refer to your device’s documentation if the flasher cannot find it.

Repeater nodes don’t need a companion app. Once flashed with repeater firmware, the node runs autonomously. No phone connection is required for day-to-day operation.

Further Reading