---
title: "My First Impressions of MeshCore Off-Grid Messaging"
url: https://daily.dev/posts/my-first-impressions-of-meshcore-off-grid-messaging-3qdngsnoq
source_url: https://mtlynch.io/first-impressions-of-meshcore/
type: article
source: "Michael Lynch"
published: 2025-12-02T14:15:52.450Z
updated: 2026-03-30T02:19:55.862Z
tags: ["embedded", "hardware", "iot", "lora"]
reading_time: 18
upvotes: 66
comments: 6
language: en
---

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# My First Impressions of MeshCore Off-Grid Messaging

**[Michael Lynch](https://daily.dev/sources/mtlynch)** · 18 min read · 66 upvotes · 6 comments

## Summary

MeshCore enables encrypted text messaging over long-range (LoRa) radios without cellular infrastructure, forming mesh networks where devices relay messages through each other. Testing three devices (Heltec v3, SenseCAP T-1000e, and Lilygo T-Deck+) revealed significant usability challenges: confusing onboarding, poor UI/UX design, limited range (only 5 blocks in suburban areas), and critical components being closed-source despite appearing open. While the concept appeals for emergency communication, the technology isn't yet practical for non-technical users or reliable disaster scenarios.

## Full article

daily.dev links to this article rather than hosting it. Read it at the original source: <https://mtlynch.io/first-impressions-of-meshcore/>

## Community discussion

Top comments from developers on daily.dev.

**@dailydevtips** · 6 upvotes

> My wife has many wonderful qualities, but, if I’m being honest, “enthusiasm for encrypted off-grid messaging” has never been one of them.
>
> This had me lol

**@akkitto** · 4 upvotes

> Great article, interesting read and especially helpful for the review of the input device. Gadgets like these always look cool on pictures. Then you order them and realise all the huge issues with it, just as the author did.

**@mdsiaofficial** · 0 upvotes

> is this like bitchat by jack?

**@thecookingsenpai** · 0 upvotes

> I use Meshtastic since years and managed to go up to 335km with 5 hops (medium range), I now flashed MeshCore to a spare device with a not-so-good but not-too-bad antenna and preset long EU, lets see

**@kulkunkan** · 0 upvotes

> I have a finger up'in'ih ALL, I'm so tired: When I read "Bad ui" I remember being next too stupid cops, telling me just TO ADD JUST THAT. whatever you believe, best for you. Fix UI, I say

---

Tags: [#embedded](https://daily.dev/tags/embedded), [#hardware](https://daily.dev/tags/hardware), [#iot](https://daily.dev/tags/iot), [#lora](https://daily.dev/tags/lora)

[View this post on daily.dev](https://daily.dev/posts/my-first-impressions-of-meshcore-off-grid-messaging-3qdngsnoq)