Information

What is MeshTracker (paratracker.asia)

MeshTracker is a service for real-time tracking of people and devices across Kazakhstan. It is built primarily for tourists, guides, athletes, and rescue teams — for places where ordinary mobile networks don't work: in the mountains, on trekking routes, in the steppe, on the water, and in other remote areas.

Each participant carries a compact radio device. It transmits its coordinates over a radio link, and on the service map you see the location of all devices in the network, their movement tracks, and battery status. The link works without a cellular network and without internet at the device itself — data is relayed from device to device and through repeaters until it reaches a point with internet access.

Where it's useful:

• Accompanying tourist and sports groups on a route
• Monitoring participants of races, rides, ascents, and rafting trips
• Coordinating search-and-rescue operations
• Communication and positioning in areas with no cellular coverage

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LoRa technology — in brief

LoRa (from Long Range) is a radio communication technology for transmitting small amounts of data over long distances at very low power consumption.

Key properties:

• Range. In open terrain with line of sight, the link reaches tens of kilometers; in cities and forests it's less, but still far more than Wi-Fi or Bluetooth.
• Low power consumption. A device can run for days and weeks on a single battery — critical on a hike.
• No cellular network required. LoRa uses a free (unlicensed) radio band, so it doesn't depend on mobile operators.
• Mesh network. Devices and repeaters relay the signal through one another, extending coverage where a single device can't reach the data-collection point.

The MeshTracker service is built on the MeshCore firmware — open-source software for LoRa networks. Only coordinates and service data (small packets) are transmitted, so LoRa is perfectly suited for tracking rather than voice or video.

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Which devices are suitable

The MeshTracker network operates in the 868 MHz radio band (863–870 MHz). A device must be rated for 868 MHz — 433 or 915 MHz versions will not work and will not be visible in the network.

The up-to-date full list of supported devices is always available right in the flasher: flasher.meshcore.io — the list is updated regularly.

For tracking people you need a compact wearable device, preferably with GPS and a battery. Good choices (in the 868 MHz version):

• Seeed Studio T1000-E — an ultra-compact GPS tracker, ideal to carry with you.
• LilyGO T-Beam — GPS and an 18650 battery holder, convenient as a mobile node.
• LilyGO T-Echo — GPS + e-ink screen, very power-efficient, great for walking routes.
• RAK WisBlock (RAK4631 + GPS module) — a modular build for custom tasks.
• Heltec V3 / V4 — a versatile board (GPS connects separately); also handy as a stationary repeater, including on solar power.

Important: always connect an antenna for 868 MHz before use. Powering on — and especially transmitting — without an antenna is not allowed and may damage the radio module. Use a proper USB cable with data transfer (many cables are charge-only).

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Setting up a device

The order of steps: firmware first → then the app → Bluetooth pairing → configure parameters → send your details to the administrator.

Step 1. Flash the device

Flashing is done through the web flasher — the device won't appear in the network until the MeshCore firmware is installed on it.

1. Open flasher.meshcore.io in Chrome or Edge (other browsers don't support flashing over USB).
2. Connect the device to your computer with a USB cable (with data transfer).
3. Select your device model from the list (this is the up-to-date list of supported devices).
4. Choose the firmware type (role): for a wearable tracker that connects to a phone — Companion Radio (BLE).
5. If needed, put the device into flashing mode (DFU / bootloader): usually you hold the BOOT button while plugging in USB. For some boards this happens automatically.
6. Click Flash and wait for it to finish. Do not disconnect the device during flashing.

When updating an already-working device, do not use a full Erase — otherwise the device's identity (its public key) will be wiped.

Step 2. Install the app on your phone

1. Install the MeshCore app:
   • Android — Google Play
   • iOS — App Store
2. Turn on Bluetooth and location on your phone (location is needed for the map to work).

Step 3. Connect over Bluetooth

1. Open the app and tap "Add device".
2. Select your device from the list found over Bluetooth.
3. If prompted for a pairing code, enter the default PIN (shown on the device itself).

Step 4. Configure parameters

Radio parameters (required — must match for everyone in the network)

Parameter	Value
Frequency	869.494 MHz
Bandwidth	62.5 kHz
Spreading Factor (SF)	8
Coding Rate (CR)	8

These values are set in the radio settings in the app. If you use the console (CLI), the command is:

set radio 869.494,62.5,8,8

If even one of these parameters differs, the device will not appear on the map. Enter the values exactly.

Modes

Enable the following modes:

• Location in adverts — on. The device will broadcast its coordinates to the network.
• Repeat / relay mode — on. The device will also help relay other participants' packets, extending the network's coverage.
• Telemetry — allow all items ("Yes" everywhere). This lets the map show the device's status (battery level, etc.).

GPS

If the device has built-in GPS — enable it in the "Position setup" section and wait for a satellite lock (under open sky). If the device has no GPS, coordinates will be taken from the phone it's connected to.

Step 5. Register in the network

After configuring, you need to add your device to the MeshTracker network:

1. In the app, find the Node name and its Public key — they are shown in the device settings/info.
2. Send the device name and public key to: alextrapezin_gmail_com
3. After the administrator adds it, your device will appear on the map at paratracker.asia.

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Tips for the route

• Before heading out, check the battery charge and GPS fix.
• In mountains and gorges, repeaters on high points help — they extend coverage.
• Take a spare charge (power bank) if the route is long.

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If the device doesn't appear on the map — check that the radio parameters (869.494 / 62.5 / 8 / 8) are entered exactly, GPS has locked onto satellites, location broadcasting is enabled, and the name and public key have been sent to the administrator.