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MediumFast Quick Start

Welcome to the MediumFast preset guide! This configuration is used specifically for the Tri-Cities area of the Sagebrush Mesh network, offering a good balance between range and speed.

What is MediumFast?

MediumFast is a Meshtastic modem preset that provides faster message delivery while maintaining good range. It's used exclusively in the Tri-Cities area of the Sagebrush Mesh network.

Tri-Cities Only

MediumFast is only used in the Tri-Cities area. If you're outside the Tri-Cities, use LongFast instead.

What You'll Need

  • A Meshtastic-compatible LoRa radio (already flashed with Meshtastic firmware)
  • The Meshtastic app on your phone or computer
  • About 10 minutes to configure

Step 1: Install the Meshtastic App

Download the Meshtastic app for your device:

Download from the Google Play Store

Download from the Apple App Store

Use the web interface at client.meshtastic.org

Step 2: Connect to Your Radio

  1. Enable Bluetooth on your phone
  2. Open the Meshtastic app
  3. Tap the connection icon or go to the Bluetooth pairing screen
  4. Select your radio from the list of available devices
  5. Wait for the connection - you should see a "Connected" status

Can't See Your Radio?

  • Make sure your radio is powered on
  • Try turning Bluetooth off and on again
  • Move your phone closer to the radio
  • Check that no other device is already connected to it

Step 3: Configure Your Radio

Now let's set up your radio to connect to the MediumFast network in the Tri-Cities.

Set Your Name

  1. Go to Settings in the app
  2. Find Device settings
  3. Enter your preferred name in the Long Name field (this is how others will see you)
  4. Set a short name in the Short Name field (4 characters, used on small displays)
  5. Save your changes

Configure Radio Settings

To connect to the Tri-Cities Meshtastic network using MediumFast, use these settings:

Setting Value
Modem Preset MEDIUM_FAST
Frequency Slot 45 (913.125 MHz)
Region US

Why These Settings?

These standardized settings ensure all devices on the Tri-Cities network can communicate with each other. Using different settings means you won't be able to send or receive messages from the network.

To apply these settings:

  1. Go to Settings → Radio Configuration (or LoRa)
  2. Set Region to US
  3. Set Modem Preset to MEDIUM_FAST
  4. Set Frequency Slot to 45
  5. Save your changes

Configure Device Role

Set your device role based on how you'll use it:

Setting Value
Device Role CLIENT (recommended)
Max Hops 3

To apply these settings:

  1. Go to Settings → Device → Device Role
  2. Select CLIENT (this allows your device to relay messages for others)
  3. Go to Settings → Radio Configuration → LoRa → Max Hops
  4. Set Max Hops to 3
  5. Save your changes

About Device Roles

CLIENT is the standard role that allows your device to send, receive, and relay messages for others, helping build the mesh network. If you want to reduce broadcasts from your node, consider using CLIENT_MUTE, but note that CLIENT_MUTE will NOT forward packets from others.

Configure Broadcast Intervals

Set how often your node announces itself to the network:

  1. Go to Settings → Device
  2. Set Node Info Broadcast Interval to 10800 seconds (3 hours)
  3. Save your changes

Why 3 Hours?

Broadcasting node info every 3 hours keeps the mesh aware of your device without creating unnecessary traffic.

For best mesh network performance:

  1. Go to Settings → Position
  2. Set GPS Mode to ENABLED (if your device has GPS)
  3. Smart Broadcast should be enabled (default) - this sends your position only when you've moved at least 100 meters
  4. Set Broadcast Interval to 3600 seconds (1 hour)
  5. This balances map visibility with reduced network congestion
  6. Smart broadcast will still send updates when you move significantly
  7. For fixed nodes (rooftop/permanent): Enable Fixed Position and manually set your coordinates
  8. Save your changes

Why These Settings?

Position updates every hour combined with smart broadcasting gives the network good location data without flooding the mesh with constant updates.

Optional: MQTT Integration

MQTT allows your node to appear on community maps and share data with the wider network. However, there's a trade-off to consider:

MQTT Trade-offs

Benefits: Your node appears on maps, data is archived, and you can see the wider network

Drawbacks: MQTT traffic can add congestion to the mesh network. Some mesh communities disable MQTT entirely to strengthen local RF communications.

For Sagebrush Mesh, MQTT is optional. If you choose to enable it, always keep downlink disabled.

To enable MQTT (optional):

  1. Go to Settings → MQTT
  2. Enable MQTT
  3. Set MQTT Server to meshtastic.pugetmesh.org
  4. Enable MQTT Uplink
  5. Disable MQTT Downlink (critical!)
  6. Enable OK to MQTT
  7. Save your changes

Keep Downlink Disabled

Always keep MQTT Downlink set to FALSE to prevent flooding the mesh with messages from the internet. Busy MQTT servers can overwhelm nodes and hinder local communications.

Step 4: Join the Network

You're all set! Your radio is now configured for the Tri-Cities Meshtastic network.

  1. Open the Messages tab in the app
  2. You should start seeing messages from other nodes
  3. Send a test message to say hello!

You're Connected!

Congratulations! You're now part of the Tri-Cities Meshtastic network using MediumFast. Enjoy faster messaging with good range!

Troubleshooting

Not Seeing Other Nodes

  • Verify you're using MEDIUM_FAST preset
  • Check your frequency slot is set to 45 (913.125 MHz)
  • Confirm Region is set to US
  • Make sure you're in the Tri-Cities area where MediumFast is used
  • Check that your antenna is properly connected

Can't Connect via Bluetooth

  • Make sure Bluetooth is enabled on both devices
  • Forget and re-pair the device in your Bluetooth settings
  • Restart both your radio and phone
  • Try factory resetting the radio and start over

Messages Still Seem Slow

  • MediumFast is faster than LongFast but still takes about 1 second per transmission
  • Check that you're actually using MEDIUM_FAST (verify Spreading Factor is 9)
  • Make sure your max hops is set to 3 to avoid excessive retransmissions

Next Steps

  • Optimize placement - Get your antenna up high for best range
  • Join the Discord - Connect with the Sagebrush Mesh community at our Discord
  • Explore the map - See the network at PugetMesh Map
  • Add a fixed node - Help extend the network in your area

Need Help?

Join our Discord community - we're happy to help you get connected!

Configuration based on PugetMesh standards