MeshCore SAR
Overview
MeshCore SAR transforms ordinary smartphones into off-grid communication tools.
It provides messaging, GPS tracking, and tactical mapping even when cellular and internet infrastructure fail. It uses MeshCore network and devices to do so.
Hardware & Infrastructure
MeshCore SAR requires MeshCore devices to transmit data over the LoRa mesh network.
The app connects to these devices via Bluetooth, transforming your smartphone into a mesh communication terminal.
MeshCore Device Options
- Dedicated MeshCore nodes — purpose-built for field deployment
- Existing repeaters — leverage installed infrastructure
- Client devices — other team members’ MeshCore units
- Room nodes — persistent communication hubs
Seamless Integration: MeshCore SAR works with any existing MeshCore network — no separate infrastructure needed.
Whether you’re extending an established mesh or starting fresh, every MeshCore device becomes part of your resilient communication backbone.
Client Devices
The new interface takes inspiration from Meshtastic InkHUD, bringing a clean, information-dense display to MeshCore devices:
- Improved navigation with redesigned screens for Messages, Contacts, and Settings
- Multi-language support — interface available in multiple languages including Slovenian and Croatian
- Better visual hierarchy with optimized font usage and screen layouts
- Enhanced GPS display showing time since last fix alongside accuracy metrics
Reliability Improvements
Watchdog timer implementation ensures your device stays operational when you need it most:
- Automatic recovery from software freezes
- NRF52 hardware watchdog prevents system lockups
- Continuous operation in harsh field conditions
- No manual intervention required — devices self-recover from crashes
These improvements mean your MeshCore device remains a dependable communication lifeline throughout extended SAR operations.
Get the Enhanced Firmware
Find the latest client device patches and improvements at:
github.com/dz0ny/MeshCore/tree/revert-ble-advert
Messages
Messages View
Send SAR Marker
SAR Alerts Feed
Mission Communication
- Direct Messages – private one-to-one communication
- Public Channels – broadcast updates across nodes
- Rooms – persistent logs (e.g., General, Emergency)
SAR Marker Messages
Easily send geo-tagged alerts:
Found Person • Fire Location • Staging Area • Object Found
Messages appear instantly on the map with delivery tracking (Sent / Delivered / Retrying / Failed).
Contacts
Team List
Contact Details
Compass View
Situational Awareness
- Real-time GPS, bearing, and distance to each member
- Battery telemetry and voltage readings
- Routing path indicator (Direct / Multi-hop / Flood)
- Role badges for clarity (Police, Firefighter, Medic)
- Compass shows direction and proximity of all contacts and SAR markers
Map
Tactical Map
Drawing Tools
Compass Navigation
Tactical Display
- Offline vector maps (MBTiles) with street, topo, and satellite layers
- SAR event markers — color-coded by type
- Drawing tools for quick visual planning (lines, rectangles, zones)
- Compass integration — precise direction and range to any object or person
You can Plan, navigate, and execute — all offline.
FAQ
Q: Is this a fork of MeshCore?
A: No. MeshCore SAR is a specialized app that works with existing MeshCore infrastructure and devices. Messages remain ASCII-only and human-readable — the app simply wraps UI widgets around recognized SAR message formats.
Q: Can I use existing MeshCore repeaters in my area?
A: Yes! MeshCore SAR works with any existing MeshCore network. However, you’ll need to know the correct frequency and settings.
Q: What if there are no repeaters nearby?
A: You can still communicate companion-to-companion directly, though range will be limited. Even adding just one repeater to your group significantly improves performance and coverage.
Q: How does this work with SAR teams that have their own equipment?
A: SAR teams can deploy their own MeshCore infrastructure or integrate with existing networks.
Q: Will SAR features be merged into the main MeshCore app?
A: The core messaging remains compatible. SAR-specific features (offline maps, tactical drawing, compass navigation) are specialized tools that work best in a dedicated app.
Download
Get MeshCore SAR for your device:
iOS (TestFlight Beta)
Download for iOS
Android / Windows / Linux / macOS
Download Latest Release