From February 2026, Essex Ham started running some MeshCore hardware – one at a fixed location in Westcliff-on-Sea, and one for use when mobile. The IDs for these are:
- SXHamRpt – Essex Ham Repeater (close to London Road / Chalkwell Park, Westcliff-on-Sea)
- SXHam01 – Essex Ham Local Client (same location)
- SXHam02 – Essex Ham Portable, for use out-and-about
All devices are Heltec v3 hardware running Meshcore firmware.
Settings we’re using:
- EU/UK (Narrow)
- Frequency: 869.618MHz
- Bandwidth: 62.5 kHz
- Spreading Factor 8
- Coding Rate: 8
- Transmit Power: 22dBm
Until 2026, we were running Meshtastic, but with limited results, making Meshcore worth a try. It’s early days, but there’s potential.
If you’ve made contact, please leave us a comment below!
Essex Meshcore Map
Here is a snap of the Meshcore activity as of 01 March 2026 (Source: Meshcore Map) – click for larger image:
I’ve been using Meshtastic with limited results and mostly Kent contacts from Leigh-on-Sea. Following your lead and trying a MeshCore node too, hopefully I can contact your nodes