Getting a Radio onto Thumb Mesh

Thumb Mesh sends short text messages without cell service or Wi-Fi. You need a small radio to use it. In companion mode, the radio handles the mesh signal and an app on your phone handles the messages.

Thumb Mesh is part of Michigan Mesh. Use MeshCore firmware and the radio settings in the Michigan Mesh Getting Started Guide. Radios need the same settings to communicate.

1. Choose a radio

We recommend either of these radios. Buy the US915 or North American version. You will need the radio's USB cable and a computer running Chrome or Edge. For companion mode, you will also need a phone with Bluetooth.

2. Set up a T1000-E with MeshCore

  1. Charge the T1000-E with its magnetic charging cable.
  2. On the computer, open meshcore.io in Chrome or Edge and open the firmware installer. Choose T1000-E, the latest stable Companion Bluetooth firmware, and USA/Canada if asked. Follow the directions on the screen. Do not unplug the radio until the installer says it is finished.
  3. On your phone, use the app-store link at meshcore.io to install the official MeshCore app.
  4. Turn on Bluetooth and open the MeshCore app. Allow Bluetooth or Nearby Devices permission if asked. In the app, choose Connect or Add device, then choose your T1000-E. Do not pair it from the phone's regular Bluetooth settings.
  5. Enter a short name for yourself. Check the radio settings against the Michigan Mesh guide and save them. The setup is complete when the app says the radio is connected.
If the installer cannot find the radio, try the supplied cable and another USB port. If the app cannot find it, check that you installed Companion Bluetooth firmware.

3. Set up a Wio Tracker L1 Pro with MeshCore

Use these steps when you want to write and read messages on your phone.
  1. Charge the L1 Pro and connect it to the computer with its USB cable.
  2. Open meshcore.io in Chrome or Edge and open the firmware installer. Choose Wio Tracker L1 Pro, the latest stable Companion Bluetooth firmware, and USA/Canada if asked. Follow the directions on the screen, and do not unplug the radio until the installer says it is finished.
  3. On your phone, use the app-store link at meshcore.io to install the official MeshCore app.
  4. Turn on Bluetooth and open the app. Allow Bluetooth or Nearby Devices permission if asked. Choose Connect or Add device, then choose your L1 Pro. Do not pair it from the phone's regular Bluetooth settings.
  5. Enter a short name for yourself. Check the radio settings against the Michigan Mesh guide and save them. The setup is complete when the app says the radio is connected.
In this mode, you use the phone to write and read messages. To use the L1 Pro without a phone, install Ripple GUI instead.

4. Set up a Wio Tracker L1 Pro with Ripple GUI

Ripple GUI runs on the L1 Pro itself. It lets you read and write messages on the radio without a phone. It is not available for the T1000-E because the T1000-E has no screen or message controls.
  1. Charge the L1 Pro and connect it to the computer with its USB cable.
  2. Open meshcore.io in Chrome or Edge and open the firmware installer. Choose Wio Tracker L1 Pro, the latest stable Ripple GUI firmware, and USA/Canada if asked. Follow the directions on the screen, and do not unplug the radio until the installer says it is finished.
  3. Turn on the L1 Pro and follow the instructions on its screen. Enter a short name for yourself.
  4. Enter the radio settings from the Michigan Mesh guide and save them.
There is no companion app to install or Bluetooth connection to make in Ripple GUI mode. Ripple GUI is already installed on the radio and is ready to use.

To return to phone-based MeshCore later, follow section 3 and install Companion Bluetooth firmware again.