Experimenting with Meshtastic on 433MHz with MQTT Bridging

Introduction

Beyond using LilyGO modules for LoRa APRS, I’ve been exploring their capabilities with Meshtastic. While experimenting, I quickly realized that most Meshtastic nodes in Europe operate on 868MHz, making it impossible to connect my 433MHz nodes directly to an existing network. However, MQTT provided an alternative solution, allowing me to bridge my nodes to the wider Meshtastic ecosystem. This article details my technical setup and how MQTT enables interoperability across different frequencies.

LoRa APRS iGate

I recently ordered a Lilygo T3V1.6.1 to set up a LoRa APRS iGate using custom firmware from this GitHub repository. My goal is to receive APRS messages and forward them to APRS-IS.

Cloning the Repository

To get started, I opened the repository in VS Code and cloned it to my local computer. This allows me to modify the configuration and flash the firmware onto the device.

Configuring the iGate

After selecting the correct board, I edited the igate_conf.json file to match my settings. My iGate operates under the call sign DF8VX-10, and for the APRS symbol, I chose a white “L” over a black diamond.

The Struggle to Not Get a Philippine Ham Radio Call Sign

As an avid amateur radio operator and a first-time visitor to the Philippines, I was excited to explore the airwaves in a new country. To avoid the hassle of repeatedly applying for guest licenses on future trips, I decided to take the leap and apply for a local Philippine call sign during my 58-day stay.

The Plan: Seminar and Exam

To obtain a call sign in the Philippines, you must attend a seminar and pass an exam administered by the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC). Eager to get started, I joined the seminar, completed all the requirements, and gathered the necessary documents. Exams, as I was told, were held every Wednesday, so I was optimistic about making progress.

My Journey to Getting a Philippine Ham Radio Call Sign

Recently, I embarked on the process of obtaining a Philippine amateur radio call sign, and I’d like to share my experience to help others who might be interested.

The process begins with a mandatory seminar, which can now conveniently be taken online as a webinar. I was fortunate to meet a very helpful ham radio operator from the Philippines, 4F1KIK, who is authorized by the Philippine Amateur Radio Association (PARA). He not only facilitated the seminar but also provided invaluable guidance on how to handle the paperwork.

Note: Detailed instructions and additional information can be found at the official AllStarLink documentation site.

In this post, I’ll walk you through my process of setting up AllStarLink on Debian 12, creating a private node, integrating DVSwitch, and establishing a bridge to my YSF Reflector. This setup allows seamless communication between my AllStarLink nodes and YSF-compatible devices, like my Yaesu FTM-200.

Step 1: Initial Server Setup on Debian 12

1. Update Debian Packages: Start by ensuring that your system is up-to-date.