meshtastic/docs/getting-started/index.mdx
2023-06-30 22:06:02 -07:00

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---
id: getting-started
title: Getting Started
sidebar_label: Getting Started
slug: /getting-started
sidebar_position: 2
---
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## Identify Hardware
:::note
This guide assumes that you have already purchased the devices you will be using with Meshtastic. If you haven't, you can check out our list of [supported hardware](/docs/supported-hardware/)
to see your options.
:::
Before you begin, it's important to determine which kind of hardware you're using. Meshtastic works with devices that have either of these two types of Micro-Controller Units (MCU):
### ESP32
The ESP32 chip is older and consumes more power than the nRF52 chip, but is equipped with both WiFi and Bluetooth. Supported ESP32 devices:
- LILYGO® TTGO T-Beam
- LILYGO® TTGO Lora
- Nano G1
- Station G1
- Heltec V3 and Wireless Stick Lite V3
### nRF52
The nRF52 chip is much more power efficient than the ESP32 chip and easier to update, but is only equipped with Bluetooth. Supported nRF52 devices:
- RAK WisBlock
- LILYGO® TTGO T-Echo
:::info
If your device is not listed above, please review our [supported devices](/docs/supported-hardware) to determine which MCU your device has or contact us in [Discord](https://discord.gg/ktMAKGBnBs) with any questions.
:::
:::danger STOP! Put The Power Cable Down!
Never power on the radio without attaching an antenna! _It_ could damage the radio chip.
:::
Prior to connecting your Meshtastic device to the computer, you should perform the following basic checks.
### Verify Data Cable
Some cables only provide _charging_, verify that your cable is also capable of _transferring data_ before proceeding. To check if your cable can also transfer data, try connecting it to another device (like a phone) and see if you can copy a file to or from it. If the file transfer works, then your cable is also able to transfer data and you can continue.
### Install Serial Drivers
:::caution
nRF52 devices typically do not require serial drivers. They use the UF2 bootloader which makes the devices appear as flash drives. Do _NOT_ download the USB device drivers unless required to install UF2 support.
:::
If you require serial drivers installed on your computer, please choose one of the options below and install it before continuing.
<div className="indexCtasBody">
<div className="split-container">
<div className="split-item">
<Link
className={'button button--outline button--lg cta--button'}
to={'/docs/getting-started/serial-drivers/esp32'}
>
Install ESP32 Drivers
</Link>
</div>
<div className="split-item">
<Link
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to={'/docs/getting-started/serial-drivers/nrf52'}
>
Install NRF52 Drivers
</Link>
</div>
</div>
</div>
### Flash Firmware
After completing the previous steps, you can now flash the Meshtastic firmware onto your device. To proceed, select the appropriate device type for your device.
<div className="indexCtasBody">
<div className="split-container">
<div className="split-item">
<Link
className={"button button--outline button--lg cta--button"}
to={"/docs/getting-started/flashing-firmware/esp32/"}
>
Flash ESP32 Firmware
</Link>
</div>
<div className="split-item">
<Link
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to={"/docs/getting-started/flashing-firmware/nrf52/"}
>
Flash nRF52 Firmware
</Link>
</div>
</div>
</div>
### Connect and Configure Device
After flashing the Meshtastic firmware onto your device, you can now move on to initial configuration.
<div className="indexCtasBody">
<Link
className={"button button--outline button--lg cta--button"}
to={"/docs/getting-started/initial-config"}
>
Connect and Configure Device
</Link>
</div>