mesh-api

MESH-API v0.7.5.3 Beta — Meshtastic + MeshCore Mesh Router & API / AI Bridge

🎉 Now with full MeshCore support (since v0.7.0)

You can run MESH-API with EITHER a Meshtastic node, a MeshCore node — or BOTH at the same time, with MESH-API handling cross-network routing between them. MeshCore is a first-class, core-owned radio on equal footing with Meshtastic. Slash commands, the AI assistant, and every extension work across both networks, and the WebUI adapts to whichever radios you have connected.

⚠️ These features are widely untested and I am actively seeking community feedback. If you run a Meshtastic-only, MeshCore-only, or dual-radio setup, please tell me what works, what breaks, and what you'd like to see — open a GitHub Issue. Your real-world reports directly shape the MeshCore implementation going forward.

Also included: a built-in MCP (Model Context Protocol) server that turns MESH-API into an agentic backend for AI tools, and a firmware/software update system. See the dedicated sections below.

🆕 What's new

v0.7.5.0 matures the MeshCore Bluetooth / Wi-Fi / USB connection paths: a configured ble_pin now actually pairs (MESH-API auto-registers a BlueZ pairing agent that supplies it), ble_pin is now in the ⚙️ Config editor and Setup Wizard, and the connection banner now shows why MeshCore isn't connected (BLE signal strength, node-seen-in-scan, and a plain-language hint). It also rolls up a batch of fixes — the #60 WebUI-save startup crash, a path-traversal hole, node-name XSS, restored /emergency on LongFast, plus Home Assistant agent_id (#61) and opt-in commands from Telegram (#59). Building on: v0.7.4.1 revamps the dashboard Send a Message composer — Broadcast/Direct mode tabs, per-network broadcast checkboxes (📡 Meshtastic, 🟣 MeshCore, 🌉 Bridged), and a bridged channel dropdown that now shows both routed channels (e.g. 0 → 📡 LongFast + 🟣 Public) — adds a Previously Seen node section with an adjustable staleness threshold, and fixes MeshCore presence so addressable contacts no longer drop out of the live node list (activity-based last-heard). v0.7.4 updated the first-start Setup Wizard to walk you through MeshCore as well as Meshtastic: a dedicated MeshCore step (serial / TCP / BLE, adverts, channel bridging), a toggle to run a MeshCore-only / standalone node, and a default send-network selector. The prior v0.7.3.7 ensured all extensions route to MeshCore (GitHub #59), and v0.7.3.6 added a token-free heartbeat for named AI endpoints.

📜 See the full version history in CHANGELOG.md.

❤️ Support MESH-API Development — Keep the Lights On

MESH-API is built and maintained by one developer with the help of AI tools. There is no corporate sponsor, no VC funding — just late nights, community feedback, and a passion for off-grid communication.

If MESH-API has been useful to you — whether you're running it on a Raspberry Pi in your go-bag, bridging your local mesh to Discord, or experimenting with AI on LoRa — please consider making a donation. Every contribution, no matter the size, directly fuels continued development, bug fixes, new extensions, and keeping this project free and open-source for everyone.

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Thank you to everyone who has donated, filed issues, tested pre-releases, and spread the word. You are what makes this project possible. 🙏

MESH-API is an experimental project that bridges Meshtastic (& now MeshCore ) LoRa mesh networks with powerful AI chatbots and 3rd party APIs.

What Sets MESH-API Apart?

Most projects in this space stop at being "AI chatbot integrations" — but MESH-API is much more than that.

• Full Router / Mesh Operator
  MESH-API isn’t just talking to an LLM. It’s a protocol bridge and mesh backbone, designed to let LoRa networks, online (or offline) services, and APIs talk to each other in real time.

• Not a One-Trick Pony
  Where other tools simply connect to AI, MESH-API is built to route, translate, and post messages between different systems and services — making it a true hub for both on-grid and off-grid communication.

• Expandable by Design
  Any software with a working API can be integrated. That means you can merge in external services, dashboards, or automation platforms, extending the mesh far beyond its original scope.

• AI-Powered Off-Grid Networks
  MESH-API provides the foundation for self-sufficient LoRa mesh networks enhanced with AI, ensuring communication, automation, and decision-making remain possible — even without the internet.

In short, MESH-API bridges the gap between mesh services and online/locally hosted services, making it a powerful backbone for resilient, intelligent LoRa networks.

Disclaimer:
This project is NOT ASSOCIATED with the official Meshtastic Project. It is provided solely as an extension to add AI and advanced features to your Mesh network.

v0.7.4.1 Beta:
The 0.7.x line makes MeshCore a first-class radio and adds the MCP server and firmware-update system; v0.7.4.1 revamps the Send a Message composer (broadcast/direct mode tabs, multi-network broadcast targeting, bridged dropdown showing both channels), adds a Previously Seen node section, and fixes MeshCore node presence, building on v0.7.4's MeshCore Setup Wizard and v0.7.3.7's fix so every extension routes outbound messages to MeshCore as well as Meshtastic. These features are still relatively untested in the field — I am actively seeking community feedback. Run it with a Meshtastic node, a MeshCore node, or both, and please report what works and what breaks. Avoid relying on it for mission‑critical tasks or emergencies; always keep backup communication methods available and use responsibly.

I am one robot using other robots to write this code. Some features are still untested in the field. Check the GitHub issues for fixes or feedback!

The Meshtastic logo trademark is the trademark of Meshtastic LLC.

Features

• Multi-Radio: Meshtastic, MeshCore, or Both (New in v0.7.0)
  • MeshCore is a first-class, core-owned radio (not an extension) on equal footing with Meshtastic, connecting over serial / TCP / BLE.
  • Run a Meshtastic radio only, a MeshCore radio only (fully standalone — no Meshtastic device required), or one of each with MESH-API as a cross-network man-in-the-middle.
  • Slash commands, the AI assistant, and every extension work across both networks. Send to one network or both at once.
  • WebUI adapts — per-network connection banner, node network filter with collapsible Meshtastic/MeshCore sections, network badges on nodes & messages, distinct map markers, MeshCore group/private channels in the send form, and DMs to MeshCore contacts.
• MCP (Model Context Protocol) Server (New in v0.7.0)
  • Exposes MESH-API core functions and extensions as MCP tools at POST /mcp, so external AI agents (Claude, Perplexity, Hermes, custom) can drive the mesh as an agentic backend. Disabled by default; bearer-token auth. See MCP Server.
• Firmware & Software Updates (New in v0.7.0)
  • Detects your connected Meshtastic/MeshCore device and notifies you (🔄 Updates badge) when newer Meshtastic firmware, MeshCore firmware, or MESH-API is available, with stable / beta / alpha release-channel selection. Optional ESP32 over-USB flashing (off by default).
• Plugin-Based Extensions System (New in v0.6.0)
  • 30 built-in extensions across 7 categories: Communication, Notifications, Emergency/Weather, Ham Radio/Off-Grid, Smart Home, Mesh Bridging, and AI Agents.
  • Drop-in plugin architecture — add or remove extensions by copying a folder. No core code changes required.
  • Extensions can register slash commands, react to emergencies, observe messages, expose HTTP endpoints, and run background services.
  • WebUI Extensions Manager — view, enable/disable, and configure extensions from the dashboard.
  • See the Extensions Reference section below for full details on all built-in extensions, or Developing Custom Extensions to build your own.
• Multiple AI Providers
  • Support for Local models (LM Studio, Ollama), OpenAI, Claude, Gemini, Grok, OpenRouter, Groq, DeepSeek, Mistral, Hermes (Nous Research), generic OpenAI-compatible endpoints, and Home Assistant integration.
• Home Assistant Integration
  • Seamlessly forward messages from a designated channel to Home Assistant’s conversation API. Optionally secure the integration using a PIN.
• NASA Space Weather Monitoring
  • Track geomagnetic storms, solar flares, coronal mass ejections, and more via NASA's DONKI API. Auto-broadcast significant events to the mesh with configurable Kp index and flare class thresholds. Slash commands: /spaceweather, /solarflare, /geomagstorm.
• n8n Workflow Automation
  • Bidirectional bridge with n8n — forward mesh messages and emergencies to n8n webhook triggers, receive workflow outputs on the mesh, list active workflows, and trigger them via slash commands. Enables powerful no-code automation pipelines for your mesh network.
• Advanced Slash Commands
  • Built‑in commands: suffixed /about-XY, /help-XY, /motd-XY, /whereami-XY, /nodes-XY, AI commands with your unique suffix (e.g., /ai-XY, /bot-XY, /query-XY, /data-XY), unsuffixed /test, and unsuffixed /emergency (or /911), plus custom commands via commands_config.json.
  • Commands are now case‑insensitive for improved mobile usability.
  • New: a per-install randomized alias (e.g. /ai-9z) is generated on first run to reduce collisions when multiple bots exist on the same mesh or MQTT network. You can change it in config.json (field ai_command). All AI commands require this suffix, and other built‑ins (except emergency/911) also require your suffix.
  • Strongly encouraged: customize your commands in commands_config.json to avoid collisions with other users.
• Emergency Alerts
  • Trigger alerts that are sent via Twilio SMS, SMTP Email, and, if enabled, Discord.
  • Emergency notifications include GPS coordinates, UTC timestamps, and user messages.
• Enhanced REST API & WebUI Dashboard