BaseUI overview for Meshtastic devices
BaseUI is the stock, screen‑optimized interface for Meshtastic nodes. It delivers a clean, intuitive UX with powerful standalone features, making LoRa mesh messaging, GPS positioning, and device control easier across a wide range of hardware. As the foundation of the Meshtastic experience, BaseUI improves usability on portable handhelds, rooftop base stations, and field deployments.
Supported displays and hardware
BaseUI supports devices with OLED, E‑Ink, and TFT screens, enabling crisp status views, message lists, and map‑friendly coordinates. It works across popular Meshtastic boards and custom builds, providing consistent menus for LoRa radio presets, GPS toggles, compass calibration, and Bluetooth control.
Quick install and firmware compatibility
Install BaseUI via the Meshtastic Web Flasher and select firmware 2.7+. Devices that also support the classic Meshtastic UI can run both interfaces; switching is handled in each UI’s menu. This dual‑UI approach lets you compare layouts, optimize battery life, and tailor workflows for field use.
Initial setup
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Configure your LoRa region with the official guide: Set your LoRa region. Correct regional settings ensure legal frequencies, reliable range, and stable mesh performance.
One‑button navigation and input options
BaseUI is designed for minimal controls—perfect for compact nodes. It supports CardKB, rotary encoders, trackballs, and rocker switches, enabling quick menu access, message composition, and role changes even with gloves or in low‑light conditions.
On‑screen menu behavior
Long‑press the user button to open the action menu. Short‑press moves to the next item; long‑press selects. This consistent pattern speeds up operations like sending positions, changing radio presets, and rebooting after configuration updates.
Action menus
Feature availability depends on device hardware and configuration (GPS, compass, keyboard, Bluetooth).
Home
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Sleep — turn off the display to save power; wake with the user button. Ideal for long LoRa sessions.
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Send Position — manually broadcast your GPS coordinates to the mesh for faster discovery and route testing.
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New Preset Message — send predefined texts without the phone app.
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New FreeText Message — compose custom messages on devices with physical or virtual keyboards; great for field notes and alerts.
Message
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New Preset Message — rapid messaging from your canned list (set messages).
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New FreeText Message — type and send ad‑hoc text directly from the node.
Node
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Add Favorite — mark a node as favorite for quick access and prioritized rebroadcasting on base setups.
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Trace Route — run a route trace to a selected node to diagnose hops, coverage, and mesh health.
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Key Verification — verify keys between two 2.7+ nodes in close proximity for secure messaging.
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Reset NodeDB — clear and rebuild the node database to fix stale entries or topology changes.
Position
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GPS Toggle — enable/disable onboard GPS to balance privacy, battery life, and location accuracy.
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GPS Format — choose from seven coordinate formats for mapping apps and field workflows.
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Compass Headings — switch Dynamic, Fixed, or Freeze “N” for navigation screens and bearing checks.
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Compass Calibrate — run a 30‑second calibration to improve heading stability.
LoRa
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Device Role — select Client, Client Mute, Lost and Found, or Tracker to optimize mesh behavior and battery usage.
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Radio Preset — choose presets like ShortTurbo or LongFast to balance range, throughput, and airtime.
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Region Picker — set your LoRa region to comply with local regulations and maximize reliability.
System
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Notifications
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Buzzer Actions — select which events trigger audible alerts for messages, status, or errors.
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Screen Options
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Brightness — Low, Medium, High for battery savings or daylight readability.
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Screen Color — pick display themes for visibility and personal preference.
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Bluetooth Toggle — enable/disable Bluetooth (device will reboot) to pair with mobile apps or accessories.
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Reboot/Shutdown — apply configuration changes by rebooting or power‑off; useful after radio or UI updates.
Clock
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Clock Face — switch between digital and analog watch faces for quick time checks in the field.
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Time Format — 12‑hour (
1:50pm) or 24‑hour (13:50) display. -
Timezone — set the correct offset for travel, expeditions, or multi‑region meshes.
Favorites
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New Preset Message — send predefined texts from your favorites (configure here).
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New FreeText Message — type and send custom messages to favorite nodes.
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Trace Route — run route diagnostics to the favorited node for hop count and coverage checks.
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Remove Favorite — delete from favorites; re‑add via any node list when needed.
