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Version: 2.8

Node-RED

Using MQTT with Node-RED​

Node-RED is a free cross-platform programming tool for wiring together hardware, APIs, and online services developed originally by IBM for IOT. It is widely used for home automation by many non-professional programmers and runs well on Pi's. Node-RED has many plug-in modules written by the community.

I will use this platform as a practical example on how to interface with the MQTTMQTT (Message Queuing Telemetry Transport). A lightweight messaging protocol designed for small sensors and mobile devices, enabling efficient data transmission in the Meshtastic network for Internet connectivity and integration with IoT platforms. See https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MQTT. In Meshtastic, MQTT is used to connect a node to the internet, and can be used to connect multiple meshes to each other. features of Meshtastic. Everything can be done from GUI's without using command line.

Enabling MQTT​

Use http://client.meshtastic.org/ , the python CLICLI (Command Line Interface). A text-based interface used for interacting with software or devices like Meshtastic., or an Apple or Android app to connect to your device and adjust these settings.

  1. Settings--> Radio Config--> Network

    • On the node that will act as the gateway between the mesh and MQTTMQTT (Message Queuing Telemetry Transport). A lightweight messaging protocol designed for small sensors and mobile devices, enabling efficient data transmission in the Meshtastic network for Internet connectivity and integration with IoT platforms. See https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MQTT. In Meshtastic, MQTT is used to connect a node to the internet, and can be used to connect multiple meshes to each other. enable a network connection (i.e. Wifi, Ethernet).
    • Save

  2. Settings--> Module Config--> MQTTMQTT (Message Queuing Telemetry Transport). A lightweight messaging protocol designed for small sensors and mobile devices, enabling efficient data transmission in the Meshtastic network for Internet connectivity and integration with IoT platforms. See https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MQTT. In Meshtastic, MQTT is used to connect a node to the internet, and can be used to connect multiple meshes to each other. config

    • Configure the MQTTMQTT (Message Queuing Telemetry Transport). A lightweight messaging protocol designed for small sensors and mobile devices, enabling efficient data transmission in the Meshtastic network for Internet connectivity and integration with IoT platforms. See https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MQTT. In Meshtastic, MQTT is used to connect a node to the internet, and can be used to connect multiple meshes to each other. gateway's network configuration.
    • Verify Encryption Enabled is OFF.
    • (optional) Turn JSON Output Enabled ON.
    • Save

  3. Channel Editor

    • Go to Channel Editor and enable Uplink and Downlink on the channels you wish to publish to MQTTMQTT (Message Queuing Telemetry Transport). A lightweight messaging protocol designed for small sensors and mobile devices, enabling efficient data transmission in the Meshtastic network for Internet connectivity and integration with IoT platforms. See https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MQTT. In Meshtastic, MQTT is used to connect a node to the internet, and can be used to connect multiple meshes to each other..
    • Save

Using Node-RED with Meshtastic​

There are three common approaches:

  1. Using JSON-encoded messages
  2. Using protobufProtobuf (Protocol Buffers). A method developed by Google for serializing structured data, used in Meshtastic for efficient communication protocol between devices.-encoded messages with the Meshtastic decode node
  3. Using protobufProtobuf (Protocol Buffers). A method developed by Google for serializing structured data, used in Meshtastic for efficient communication protocol between devices.-encoded messages with a protobufProtobuf (Protocol Buffers). A method developed by Google for serializing structured data, used in Meshtastic for efficient communication protocol between devices. decode node and the Meshtastic protobufProtobuf (Protocol Buffers). A method developed by Google for serializing structured data, used in Meshtastic for efficient communication protocol between devices. definitions

The JSON output only publishes the following subset of the messages on a Meshtastic network:

  • Text Message
  • Telemetry
    • Device Metrics
    • Environment Metrics
    • Power Metrics
  • Node Info
  • Position
  • Waypoint
  • Neighbor Info

JSON is intended to be a convenience for consuming data in other applications like Home Assistant.

ProtobufsProtobuf (Protocol Buffers). A method developed by Google for serializing structured data, used in Meshtastic for efficient communication protocol between devices. are mesh native.

1. Using JSON-encoded messages​

note

JSON is not supported on the nRF52nRF52A microcontroller chipset made by Nordic, used by several devices such as the RAK Meshtastic Starter Kit and the Lilygo T-Echo. Lower power usage than ESP32. platform.

Make sure that option JSON Output Enabled is set in MQTTMQTT (Message Queuing Telemetry Transport). A lightweight messaging protocol designed for small sensors and mobile devices, enabling efficient data transmission in the Meshtastic network for Internet connectivity and integration with IoT platforms. See https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MQTT. In Meshtastic, MQTT is used to connect a node to the internet, and can be used to connect multiple meshes to each other. module options and you have a channel called "mqttMQTT (Message Queuing Telemetry Transport). A lightweight messaging protocol designed for small sensors and mobile devices, enabling efficient data transmission in the Meshtastic network for Internet connectivity and integration with IoT platforms. See https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MQTT. In Meshtastic, MQTT is used to connect a node to the internet, and can be used to connect multiple meshes to each other.".

Below is a valid JSON envelope for information sent by MQTTMQTT (Message Queuing Telemetry Transport). A lightweight messaging protocol designed for small sensors and mobile devices, enabling efficient data transmission in the Meshtastic network for Internet connectivity and integration with IoT platforms. See https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MQTT. In Meshtastic, MQTT is used to connect a node to the internet, and can be used to connect multiple meshes to each other. to a device for broadcast onto the mesh. The to field is optional and can be omitted for broadcast. The channel field is also optional and can be omitted to send to the primary channel.

{
  "from":<node number of the transmitter>,
  "to": <node number of the receiver for a DM (optional)>,
  "channel": <channel index (optional)>,
  "type":"sendtext",
  "payload": text or a json object go here
}

2. Using protobuf-encoded messages with the Meshtastic decode node​

Install Node-Red plug-in: https://flows.nodered.org/node/@meshtastic/node-red-contrib-meshtastic

More info is in the plug-in source repository.

There is an example flow using this mechanism available https://github.com/scruplelesswizard/meshtastic-node-red

3. Using protobuf-encoded messages with a protobuf decode node and the Meshtastic protobuf definitions​

If you don't want to depend on JSON decoding on the device, you can decode the protobufProtobuf (Protocol Buffers). A method developed by Google for serializing structured data, used in Meshtastic for efficient communication protocol between devices. messages off-device. To do that you will need to get the .proto files from https://github.com/meshtastic/protobufs. They function as a schema and are required for decoding in Node-RED. Save the files where the node-RED application can access them and note the file path of the "mqttMQTT (Message Queuing Telemetry Transport). A lightweight messaging protocol designed for small sensors and mobile devices, enabling efficient data transmission in the Meshtastic network for Internet connectivity and integration with IoT platforms. See https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MQTT. In Meshtastic, MQTT is used to connect a node to the internet, and can be used to connect multiple meshes to each other..proto" file.

Install Node-RED plug-ins to your Node-RED application for an embedded MQTTMQTT (Message Queuing Telemetry Transport). A lightweight messaging protocol designed for small sensors and mobile devices, enabling efficient data transmission in the Meshtastic network for Internet connectivity and integration with IoT platforms. See https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MQTT. In Meshtastic, MQTT is used to connect a node to the internet, and can be used to connect multiple meshes to each other. server and a protobufProtobuf (Protocol Buffers). A method developed by Google for serializing structured data, used in Meshtastic for efficient communication protocol between devices. decoder. https://flows.nodered.org/node/node-red-contrib-aedes https://flows.nodered.org/node/node-red-contrib-protobuf

Drag, drop, and wire the nodes like this. For this example, I ran Node-RED on a Windows machine. Note that file paths might be specified differently on different platforms. MQTTMQTT (Message Queuing Telemetry Transport). A lightweight messaging protocol designed for small sensors and mobile devices, enabling efficient data transmission in the Meshtastic network for Internet connectivity and integration with IoT platforms. See https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MQTT. In Meshtastic, MQTT is used to connect a node to the internet, and can be used to connect multiple meshes to each other. server wild cards are usually the same. A "+" is a single level wildcard for a specific topic level. A "#" is a multiple level wildcard that can be used at the end of a topic filter. The debug messages shown are what happens when the inject button sends a JSON message with a topic designed to be picked up by the specified Meshtastic device and then having it rebroadcast the message.

Node-RED flow wiring the MQTT and Meshtastic nodes Node-RED debug output from the wired flow Node-RED node palette for the Meshtastic flow

The aedes broker must be set up on the same flow as the other nodes. By activating the Publish debug node, you can see all the published messages.

Node-RED aedes MQTT broker node with publish debug output

Receiving a json mqttMQTT (Message Queuing Telemetry Transport). A lightweight messaging protocol designed for small sensors and mobile devices, enabling efficient data transmission in the Meshtastic network for Internet connectivity and integration with IoT platforms. See https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MQTT. In Meshtastic, MQTT is used to connect a node to the internet, and can be used to connect multiple meshes to each other. message is very simple.

Node-RED flow consuming a JSON MQTT message

Injecting a json message to be sent by a device is also very simple. You do need the correct envelope.

Node-RED inject node sending a JSON message to a device

Forwarding a text message from one device, through a broker, to another broker/device/channel would look like this.

Node-RED flow forwarding a text message between brokers

If you want to decode text and position messages without json, it gets complicated:

Node-RED flow decoding text and position messages without JSON

If you are interested in my flow for this it is here:

[
  {
    "id": "10fe1b2e9cb3feb2",
    "type": "decode",
    "z": "23dbb1ee.bc2e8e",
    "name": "decode Protobuf",
    "protofile": "a0d4288141f6a629",
    "protoType": "ServiceEnvelope",
    "x": 295.5,
    "y": 285,
    "wires": [["d3e396cf4f0a9608", "d08865b41a69d85d", "6f592d47b6a2eac4"]]
  },
  {
    "id": "40c9ee66fe7a34cb",
    "type": "function",
    "z": "23dbb1ee.bc2e8e",
    "name": "function get the message as string from TEXT_MESSAGE_APP",
    "func": "msg.payload = msg.payload.packet.decoded.payload;\n\nlet bufferObj = Buffer.from(msg.payload, \"base64\");\nlet decodedString = bufferObj.toString(\"utf8\");\nmsg.payload = decodedString;\n\nreturn msg;",
    "outputs": 1,
    "noerr": 0,
    "initialize": "",
    "finalize": "",
    "libs": [],
    "x": 410.5,
    "y": 450,
    "wires": [["553374591214eaca"]]
  },
  {
    "id": "553374591214eaca",
    "type": "debug",
    "z": "23dbb1ee.bc2e8e",
    "name": "text message out",
    "active": true,
    "tosidebar": true,
    "console": false,
    "tostatus": false,
    "complete": "payload",
    "targetType": "msg",
    "statusVal": "",
    "statusType": "auto",
    "x": 762.5,
    "y": 449,
    "wires": []
  },
  {
    "id": "c6afbb9f1665b162",
    "type": "debug",
    "z": "23dbb1ee.bc2e8e",
    "name": "channelId",
    "active": false,
    "tosidebar": true,
    "console": false,
    "tostatus": false,
    "complete": "payload",
    "targetType": "msg",
    "statusVal": "",
    "statusType": "auto",
    "x": 785.5,
    "y": 257,
    "wires": []
  },
  {
    "id": "607ef387d5701985",
    "type": "debug",
    "z": "23dbb1ee.bc2e8e",
    "name": "gatewayId",
    "active": false,
    "tosidebar": true,
    "console": false,
    "tostatus": false,
    "complete": "payload",
    "targetType": "msg",
    "statusVal": "",
    "statusType": "auto",
    "x": 792.5,
    "y": 293,
    "wires": []
  },
  {
    "id": "d3e396cf4f0a9608",
    "type": "debug",
    "z": "23dbb1ee.bc2e8e",
    "name": "entire payload",
    "active": false,
    "tosidebar": true,
    "console": false,
    "tostatus": false,
    "complete": "payload",
    "targetType": "msg",
    "statusVal": "",
    "statusType": "auto",
    "x": 296.5,
    "y": 247,
    "wires": []
  },
  {
    "id": "2339b328bb9bb1d8",
    "type": "comment",
    "z": "23dbb1ee.bc2e8e",
    "name": "Decode all cleartext text and position messages sent by Meshtastic devices into JSON without relying on JSON conversion on the device.",
    "info": "",
    "x": 515.5,
    "y": 214,
    "wires": []
  },
  {
    "id": "408d796d997bb832",
    "type": "function",
    "z": "23dbb1ee.bc2e8e",
    "name": "function get the nested payload as base64",
    "func": "msg.payload = msg.payload.packet.decoded.payload;\n\nlet bufferObj = Buffer.from(msg.payload, \"base64\");\n//let decodedString = bufferObj.toString(\"hex\");\nmsg.payload = bufferObj;\nmsg.topic=\"\";\n//if you don't zero out the protubufTopic it will try to\n//decode it as part of the mqtt service envelope instead\n//of two-stage decoding\nmsg.protobufType=null;\n\nreturn msg;",
    "outputs": 1,
    "noerr": 0,
    "initialize": "",
    "finalize": "",
    "libs": [],
    "x": 349,
    "y": 552,
    "wires": [["9435a3c605efedb4", "1ed6f96c8214d7b3"]]
  },
  {
    "id": "61995c9f8e8266b3",
    "type": "debug",
    "z": "23dbb1ee.bc2e8e",
    "name": "portnum",
    "active": false,
    "tosidebar": true,
    "console": false,
    "tostatus": false,
    "complete": "payload",
    "targetType": "msg",
    "statusVal": "",
    "statusType": "auto",
    "x": 784.5,
    "y": 330,
    "wires": []
  },
  {
    "id": "9435a3c605efedb4",
    "type": "debug",
    "z": "23dbb1ee.bc2e8e",
    "name": "nested payload",
    "active": false,
    "tosidebar": true,
    "console": false,
    "tostatus": false,
    "complete": "true",
    "targetType": "full",
    "statusVal": "",
    "statusType": "auto",
    "x": 281.5,
    "y": 603,
    "wires": []
  },
  {
    "id": "b832775d386f7ac9",
    "type": "mqtt in",
    "z": "23dbb1ee.bc2e8e",
    "name": "",
    "topic": "msh/+/c/#",
    "qos": "2",
    "datatype": "buffer",
    "broker": "37cadac381653b1e",
    "nl": false,
    "rap": true,
    "rh": 0,
    "inputs": 0,
    "x": 117.5,
    "y": 286,
    "wires": [["10fe1b2e9cb3feb2"]]
  },
  {
    "id": "d08865b41a69d85d",
    "type": "switch",
    "z": "23dbb1ee.bc2e8e",
    "name": "switch manual decoding nested message based on portnum",
    "property": "payload.packet.decoded.portnum",
    "propertyType": "msg",
    "rules": [
      { "t": "eq", "v": "TEXT_MESSAGE_APP", "vt": "str" },
      { "t": "eq", "v": "POSITION_APP", "vt": "str" }
    ],
    "checkall": "true",
    "repair": false,
    "outputs": 2,
    "x": 281.5,
    "y": 505,
    "wires": [["40c9ee66fe7a34cb"], ["408d796d997bb832"]]
  },
  {
    "id": "8abb1bb458af2c4f",
    "type": "change",
    "z": "23dbb1ee.bc2e8e",
    "name": "",
    "rules": [
      {
        "t": "set",
        "p": "gatewayId",
        "pt": "flow",
        "to": "payload",
        "tot": "msg"
      }
    ],
    "action": "",
    "property": "",
    "from": "",
    "to": "",
    "reg": false,
    "x": 1021.5,
    "y": 288,
    "wires": [[]]
  },
  {
    "id": "1ced0be28eeef0d3",
    "type": "change",
    "z": "23dbb1ee.bc2e8e",
    "name": "",
    "rules": [
      {
        "t": "set",
        "p": "latitude",
        "pt": "flow",
        "to": "payload",
        "tot": "msg"
      }
    ],
    "action": "",
    "property": "",
    "from": "",
    "to": "",
    "reg": false,
    "x": 1026.5,
    "y": 407,
    "wires": [[]]
  },
  {
    "id": "313fd3cfe6d91850",
    "type": "change",
    "z": "23dbb1ee.bc2e8e",
    "name": "",
    "rules": [
      {
        "t": "set",
        "p": "longitude",
        "pt": "flow",
        "to": "payload",
        "tot": "msg"
      }
    ],
    "action": "",
    "property": "",
    "from": "",
    "to": "",
    "reg": false,
    "x": 1036.5,
    "y": 450,
    "wires": [["d02e53cdfb565da6"]]
  },
  {
    "id": "33dd43e3c05f826c",
    "type": "geofence",
    "z": "23dbb1ee.bc2e8e",
    "name": "geofence",
    "mode": "circle",
    "inside": "true",
    "rad": 69174.91569647488,
    "points": [],
    "centre": {
      "latitude": 40.16287050252407,
      "longitude": -86.60385131835938
    },
    "floor": "",
    "ceiling": "",
    "worldmap": true,
    "outputs": 2,
    "x": 1202.5,
    "y": 595,
    "wires": [[], ["4d01eb8f1b31f039"]]
  },
  {
    "id": "d02e53cdfb565da6",
    "type": "function",
    "z": "23dbb1ee.bc2e8e",
    "name": "trigger function to send a mapping point",
    "func": "let lat = parseFloat(flow.get(\"latitude\"));\nlet lon = parseFloat(flow.get(\"longitude\"));\nlat=lat * 0.0000001;\nlon=lon * 0.0000001;\nlet name = flow.get(\"from\")\n\nmsg={\"payload\":{\"name\":name,\n \"lat\":lat,\n  \"lon\":lon,\n   \"action\":\"send\",\n   \"icon\": \"car\",\n   \"label\":name\n   }}\n\nreturn msg;",
    "outputs": 1,
    "noerr": 0,
    "initialize": "",
    "finalize": "",
    "libs": [],
    "x": 1181.5,
    "y": 520,
    "wires": [["33dd43e3c05f826c", "4d01eb8f1b31f039"]]
  },
  {
    "id": "4d01eb8f1b31f039",
    "type": "worldmap",
    "z": "23dbb1ee.bc2e8e",
    "name": "",
    "lat": "40",
    "lon": "-86",
    "zoom": "7",
    "layer": "OSMG",
    "cluster": "",
    "maxage": "",
    "usermenu": "show",
    "layers": "show",
    "panit": "false",
    "panlock": "false",
    "zoomlock": "false",
    "hiderightclick": "false",
    "coords": "none",
    "showgrid": "false",
    "showruler": "false",
    "allowFileDrop": "false",
    "path": "/worldmap",
    "overlist": "DR,CO,RA,DN,HM",
    "maplist": "OSMG,OSMC,EsriC,EsriS,EsriT,EsriDG,UKOS",
    "mapname": "",
    "mapurl": "",
    "mapopt": "",
    "mapwms": false,
    "x": 1206.5,
    "y": 675,
    "wires": []
  },
  {
    "id": "1ed6f96c8214d7b3",
    "type": "decode",
    "z": "23dbb1ee.bc2e8e",
    "name": "decode Position Protobuf",
    "protofile": "dbab6472b07929a0",
    "protoType": "Position",
    "x": 667.5,
    "y": 548,
    "wires": [["db1933ba36503bd9", "dad9f487318f21d9"]]
  },
  {
    "id": "db1933ba36503bd9",
    "type": "debug",
    "z": "23dbb1ee.bc2e8e",
    "name": "Position decoded",
    "active": false,
    "tosidebar": true,
    "console": false,
    "tostatus": false,
    "complete": "true",
    "targetType": "full",
    "statusVal": "",
    "statusType": "auto",
    "x": 673.5,
    "y": 607,
    "wires": []
  },
  {
    "id": "dad9f487318f21d9",
    "type": "function",
    "z": "23dbb1ee.bc2e8e",
    "name": "Split",
    "func": "var lat = { payload: msg.payload.latitudeI };\nvar lon = { payload: msg.payload.longitudeI };\nvar alt = { payload: msg.payload.altitude };\nvar tm = { payload: msg.payload.time };\n\nreturn [lat,lon,alt,tm];",
    "outputs": 4,
    "noerr": 0,
    "initialize": "",
    "finalize": "",
    "libs": [],
    "x": 875.5,
    "y": 549,
    "wires": [
      ["1ced0be28eeef0d3", "8bb97f802662976c"],
      ["313fd3cfe6d91850", "c8e135f3e542bb1b"],
      ["602fb2020680280c"],
      ["ed424ae3d45dd2ac"]
    ]
  },
  {
    "id": "8bb97f802662976c",
    "type": "debug",
    "z": "23dbb1ee.bc2e8e",
    "name": "lat",
    "active": true,
    "tosidebar": true,
    "console": false,
    "tostatus": false,
    "complete": "payload",
    "targetType": "msg",
    "statusVal": "",
    "statusType": "auto",
    "x": 1017.5,
    "y": 583,
    "wires": []
  },
  {
    "id": "c8e135f3e542bb1b",
    "type": "debug",
    "z": "23dbb1ee.bc2e8e",
    "name": "lon",
    "active": true,
    "tosidebar": true,
    "console": false,
    "tostatus": false,
    "complete": "payload",
    "targetType": "msg",
    "statusVal": "",
    "statusType": "auto",
    "x": 1018.5,
    "y": 618,
    "wires": []
  },
  {
    "id": "602fb2020680280c",
    "type": "debug",
    "z": "23dbb1ee.bc2e8e",
    "name": "alt",
    "active": true,
    "tosidebar": true,
    "console": false,
    "tostatus": false,
    "complete": "payload",
    "targetType": "msg",
    "statusVal": "",
    "statusType": "auto",
    "x": 1017.5,
    "y": 654,
    "wires": []
  },
  {
    "id": "ed424ae3d45dd2ac",
    "type": "debug",
    "z": "23dbb1ee.bc2e8e",
    "name": "time",
    "active": true,
    "tosidebar": true,
    "console": false,
    "tostatus": false,
    "complete": "payload",
    "targetType": "msg",
    "statusVal": "",
    "statusType": "auto",
    "x": 1018.5,
    "y": 688,
    "wires": []
  },
  {
    "id": "6f592d47b6a2eac4",
    "type": "function",
    "z": "23dbb1ee.bc2e8e",
    "name": "Split Decoded 1",
    "func": "var channelId = { payload: msg.payload.channelId};\nvar gatewayId = { payload: msg.payload.gatewayId};\nvar portnum = { payload: msg.payload.packet.decoded.portnum};\nvar fr= {payload: \"!\" + msg.payload.packet.from.toString(16)};\nvar to = {payload:\"!\"+ msg.payload.packet.to.toString(16)};\n\nreturn [channelId, gatewayId, portnum, fr, to ];",
    "outputs": 5,
    "noerr": 0,
    "initialize": "",
    "finalize": "",
    "libs": [],
    "x": 577.5,
    "y": 294,
    "wires": [
      ["c6afbb9f1665b162"],
      ["607ef387d5701985", "8abb1bb458af2c4f"],
      ["61995c9f8e8266b3"],
      ["fd881fac22422773", "a389f9875da672ec"],
      ["cf066ad415df30ae"]
    ]
  },
  {
    "id": "fd881fac22422773",
    "type": "debug",
    "z": "23dbb1ee.bc2e8e",
    "name": "from",
    "active": true,
    "tosidebar": true,
    "console": false,
    "tostatus": false,
    "complete": "payload",
    "targetType": "msg",
    "statusVal": "",
    "statusType": "auto",
    "x": 772.5,
    "y": 365,
    "wires": []
  },
  {
    "id": "cf066ad415df30ae",
    "type": "debug",
    "z": "23dbb1ee.bc2e8e",
    "name": "to",
    "active": false,
    "tosidebar": true,
    "console": false,
    "tostatus": false,
    "complete": "payload",
    "targetType": "msg",
    "statusVal": "",
    "statusType": "auto",
    "x": 771.5,
    "y": 399,
    "wires": []
  },
  {
    "id": "a389f9875da672ec",
    "type": "change",
    "z": "23dbb1ee.bc2e8e",
    "name": "set flow.from",
    "rules": [
      { "t": "set", "p": "from", "pt": "flow", "to": "payload", "tot": "msg" }
    ],
    "action": "",
    "property": "",
    "from": "",
    "to": "",
    "reg": false,
    "x": 1012.5,
    "y": 364,
    "wires": [[]]
  },
  {
    "id": "a0d4288141f6a629",
    "type": "protobuf-file",
    "protopath": "E:\\Meshtastic-protobufs-master\\mqtt.proto",
    "watchFile": true,
    "keepCase": false
  },
  {
    "id": "37cadac381653b1e",
    "type": "mqtt-broker",
    "name": "",
    "broker": "192.168.2.45",
    "port": "1883",
    "clientid": "",
    "autoConnect": true,
    "usetls": false,
    "protocolVersion": "4",
    "keepalive": "60",
    "cleansession": true,
    "birthTopic": "",
    "birthQos": "0",
    "birthPayload": "",
    "birthMsg": {},
    "closeTopic": "",
    "closeQos": "0",
    "closePayload": "",
    "closeMsg": {},
    "willTopic": "",
    "willQos": "0",
    "willPayload": "",
    "willMsg": {},
    "userProps": "",
    "sessionExpiry": ""
  },
  {
    "id": "dbab6472b07929a0",
    "type": "protobuf-file",
    "protopath": "E:\\Meshtastic-protobufs-master\\mesh.proto",
    "watchFile": true,
    "keepCase": false
  }
]

(documents/mqttMQTT (Message Queuing Telemetry Transport). A lightweight messaging protocol designed for small sensors and mobile devices, enabling efficient data transmission in the Meshtastic network for Internet connectivity and integration with IoT platforms. See https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MQTT. In Meshtastic, MQTT is used to connect a node to the internet, and can be used to connect multiple meshes to each other./Flow.txt)

Node-RED can rapidly (minutes vs days) put together some pretty impressive output when paired with meshtastic. Here is the output of that flow geofencing and mapping via mqttMQTT (Message Queuing Telemetry Transport). A lightweight messaging protocol designed for small sensors and mobile devices, enabling efficient data transmission in the Meshtastic network for Internet connectivity and integration with IoT platforms. See https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MQTT. In Meshtastic, MQTT is used to connect a node to the internet, and can be used to connect multiple meshes to each other. data.

Node-RED geofencing and mapping output from MQTT data

Advanced use, such as encoding Position and sending it to a device via MQTTMQTT (Message Queuing Telemetry Transport). A lightweight messaging protocol designed for small sensors and mobile devices, enabling efficient data transmission in the Meshtastic network for Internet connectivity and integration with IoT platforms. See https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MQTT. In Meshtastic, MQTT is used to connect a node to the internet, and can be used to connect multiple meshes to each other. without using JSON can get a little complicated. An example of how it can be done is below.

Node-RED flow encoding a position and sending it over MQTT

The flow is:

[
  {
    "id": "32ca608d9e7c5236",
    "type": "inject",
    "z": "23dbb1ee.bc2e8e",
    "name": "",
    "props": [{ "p": "payload" }, { "p": "topic", "vt": "str" }],
    "repeat": "",
    "crontab": "",
    "once": false,
    "onceDelay": 0.1,
    "topic": "",
    "payload": "",
    "payloadType": "date",
    "x": 96.5,
    "y": 1952,
    "wires": [["2b536512e8c7aef2"]]
  },
  {
    "id": "20bbd2d1408b8dc5",
    "type": "change",
    "z": "23dbb1ee.bc2e8e",
    "name": "",
    "rules": [
      {
        "t": "set",
        "p": "channelId_outbound",
        "pt": "flow",
        "to": "LongFast",
        "tot": "str"
      }
    ],
    "action": "",
    "property": "",
    "from": "",
    "to": "",
    "reg": false,
    "x": 772,
    "y": 2027,
    "wires": [[]]
  },
  {
    "id": "c6cb373157be01d6",
    "type": "change",
    "z": "23dbb1ee.bc2e8e",
    "name": "",
    "rules": [
      {
        "t": "set",
        "p": "gatewayId_outbound",
        "pt": "flow",
        "to": "\"!55c7312c\"",
        "tot": "str"
      }
    ],
    "action": "",
    "property": "",
    "from": "",
    "to": "",
    "reg": false,
    "x": 772,
    "y": 2066,
    "wires": [[]]
  },
  {
    "id": "24199ec7eaf89c1a",
    "type": "change",
    "z": "23dbb1ee.bc2e8e",
    "name": "",
    "rules": [
      {
        "t": "set",
        "p": "portnum_outbound",
        "pt": "flow",
        "to": "3",
        "tot": "num"
      }
    ],
    "action": "",
    "property": "",
    "from": "",
    "to": "",
    "reg": false,
    "x": 774,
    "y": 2106,
    "wires": [[]]
  },
  {
    "id": "de38ad5ef343623a",
    "type": "change",
    "z": "23dbb1ee.bc2e8e",
    "name": "",
    "rules": [
      {
        "t": "set",
        "p": "from_outbound",
        "pt": "flow",
        "to": "1439117612",
        "tot": "num"
      }
    ],
    "action": "",
    "property": "",
    "from": "",
    "to": "",
    "reg": false,
    "x": 781,
    "y": 2146,
    "wires": [[]]
  },
  {
    "id": "d435e8abe0852f93",
    "type": "change",
    "z": "23dbb1ee.bc2e8e",
    "name": "",
    "rules": [
      {
        "t": "set",
        "p": "to_outbound",
        "pt": "flow",
        "to": "4294967295",
        "tot": "num"
      }
    ],
    "action": "",
    "property": "",
    "from": "",
    "to": "",
    "reg": false,
    "x": 790,
    "y": 2188,
    "wires": [[]]
  },
  {
    "id": "1f8d172708898860",
    "type": "function",
    "z": "23dbb1ee.bc2e8e",
    "name": "Assemble Position protobuf",
    "func": "msg.protobufType=null;\nmsg.payload =\n{\n    \"packet\": {\n        \"from\": flow.get(\"from_outbound\"),\n        \"to\": flow.get(\"to_outbound\"),   \n        \"decoded\":{\n            //how ENUMS are handled here\n            //portnum is decoded as string but encoded as number\n            //in the encode/decode node-red nodes based on protobuf.js\n            \"portnum\": flow.get(\"portnum_outbound\"),\n            \"payload\": msg.payload         \n        }         \n    },\n\n    \"channelId\": flow.get(\"channelId_outbound\"),\n    \"gatewayId\": flow.get(\"gatewayId_outbound\"),\n};\nreturn msg;\n//info on how to get json data into protobuf \"bytes\" field\n//https://github.com/protobufjs/protobuf.js/wiki/Changes-in-ProtoBuf.js-3.8",
    "outputs": 1,
    "noerr": 0,
    "initialize": "",
    "finalize": "",
    "libs": [],
    "x": 1086,
    "y": 2019,
    "wires": [["b8ccf1cfe8bf40a3"]]
  },
  {
    "id": "b8ccf1cfe8bf40a3",
    "type": "encode",
    "z": "23dbb1ee.bc2e8e",
    "name": "",
    "protofile": "a0d4288141f6a629",
    "protoType": "ServiceEnvelope",
    "x": 1287,
    "y": 2020,
    "wires": [["dbc78f035c9c2b56", "a002c148f3a06bac"]]
  },
  {
    "id": "03a7e69ca6d471fe",
    "type": "debug",
    "z": "23dbb1ee.bc2e8e",
    "name": "show hex string",
    "active": true,
    "tosidebar": true,
    "console": false,
    "tostatus": false,
    "complete": "true",
    "targetType": "full",
    "statusVal": "",
    "statusType": "auto",
    "x": 1319,
    "y": 2180,
    "wires": []
  },
  {
    "id": "dbc78f035c9c2b56",
    "type": "function",
    "z": "23dbb1ee.bc2e8e",
    "name": "dump payload as hex string",
    "func": "var hex=Buffer.from(msg.payload,\"hex\");\nmsg.payload=hex.toString(\"hex\");\nreturn msg;",
    "outputs": 1,
    "noerr": 0,
    "initialize": "",
    "finalize": "",
    "libs": [],
    "x": 1096,
    "y": 2178,
    "wires": [["03a7e69ca6d471fe"]]
  },
  {
    "id": "2b536512e8c7aef2",
    "type": "function",
    "z": "23dbb1ee.bc2e8e",
    "name": "Inject lat lon alt",
    "func": "msg.payload={\n    \"latitudeI\": 399600000,\n        \"longitudeI\": -862600000,\n            \"altitude\": 100\n}\nreturn msg;",
    "outputs": 1,
    "noerr": 0,
    "initialize": "",
    "finalize": "",
    "libs": [],
    "x": 277.5,
    "y": 1953,
    "wires": [["9443a9a980e54c75"]]
  },
  {
    "id": "9443a9a980e54c75",
    "type": "encode",
    "z": "23dbb1ee.bc2e8e",
    "name": "encode Position as protobuf",
    "protofile": "dbab6472b07929a0",
    "protoType": "Position",
    "x": 506,
    "y": 1953,
    "wires": [["5c36d3a7f4dca14e"]]
  },
  {
    "id": "5c36d3a7f4dca14e",
    "type": "change",
    "z": "23dbb1ee.bc2e8e",
    "name": "",
    "rules": [
      {
        "t": "set",
        "p": "nested_outbound",
        "pt": "flow",
        "to": "payload",
        "tot": "msg"
      }
    ],
    "action": "",
    "property": "",
    "from": "",
    "to": "",
    "reg": false,
    "x": 776,
    "y": 1952,
    "wires": [
      [
        "20bbd2d1408b8dc5",
        "c6cb373157be01d6",
        "24199ec7eaf89c1a",
        "de38ad5ef343623a",
        "d435e8abe0852f93",
        "04d0c4a5f3485c6f"
      ]
    ]
  },
  {
    "id": "04d0c4a5f3485c6f",
    "type": "function",
    "z": "23dbb1ee.bc2e8e",
    "name": "dump payload as base64 string",
    "func": "var hex=Buffer.from(msg.payload,\"base64\");\nmsg.payload=hex.toString(\"base64\");\nreturn msg;",
    "outputs": 1,
    "noerr": 0,
    "initialize": "",
    "finalize": "",
    "libs": [],
    "x": 1082,
    "y": 1952,
    "wires": [["1f8d172708898860"]]
  },
  {
    "id": "a002c148f3a06bac",
    "type": "decode",
    "z": "23dbb1ee.bc2e8e",
    "name": "test decode Protobuf",
    "protofile": "a0d4288141f6a629",
    "protoType": "ServiceEnvelope",
    "x": 1249,
    "y": 1860,
    "wires": [["4b6fc79398d05782"]]
  },
  {
    "id": "4b6fc79398d05782",
    "type": "debug",
    "z": "23dbb1ee.bc2e8e",
    "name": "test entire payload",
    "active": true,
    "tosidebar": true,
    "console": false,
    "tostatus": false,
    "complete": "payload",
    "targetType": "msg",
    "statusVal": "",
    "statusType": "auto",
    "x": 1458,
    "y": 1859,
    "wires": []
  },
  {
    "id": "a0d4288141f6a629",
    "type": "protobuf-file",
    "protopath": "E:\\Meshtastic-protobufs-master\\mqtt.proto",
    "watchFile": true,
    "keepCase": false
  },
  {
    "id": "dbab6472b07929a0",
    "type": "protobuf-file",
    "protopath": "E:\\Meshtastic-protobufs-master\\mesh.proto",
    "watchFile": true,
    "keepCase": false
  }
]

Sending a position to a device for broadcast to the mesh is much easier with JSON. It requires the message to be published to a channel called "mqttMQTT (Message Queuing Telemetry Transport). A lightweight messaging protocol designed for small sensors and mobile devices, enabling efficient data transmission in the Meshtastic network for Internet connectivity and integration with IoT platforms. See https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MQTT. In Meshtastic, MQTT is used to connect a node to the internet, and can be used to connect multiple meshes to each other.". You can let the message send out to a different channel by setting the channel field to a channel index (0-7). Then use the MQTTMQTT (Message Queuing Telemetry Transport). A lightweight messaging protocol designed for small sensors and mobile devices, enabling efficient data transmission in the Meshtastic network for Internet connectivity and integration with IoT platforms. See https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MQTT. In Meshtastic, MQTT is used to connect a node to the internet, and can be used to connect multiple meshes to each other. Service Envelope type: "sendposition". A valid MQTTMQTT (Message Queuing Telemetry Transport). A lightweight messaging protocol designed for small sensors and mobile devices, enabling efficient data transmission in the Meshtastic network for Internet connectivity and integration with IoT platforms. See https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MQTT. In Meshtastic, MQTT is used to connect a node to the internet, and can be used to connect multiple meshes to each other. envelope and message to broadcast lat, lon, altitude (optional) and time (optional) looks like this:

{
  "from": 2130636288,
  "type": "sendposition",
  "payload": {
    "latitude_i": 399600000,
    "longitude_i": -862600000,
    "altitude": 100,
    "time": 1670201543
  }
}

An example of doing this in Node-RED:

Node-RED flow building a position JSON message