Testing Channel

The Testing Channel is a public channel for range checks, link tests, and new-node shakedowns. Use it to confirm your radio is working without cluttering the Primary Channel (LongFast) with test traffic.

Unlike the Local Encrypted Channel (NWI), the Testing Channel uses Meshtastic's default (basic) key, so it is not private. Anyone can add it, and that is the point: it is a shared space for testing where a station or bot can hear you and answer back.

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Testing Channel Configuration

Add this as an additional channel on any free slot.

• Channel Role
  • Secondary
• Channel Name
  • Testing
• Pre Shared Key
  • AQ== (the default, or "basic", key, shown as Default in the Meshtastic app)
• MQTT Uplink
  • Optional. Uplink is fine here because the channel is already public, and leaving it on lets tests be seen network-wide.
• MQTT Downlink
  • Off, to avoid rebroadcast loops with other gateways.

Because the key is the public default, this channel is not private. Do not send anything on Testing that you would not say on the open mesh.

What Happens on the Testing Channel

Our station listens on the Testing Channel and responds to what it hears there, so you get an answer confirming you were received, along with signal details when the test arrived over RF.

Typical uses:

• Confirming a new node can transmit and be heard
• Range and antenna testing between sites
• Checking a gateway or repeater is relaying
• Trying settings changes without disturbing the Primary Channel

Running a Monitor or Bot?

If you run your own monitor, station, or responder, please add the Testing Channel and respond there too. The more stations that answer on Testing, the more useful it is: a tester gets a reply no matter whose coverage they are in.

• Channel name and key as above (Testing, key AQ==)
• Respond to what you hear so testers get confirmation
• Keep automated replies polite and rate limited so the channel stays clear

Keep the Primary Channel Clear

Please run repeated tests on the Testing Channel rather than the Primary Channel. The Primary Channel is shared by everyone for real coordination, and a stream of "test" messages there makes it harder to use. A couple of checks on the Primary Channel is fine, but ongoing testing belongs here.

Summary

• The Testing Channel is public and uses the default (basic) key AQ==
• Use it for range and link testing instead of the Primary Channel
• Our station listens and responds on it
• Other operators are welcome to add it and respond there too