Review the accuracy settings on the LongFast channel and MQTT

Oct 13, 2025 by talynt.org 141 views

Introduction

The Meshtastic public map is a valuable resource for users to track the location of nearby devices. However, configuring the GPS accuracy settings can be a bit tricky, especially when it comes to balancing precision and privacy. In this article, we will delve into the issue of GPS accuracy between the LongFast channel and MQTT settings on the Meshtastic public map.

Understanding GPS Accuracy Settings

GPS accuracy settings determine the level of precision with which a device's location is reported. A lower accuracy setting means that the device's location will be reported with less precision, while a higher accuracy setting means that the device's location will be reported with more precision. In the context of the Meshtastic public map, accuracy settings are crucial for balancing the need for precise location tracking with the need for user privacy.

Configuring GPS Accuracy on the LongFast Channel

To configure GPS accuracy on the LongFast channel, users can set an accuracy value in the channel settings. In the case of the T114 configuration, the accuracy value is set to 729 m, which means that nearby users who receive the device's signal directly will be able to locate the device with a precision of 729 meters.

Configuring GPS Accuracy on MQTT

To configure GPS accuracy on MQTT, users can set an accuracy value in the MQTT settings. In the case of the Meshtastic public map, the accuracy value is set to 1.5 km, which means that the device's location will be reported with a precision of 1.5 kilometers on the public map.

The Issue with GPS Accuracy Settings

However, when it comes to the Meshtastic public map, the accuracy setting in MQTT is not being applied. Instead, the public map ignores the accuracy setting in MQTT and uses the LongFast channel accuracy of 729 m instead. This means that the device's location is being reported with a precision of 729 meters on the public map, rather than the intended 1.5 kilometers.

The Role of Map Reporting in GPS Accuracy Settings

Map reporting is an important feature of the Meshtastic public map, as it allows users to report their location on the map. However, when map reporting is enabled, the accuracy setting in MQTT is not being applied. This means that the device's location is being reported with a precision of 729 meters on the public map, rather than the intended 1.5 kilometers.

The Issue with Uplink Option on the LongFast Channel

Another issue that arises when trying to configure GPS accuracy on the Meshtastic public map is the uplink option on the LongFast channel. When the uplink option is enabled, the device's location is transmitted to the public map via MQTT. However, when the uplink option is disabled, no position transmission occurs. This means that users are forced to enable the uplink option on the LongFast channel in order to send their position to the public map via MQTT.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the issue with GPS accuracy between the LongFast channel and MQTT settings on the Meshtastic public map is a complex one. The accuracy setting in MQTT is not being applied, and instead, the public map is using the LongFast channel accuracy of 729 m. This means that the device's location is being reported with a precision of 729 meters on the public map, rather than the intended 1.5 kilometers. Additionally, the uplink option on the LongFast channel is causing issues with position transmission to the public map via MQTT.

Recommendations

Based on the analysis above, we recommend the following:

Review the accuracy settings on the LongFast channel and MQTT: Ensure that the accuracy settings are correctly configured on both the LongFast channel and MQTT.
Disable the uplink option on the LongFast channel: If the uplink option is not necessary, disable it to prevent position transmission to the public map via MQTT.
Use a different channel: Consider using a different channel that does not have the same issues with GPS accuracy settings.

Future Development

In the future, we recommend that the Meshtastic team addresses the issue with GPS accuracy settings on the public map. This can be achieved by:

Implementing a more robust accuracy setting system: A more robust accuracy setting system would allow users to configure the accuracy of their location reporting with greater precision.
Improving the uplink option on the LongFast channel: The uplink option on the LongFast channel should be improved to prevent position transmission to the public map via MQTT when it is not necessary.

Conclusion

Introduction

In our previous article, we delved into the issue of GPS accuracy between the LongFast channel and MQTT settings on the Meshtastic public map. In this article, we will provide a Q&A section to address some of the most frequently asked questions related to this issue.

Q: What is the cause of the GPS accuracy issue between the LongFast channel and MQTT settings?

A: The cause of the GPS accuracy issue between the LongFast channel and MQTT settings is not yet clear. However, it is believed to be related to a misconfiguration or a bug in the Meshtastic software.

Q: How can I configure the GPS accuracy settings on the LongFast channel?

A: To configure the GPS accuracy settings on the LongFast channel, follow these steps:

Open the Meshtastic app and navigate to the LongFast channel settings.
Scroll down to the "Accuracy" section.
Set the desired accuracy value in meters.
Save the changes.

Q: How can I configure the GPS accuracy settings on MQTT?

A: To configure the GPS accuracy settings on MQTT, follow these steps:

Open the Meshtastic app and navigate to the MQTT settings.
Scroll down to the "Accuracy" section.
Set the desired accuracy value in kilometers.
Save the changes.

Q: Why is the accuracy setting in MQTT not being applied?

A: The accuracy setting in MQTT is not being applied because of a misconfiguration or a bug in the Meshtastic software. This issue is currently being investigated by the Meshtastic team.

Q: What is the role of map reporting in GPS accuracy settings?

A: Map reporting is an important feature of the Meshtastic public map, as it allows users to report their location on the map. However, when map reporting is enabled, the accuracy setting in MQTT is not being applied.

Q: How can I disable the uplink option on the LongFast channel?

A: To disable the uplink option on the LongFast channel, follow these steps:

Open the Meshtastic app and navigate to the LongFast channel settings.
Scroll down to the "Uplink" section.
Toggle the "Uplink" switch to the off position.
Save the changes.

Q: What are the consequences of disabling the uplink option on the LongFast channel?

A: Disabling the uplink option on the LongFast channel will prevent position transmission to the public map via MQTT. This means that your location will not be reported on the public map.

Q: What are the recommendations for resolving the GPS accuracy issue?

A: Based on the analysis above, we recommend the following:

Review the accuracy settings on the LongFast channel and MQTT: Ensure that the accuracy settings are correctly configured on both the LongFast channel and MQTT.
Disable the uplink option on the LongFast channel: If the uplink option is not necessary, disable it to prevent position transmission to the public map via MQTT.
Use a different channel: Consider using a different channel that does not have the same issues with GPS accuracy settings.

Q: What is the future development plan for resolving the GPS accuracy issue?

A: The Meshtastic team is currently investigating the issue and working on a solution. In the future, we recommend that the Meshtastic team addresses the issue by:

Implementing a more robust accuracy setting system: A more robust accuracy setting system would allow users to configure the accuracy of their location reporting with greater precision.
Improving the uplink option on the LongFast channel: The uplink option on the LongFast channel should be improved to prevent position transmission to the public map via MQTT when it is not necessary.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the GPS accuracy issue between the LongFast channel and MQTT settings on the Meshtastic public map is a complex one. However, by reviewing the accuracy settings on both the LongFast channel and MQTT, disabling the uplink option on the LongFast channel, and using a different channel, users can work around the issue. Additionally, the Meshtastic team should address the issue in future development by implementing a more robust accuracy setting system and improving the uplink option on the LongFast channel.