Setup notes, scripts, and documentation for MeshChatX on macOS and Reticulum-based environments.

These instructions are designed to integrate with a broader off-grid communication stack (Reticulum, NomadNet, LXMF and rawmesh-node), focusing on reproducible installs and low-friction daily use.

meshchatx-setup

Setup notes, scripts, and documentation for MeshChatX on macOS and Reticulum-based environments.

This repository documents installation, startup, configuration, and daily workflow for MeshChatX in resilient communication setups.

scope

• local installation on macOS
• startup scripts for headless mode
• configuration notes for Reticulum
• workflow verification
• troubleshooting references

stack

• MeshChatX (reticulum-meshchatx)
• Reticulum Network Stack
• LXMF
• macOS (Apple Silicon)
• Python 3.11+ virtual environment

requirements

• macOS 12+ on Apple Silicon (Intel may require adjustments)
• Python 3.11+
• Node.js 20+
• pnpm
• git

installation

# clone MeshChatX source
git clone https://git.quad4.io/RNS-Things/MeshChatX.git meshchatx-src
cd meshchatx-src

# create virtual environment
python3 -m venv ~/meshchatx-venv
source ~/meshchatx-venv/bin/activate

# install dependencies
pip install git+https://git.quad4.io/RNS-Things/MeshChatX.git

# build frontend
pnpm install && pnpm run build-frontend

typical startup

Use a dedicated Python environment, start MeshChatX in headless mode, and verify access through the local browser interface.

#!/bin/bash
ulimit -n 4096
source "$HOME/meshchatx-venv/bin/activate"
meshchatx --headless --host 127.0.0.1 --port 8787 --no-https \
  --reticulum-config-dir "$HOME/.reticulum" \
  --public-dir "$HOME/meshchatx-src/meshchatx/public"

Open browser at http://127.0.0.1:8787

notes

This repository is written for practical use, repeatability, and low-friction deployment.

For remote assistance workflows, see REMOTE-ASSIST.md.

---

related repositories

• rawmesh-node – Reticulum mesh node setup on Raspberry Pi 4 (NomadNet, LXMF, off-grid ready).
  https://github.com/noduscypher/rawmesh-node

• mesh-guides – Meshtastic EU868 documentation (PT/EN/ES) for presets, roles and regulation-aware operation.
  https://github.com/noduscypher/mesh-guides

Licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0

walk quietly, but keep the signal alive.

₿uilt with Love 🧡 in cooperation with Nature 🌿