HopRadar – the MeshCore map, analyzer & radar that runs on your own node
HopRadar is a free web app for the MeshCore LoRa mesh protocol. Connect your MeshCore node via Bluetooth (BLE) or USB serial directly in the browser and watch your mesh come alive on a map: contacts, repeaters, traces across hops, radio paths, overheard packets, line-of-sight coverage and elevation profiles – in real time, with no installation and no account.
Unlike public MeshCore node maps that rely on a central server, HopRadar uses your own radio as the data source. You see your actual local mesh – including nodes that never show up on public maps – and all data stays in your browser.
Features
🗺️ Live MeshCore map
All contacts and repeaters your node knows, positioned on a dark, satellite or topographic map – with movement detection from adverts and clustering.
🛰️ Trace routes hop by hop
Send trace packets along any repeater route (or a contact's learned path, incl. automatic return path) and measure the SNR of every hop – like traceroute for your mesh.
📡 RX radar & live monitor
Every packet your node overhears is decoded and listed in real time: type, routing, hops, travelled path. Click a packet to draw its route on the map.
📈 Radio path analysis
Learned radio paths between nodes are drawn as arrows with signal quality, so you can see how your mesh actually routes traffic.
📶 Line-of-sight coverage
Compute an estimated LoS coverage area for any repeater from terrain data – see where a repeater can realistically reach.
⛰️ Elevation profiles
Terrain cut between two nodes with line of sight and 868 MHz Fresnel zone, blocking obstacles highlighted, antenna heights adjustable.
💬 Chat & channels
Direct messages and channel chat with delivery animation along the known path, replies and @mentions – right next to the map.
🎮 Mesh the Mars
A shared multiplayer sandbox: build a planet-wide MeshCore-style network on Mars with players worldwide. Play Mesh the Mars.
How it works
HopRadar talks to your MeshCore companion device over Web Bluetooth or Web Serial – supported in Chrome, Edge and Opera on desktop and Android. Typical hardware: Heltec V3, LilyGo T-Deck / T-Echo, RAK4631, Seeed Xiao and many other LoRa boards running MeshCore firmware. No drivers, no install: open hopradar.net, click connect, done. No node yet? A built-in demo mode simulates a mesh so you can try everything first.
Privacy
Your mesh data never leaves your browser – contacts, messages and packet logs are processed and stored locally on your device. The optional Mars game stores only the game nodes you place. Statistics are collected cookieless and anonymized.
FAQ
What is HopRadar?
A free live map, analyzer and radar for MeshCore networks. Connect your own node via Bluetooth or USB in the browser and see your mesh live: traces, radio paths, overheard packets, coverage and elevation profiles. No installation, no account.
How is HopRadar different from other MeshCore maps?
Public maps show nodes reported to a central server. HopRadar uses your own node as the data source, so it shows your real local mesh – including nodes missing from public maps – and your data stays on your device.
Which hardware and browsers are supported?
Any MeshCore companion device (Heltec, LilyGo, RAK, Xiao and other LoRa boards) via BLE or USB serial. Browser needs Web Bluetooth / Web Serial: Chrome, Edge or Opera on desktop and Android. Demo mode works everywhere.
What does the trace function do?
It sends a test packet along a chosen repeater route and measures the SNR of every hop, animated live on the map – ideal for verifying routes and finding weak links.
Is HopRadar free?
Yes – a non-commercial hobby project. No ads, no accounts, no paid plans; voluntary Ko-fi donations keep it running.