First Run

This guide covers your first end-to-end run after installation.

1) Initialize

If you haven’t already, create the default configuration and runtime topics:

./target/release/meshbbs init

2) Configure

Edit config.toml and set:

  • bbs.name, bbs.sysop, and logging.level
  • meshtastic.port to your device path (e.g., /dev/tty.usbserial-* on macOS)

3) Start the server

./target/release/meshbbs start

If a device is connected and in PROTO serial mode, the server will connect; otherwise it will run offline.

4) Create a session

On the public channel, send:

^LOGIN yourname

Note: Public commands use a configurable prefix. The default is ^. If you’ve changed the prefix in config.toml (bbs.public_command_prefix), use your configured prefix here.

Then open a direct message to the BBS node and log in:

LOGIN yourname yourpassword

Type HELP for commands. Use M to browse topics.

5) Troubleshooting

  • If the device is not detected, verify the serial port and that Meshtastic is set to PROTO serial mode.
  • Use meshbbs status to print a quick status summary.
  • See the Troubleshooting guide for more.