# Python notes
Using the python CLI (command line interface) allows you to directly interact with units via serial (usb) wifi (TCP) or bluetooth (BLE).
Most reliable is of course serial, and this is the best way to configure one or many devices, as you can use the python scripts to load many settings at once.
Below are some of the commands I use frequently:
Installing meshtastic on linux, mac or other terminal:
**Install meshtastic CLI:**
- **sudo apt install pipx -y**
- pipx install meshtastic
- pipx ensurepath
Serial connection: e.g. "meshtastic -s" or simply "meshtastic" at the command line:
- meshtastic --set lora.region US
- meshtastic --set lora.hop\_limit 7
- meshtastic --set mqtt.enabled true
- meshtastic meshtastic --set security.admin\_key base64:<your key here>
- meshtastic -s --set lora.config\_ok\_to\_mqtt true
- meshtastic -s --set lora.config\_ok\_to\_mqtt true
- meshtastic -s --set mqtt.map\_reporting\_enabled true
- meshtastic -s --set security.admin\_channel\_enabled TRUE
- meshtastic -s --export-config>rp2040a.yaml
- meshtastic --info
- meshtastic --seturl <url of your channel settings here>
These can also be used on a meshtasticd unit like a pi with a HAT:
**Meshtasticd configuration: also works with RP2040 boards in serial mode (-s flag)**
- meshtastic --host 127.0.0.1 --set lora.region US
- meshtastic --host 127.0.0.1 --set lora.hop\_limit 7
- meshtastic --host 127.0.0.1 --set mqtt.enabled true
- meshtastic --host 127.0.0.1 --set security.admin\_key base64:<your key here>
- meshtastic --host 127.0.0.1 --set device.role ROUTER
- meshtastic --host 127.0.0.1 --set store\_forward.enabled true
- meshtastic --host 127.0.0.1 --set store\_forward.history\_return\_max 1000
- meshtastic --host 127.0.0.1 --set store\_forward.history\_return\_window 1000
- meshtastic --host 127.0.0.1 --set store\_forward.is\_server true
- meshtastic --host 127.0.0.1 --set store\_forward.records 1000
My usual config steps with USB connection:
1. flash via USB-C
2. set bluetooth to none
3. set lora to us-7-ok MQTT
4. clone channels with set-URL via meshtastic CLI
5. MQTT enable map, JSON
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Migrated from Apple Server Wiki. Original page ID: 62H6s3W9