Question 1

How to install painlessMesh in PlatformIO?

Accepted Answer

painlessMesh is available in the PlatformIO library registry; simply add it as a dependency in your platformio.ini file, and dependencies like ArduinoJson and TaskScheduler will be installed automatically, as mentioned in the README.

Question 2

painlessMesh vs ESP-MESH or other mesh protocols?

Accepted Answer

painlessMesh focuses on simplicity and JSON-based messaging for ad-hoc networks, while ESP-MESH is more low-level and integrated with Espressif's SDK. Choose painlessMesh for easier prototyping, but ESP-MESH for finer control or specific IoT use cases.

Question 3

Can painlessMesh nodes connect to WiFi routers for internet access?

Accepted Answer

Yes, but with limitations; the stationManual function allows connections to external APs, but the mesh must be on the same WiFi channel, and it doesn't provide full IP networking, so internet integration requires additional setup.

Question 4

What is the maximum number of nodes in a painlessMesh network?

Accepted Answer

The README states it's limited by heap memory for sub-connections, potentially quite high, but practical limits depend on ESP model and message traffic; conservative usage is recommended to prevent overload.

Question 5

How to handle time synchronization in painlessMesh?

Accepted Answer

Use the getNodeTime function and onNodeTimeAdjusted callback, which implement an SNTP-based protocol for mesh-wide time sync, though it rolls over every 71 minutes, so plan accordingly for long-term applications.

Question 6

Is painlessMesh compatible with the Arduino delay() function?

Accepted Answer

No, the README explicitly warns against using delay() as it disrupts background tasks managed by TaskScheduler, which can destabilize the mesh; instead, use TaskScheduler for timing in your code.

painlessMesh

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