Unable to receive messages but SDK works otherwise #906

Using the following dead simple code based on countless examples, fails for me when using the Meshtastic Python SDK and the Seeed Wio Tracker L1 Pro.

import time
import meshtastic
import meshtastic.serial_interface
from pubsub import pub


def on_receive(packet, interface):
    print(packet)

pub.subscribe(on_receive, "meshtastic.receive")

interface = meshtastic.serial_interface.SerialInterface()

print("Waiting for messages...")
while True:
    time.sleep(5)

This will report occasional telemetry and position messages from various nodes but never any messages sent to the node. Received messages appear on the node's screen and can be read there but are never reported via the receiver hook. The node is connected by USB.

Note that I can retrieve the node list, send messages and interact with the node config via the Python SDK - I just can't seem to receive messages.

Things I've tried:

• Various meshtastic SDK versions in the 2.6.x and 2.7.x series
• Python versions 3.11, 3.12 and 3.13.
• Tried with both L1 Pros I have
• Firmware versions 2.715 and 2.7.19 (no difference)
• Usiing pypubsub's snoop feature to see all events - there are just none for incoming text messages.

I feel like I must be missing something. Any pointers on how to troubleshoot this?