looked for, but did not find, "control knobs" for mesh

[Mikus Grinbergs]

To me, "two kids under a tree" is a very important scenario. 
Although mesh fails on current Joyrides, I'm experimenting with 
manual intervention (e.g., ifconfig) to get it going anyway.

What I notice is that that the mesh-related software on the XO does 
not support all descriptions:

  -  iwconfig eth0 mode __ works, but iwconfig msh0 mode __ doesn't

  -  don't have mesh start/stop described by Libertas Release Notes

Aside from ifconfig up/down, what other "control knobs" exist for 
starting/stopping radio communication using a 169.254.x.x address ?
[My environment does *not* have any wireless AP.]

Suggestions, please   mikus