Kalle M
Tried building my first outdoor Meshtastic node.
-Powered by 2x18650 batteries. Paralell battery holder hot glued to housing.
-5w solar panel from Aliexpress, hot glued to housing lid.
-Housing from Motonet
-3d printed "RAK 19003 Solar Enclosure mount" from Thingiverse by BlackoutConcepts. Hot glued to housing.
-WisBlock Meshtastic Starter Kit by RakWireless, including base board 19003, RAK4631 WisBlock LoRaWAN Module, Bluetooth antenna, Lora rubber antenna, MHF to SMA cable.
#meshtastic
Feb 20 at 10:10pmWeb
Show threadMakeFeb 21
@kmether
Nice idea to use basic electric box. I think cheapest way to have at lest some IP rating 😄
Might need to try this.
Ive seen people install these upside down so the antenna connector is pointing down, less likely to leak water... Dont know how much it affects range.
Show threadKalle MFeb 21

@markku

The box is IP66, I will be working on a more practical solution in the next iteration. I´ll have to look for a cheap waterproof one. For now it lives on my balcony, at least half shielded from the elements.
Upside down antenna is a good idea I think.
Mostly I wanted to see if the solar will work. And maybe have a similar solution for a tree node.

Show threadDoppelmembran-WürgenippelFeb 21

@kmether

This antenna choice 😵‍💫😖

Show threadKalle MFeb 21

@gafu

Yes, I will be working on an upgrade for the antenna soon. This will do while I test the box and the panel on the balcony. :)