Meshtastic Starter kit and RAK Wireless Solar Enclosure build

Board:
store.rakwireless.com/product...
Case:
store.rakwireless.com/product...
Battery:
vi.aliexpress.com/item/100500...
Antenna:
store.rakwireless.com/product...
NOTE:
I just noticed that the B (pole) attachment brackets are not correct for this solar case. These need some sanding and drilling to fit.
More videos coming up! Enjoy the video and remember to subscribe, thanks!
/ @techairspace
#meshtastic #lorawan #lora #rakwireless

[@smeggysmeg]

I ordered one of these kits to build with my 9yo. I'm in the process of building one myself entirely DIY, and he's expressed interest, so I ordered this kit as an easier, less-improvised version for him to build. We'll probably make the same modification for an external antenna, too.

[@TechAirSpace]

This is a perfect build with a 9yo. Easy to assemble and parts from RAK are of high quality. My friend uses a magnetic mount with this case and he said it's fun to pop the device to any metal surface.

[@RoHa80s]

Thanks for the vid!

[@TechAirSpace]

Thank you for watching!

[@K38rescue]

Thanks!

[@TechAirSpace]

Thank you for watching!

[@faucetheaven3423]

your project look clean
i got 2 questions
what is the size of your drill bit and what is the atenna adapter/type
thank you

[@TechAirSpace]

Adapter type is RP-SMA to iPEX since I have RP-SMA connectors in my antennas. store.rakwireless.com/products/ipex-to-sma-connector The drill bit was 1mm smaller than the outer diameter of the RP-SMA connector thread. Can't remember which size drill bit it was.

[@faucetheaven3423]

@@TechAirSpace thanks

[@extremehightech]

But you didn't use a regular drill bit, did you? It seems to me like you cut a thread.

[@TechAirSpace]

@@extremehightech Whoops. I guess I forgot to add the clip to the video where I used the RP-SMA connector to create the threading. The plastic is quite soft so I just once threaded in the connector with a wrench (from inside case to outwards). Brushed extra plastic off the connector and threaded it back in. I have to tool for this kind of stuff but I don't need it with these soft materials.

[@tomfreeman1531]

Is there a reason you went for this battery instead of the 2000mah version?
And overall how have you found this unit with regards to power and charging? I’ve seen they do a bigger box with a bigger solar panel.

[@tomfreeman1531]

Great videos though, very helpful

[@TechAirSpace]

This battery was recommended by someone on Meshtastic Discord. I think it's the biggest one that fits under the circuit board. It's quite a tight fit. I have a larger custom box coming up with a bigger solar panel. I haven't done any extensive testing yet on this RAK node. It's been inside my house for a week now and the battery is at 34%. I'm doing a test without sunlight first and then I will take it outside for another test run to see how long it lasts with that tiny panel.

[@innercityprepper]

If you get creative with your attachment of the board and your wiring you can get two 18650's into one of these things and still close it. That will get you about 3 weeks of use even with no sun. However the tiny panel on these things will make it necessary to retrieve the node periodically to charge or swap the batteries, so make sure you have an easy way to place and retrieve it.

[@W1SRR]

Interested to see how the solar panel can handle extended exposure to the heat and sun. I had some that crapped out due to the sun here in Florida

[@davidcappello]

Nice video - thank you for sharing. I built one of these kits but didn't use an external antenna, I also added a GPS module to the kit - I can tell you that in bright sunlight here in TX I am NOT able to keep the battery charged (2000mAh flat pack) flic.kr/p/2pDALjS . Fun kit and works well with Meshtastic - just think a larger solar panel is needed.

[@TechAirSpace]

Hmm. For some reason I did not see your message earlier. Sorry about that! Mine has been on my roof now since I built it and the battery level is staying between 70-50% (at least what Meshtastic node info is reporting). I only have one semi active node near me. I guess it's the minimal packet traffic that helps keeping my device up and running?

[@extremehightech]

What are you using to seal the sma connector?

[@TechAirSpace]

I used electronic grade silicone. The threading was already enough but I always use just a tiny bit to be sure.

[@extremehightech]

Thanks!

[@fucxstixs316]

You will have to let us know how that little solar panel does, I'm making a few of the DIY enclosures like COMM's channel did, but with a smaller 4 watt solar panel and a 10,000mah battery. I hope that little panel keeps the battery charged for you. Please update us on your testing. Great build !

[@TechAirSpace]

Roger that! I am also making a larger box with bigger solar panel. I will be using bunch of 18650 batteries.