Flexo Meshtastic powered node case for Rak WisBlock, HeltecV3, T114, T190, WirelessTracker and RaspberryPi Pico

Bender's bigger, badder brother is here! Meet Flexo, the most flexible Meshtastic powered node "case kit" available… and its FREE to print!

Check out the intro video HERE and the teardown video HERE.

***ASSEMBLY VIDEO NOW LIVE CLICK HERE!!!*** 

Flexo is the evolution of my original case called Bender. Bender was designed to be a home/desk/windowsill node and was universally loved. There are over 3000 Bender's in all corners of the world, something I'm extremely proud of and grateful for!

Flexo uses a custom designed PCB power switch. I sell this as part of a hardware kit on my website here for a small cost: https://zerofox3d.com/flexohardware

Print Flexo and if you like it grab a hardware kit!

Flexo Features

Flexo removes some of Benders limitations making it super flexible:

• Supports several device boards from Rak, Heltec and Raspberry Pi with more coming soon
• Allows a GPS module to be installed
• Supports a protected LIPO battery cell or 18650 with more battery support coming
• Uses a high quality C&K power switch on a custom PCB available at zerofox3d.com
• Includes a mounting system with wall mount and GoPro compatible mount
• Produces 80% less printing waste versus Bender (yay environment!)
• Exposes all GPIO pins for tinkering!

Supported Device Boards

The device boards supported at launch are:

• Rak Wisblock 19007 and 19003 (inc GPS module RAK12500 ZOE-M8Q)
• HeltecV3 (space available for GPS module!)
• Heltec T114 with screen (inc Heltec GPS module)
• Heltec Wireless Tracker (v1.1)
• Heltec VisionMaster T190
• Raspberry Pi Pico with WaveShare LORA hat

More boards will be added soon including the Heltec T114 without screen and Heltec Wireless Stick. The rough "rule of thumb" that determines if Flexo can support a board is if its height and width are 30mm x 70mm or less. If there's interest I will release a STEP file for the front plate where the board mounts.

Supported Batteries

Batteries supported at launch are:

• EEMB 103395 3700mAh Flat LIPO (available on Amazon worldwide)
• 18650 cells (using a battery holder available in the hardware kit)
• Makerfocus 3700mAh (unconfirmed but size appears to match EEMB above)
• MakerHawk 603450 3.7V 3800mAh (unconfirmed but size appears to match EEMB above)

The increased size of Flexo allows it to support larger antenna's without wobbling on a desk. The antenna's pictured are a mix of Taoglas LORA antenna's (see there website here with links to distributors worldwide)

Mounting

The Wall mount / Go Pro mount is "dual function", it is one mount that can be used both ways. You can use command strips or double sided adhesive to stick it to a wall or if you want a more secure connection there are two counter sunk screw holes (no screws provided, dig in a draw, you know you have some)

To use the mount as a GoPro mount you simply insert the two included GoPro tabs into the mount.

File Structure

There are folders organising the files for simplicity. There are both 3MF and STL versions, I recommend the 3MF as many files have custom support blockers/enforcers. The ReleaseNotes file includes printing instructions.

The "universal" folder contains files needed regardless of which board you are using, print them all except for the battery mounts, print which ever you are using. There are then folders for each board containing the appropriate "front" and depending on the board a bracket. Lastly there is a folder for the Smart Mount which doubles as a wall mount or GoPro mount.