Meshtastic 6W Solar Enclosure Base Station LoRa Node for Soshine 6 Watt Solar Panel

UPDATE: I created a new Meshtastic solar repeater node. There's nothing wrong or bad about this 6W version, it works great. However, I consider the new version to be the ideal Meshtastic solar base station when balancing uptime with size, in a more flexible package. It's now less expensive to build (when building 3+), more water resistant, and offers more space for alternate battery options.

https://www.printables.com/model/297089-meshtastic-solar-base-station-node-enclosure-for-3

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Build a complete Meshtastic off-grid solar base station.  

This is not a beginner project. It requires soldering skills and the ability to print ASA.

Print details

• ASA (washers in TPU)
• No supports (except enclosure)
• 0.2mm layer height
• 4 perimeters for added strength (3 perimeters for the enclosure)
• 50% infill.

Included files and print count:

• 1x Right Panel Bracket
• 1x Left Panel Bracket
• 1x Right Mount Bracket
• 1x Left Mount Bracket
• 1x Enclosure
• 1x Carrier
• 1x Carrier Switch Plate
• 1x Box cover (optional but recommended)
• 4x TPU washers (optional but recommended)

Choose a Carrier variant: v1.5 vs v1.8

• Carrier v1.5 allows you to attach the USB connector from the panel directly onto the carrier. Use Carrier-Switch-Plate-v1.0 with this carrier.
• Carrier v1.8 provides a place to attach a cable gland to the carrier instead of the USB end. You would cut the USB end off and use something like a JST connector there and have it go through the cable gland (PG7). Use Carrier-Switch-Plate-v1.1 with this carrier.

Optional

• If attaching this to a pole, you might consider printing the Bracket-Plate-Spacer-Curved-v1.1 to help align it to the pole. The bracket spacer is included because the u-bolt screws are quite long and might hit the back of the solar panel if your pipe has a smaller diameter. The spacer will push the u-bolts further from the panel.

Parts list:

• (1) Soshine 6w solar panel: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B099RSLNZ4/
• (1) U-Bolt mounting hardware: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09GGBG13T (the Amazon listing is often out of stock. This listing on eBay appears to be the same one. The important part is that the small holes in the middle are spaced 37mm x 15.5mm apart, see photo for more details)
• (2) 1/4" x 1 3/4" bolts (I used 2" because I couldn't find 1 ¾")
• (4) 1/4" x 3/4" stainless steal bolts
• (8) 1/4" stainless steel lock nuts
• (16) stainless steel washers
• (4) M4 square nuts: https://a.co/d/9VCV6kU
• (1) u.fl to N-type female pigtail: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01CWJ5JN4
• (1) RAK19003 baseboard: https://store.rakwireless.com/products/wisblock-base-board-rak19003
• (1) RAK4631 Arduino core module: https://store.rakwireless.com/products/rak4631-lpwan-node?variant=37505443856582
• (1) 1100mAh LiPo battery: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08FD39Y5R
• (1) Double pole rocker switch: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07QS8K8T2
• (2) JST-PH 2.0 female connector: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07NWNPB77
• (1) JST-PH 2.0 male end with crimping tool and ends
• (1) Solar panel cable connector/wire: https://store.rakwireless.com/products/solar-panel-connector-cable
• Cable gland (3-6mm, PG7): https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07KFCGFYF
• Coax cable for antenna (I haven't tested this cable but it comes highly recommended): https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01DCDID50
• Antenna (choose wisely)

The “mount brackets” hold the solar panel at 45 degrees. The box cover is a secondary cover for the electronics box on the back of the panel. Adhere the box cover with RTV silicone sealant/adhesive. The TPU washers are meant to be placed on the front surface of the solar panel before placing the steel washer. It protects the panel from the sharp edges of the steel washer. The carrier switch plate should be super glued to the top of the carrier before adding the switch.

The bracket hardware is designed for an antenna and comes with U-bolts so you can secure it to a 2" pole (or smaller). We'll use the M4 square nuts to attach the plate to the mount brackets. There's a leftover piece from the bracket hardware that will not be used. Toss it or, better yet, add to your inventory.

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UPDATED 3 watt version for sale:

https://www.etsy.com/listing/1312727008/meshtastic-solar-base-station-repeater