Meshtastic with MagSafe

Introduction

Meshtastic is an up-and-coming inexpensive off-grid communications platform using LoRa, long-range radio protocol. You can think of it as text messaging through Walkie Talkies but with more capabilities such as encryption and a mesh network.

https://meshtastic.org/docs/introduction/

Idea

The idea for Meshtastic with MagSafe came on the 22nd of February 2024 when AT&T's network had a 12 hour nationwide outage in the United States. The only way to communicate was through Wi-Fi on either iMessage or alternative chat clients, but what if there was a nationwide internet outage too? What if there was a device that anyone could use in these situations that was integrated with their smart phone. A smartphone case would be bulky and have too many variations, but a MagSafe accessory would be just one design to work with any iPhone or Android modified for MagSafe.

Update: XL Case Files Added (67 x 60 space for battery)

Parts Needed

• Printed shells from provided STL files
• IPX UFL to SMA https://www.aliexpress.us/item/3256803636801729.html?channel=twinner
• MagSafe "Alloy" Ring (not the 5 pack or plastic one) https://a.aliexpress.com/_msrIjFg
• SMA J Long Range Antenna (This is 915 MHz for US. Frequency depends on what country you live in) https://www.aliexpress.us/item/2255800793406371.html?channel=twinner
• 2mm RC Connector Cables for wiring https://www.aliexpress.us/item/3256805305262265.html?channel=twinner
• 1000 mAh LiPo Battery 2mm connector (Has to fit in a 60 x 35 mm space for original) https://www.aliexpress.us/item/3256805435418194.html?channel=twinner
• Toggle Slide Switch at least 3 mm handle length https://www.aliexpress.us/item/2255801021214741.html?channel=twinner
• Heltec V3 LoRa Board (915 MHz for America, 868 or 433 MHz for Europe) https://www.aliexpress.us/item/3256805256690400.html?channel=twinner
• 4 x Self Tapping Screws #6 x ½ in (7 mm head and 13 mm length)

Instructions

1. Print the STL files. Optionally, you can cut out the clear plastic from the Heltec parts box and glue in the display hole as a screen protector.

    2. Insert the MagSafe Alloy magnetic ring. It should pop right in without a need for glue.

    3. Insert the IPX to SMA antenna wire. You may have to gently drill out a slightly larger hole if it doesn't fit.

    4. Take a male and female RC connector and solder the wiring to the toggle slide switch like in the picture below. Note: I didn't have heat shrinks so I used electrical tape. Safer to use heat shrinks!

    5. Insert the switch into its slot on the right side. Wires should be arranged shown in the image below.

    6. Connect the male end of the switch assembly and the IPX antenna wire to the Heltec.

    7. Insert the Heltec into its slot. Best approach is to angle and set in the right side first and then pop in the left side pressing gently on the USB-C connection. It should fit tight without a need for glue. Make sure the female battery connector wire is accessible.

    8. Insert the battery and connect the wire. If you have a smaller battery, you may want to tape it in or have some foam padding to keep it from moving when fully assembled.

    9. Carefully fit the top cover without catching any wires.

    10. Holding the bottom and top covers together with one hand. Screw in your Self Tapping Screws. Use an electric drill to make it easier but screw in very slow to not strip the screw or crack the plastic.

    11. Optionally, you can glue in 5 x 2 mm circular magnets in the two slots in the back so the case aligns upright, but the Alloy Rings have a rubber surface. If you do, just make sure the right magnetic poles are facing up.

    12. For pairing with your phone, refer to Getting Started with Meshtastic. You will need to flash the firmware to the Heltec V3. https://meshtastic.org/docs/getting-started/