The Ultimate Solar LoRa Mesh Node Build

I am nearly finished building the ultimate off-grid LoRa Solar Mesh Node. The next step will installation, taking in consideration solar exposure and antenna placement. Check out my new RUclips Channel that focuses on Emergency Communication Solutions @EmCommSolutions
RAK Wireless Wisblock starter kit: store.rokland....
RAK Wireless Transparent Enclosure: store.rokland....
RAK Wireless Solar cable pigtail: store.rokland....
RAK Wireless Battery cable pigtail: store.rokland....
Soshine 5v 6-Watt Solar panel: amzn.to/3M3iH3B
Junction Box, ABS Plastic, IP65 Waterproof Dustproof Universal Electrical Enclosure: amzn.to/3txXuIR
18650 Battery Clip, 2 Slots: amzn.to/3S0fg1l
U.fl/IPEX Cable Mini PCI to SMA Female: amzn.to/46C5yqM
#8-32 Threaded Inserts: amzn.to/3ZUJTY0
Samsung30Q, 3.7V Flat Top 18650: amzn.to/3Q0hM54
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[@The_Comms_Channel]

Thanks for the shout-out! Great build and good ideas on the modifications!

[@RavenwoodAcres]

Any time!

[@brandons673]

Hi, could I get build instructions please? Not sure where to plug the solar in, etc. thank you!

[@RavenwoodAcres]

The solar connection on a RAK Wisblock smaller two pin connector label in tiny print (solar) on the base board. See this video about a similar RAK Wisblock solar set-up: ruclips.net/video/h9ctEA7eLj0/видео.html
Jump the 5:35 to see where I discuss the battery and solar connections.

[@jaredharvey1511]

Plan for water getting into your enclosure. Drill small hole in the bottom. Also your wires entering the enclosure are also pipes. Water will follow the wire jacket and into your enclosure right past your strain reliefs. Inside your enclosure put some kind of water break. Don't run wire jacket direct to the PCB instead make sure water can get out of the jacket and down the drain hole before getting to sensitive electronics.
I'm planning to avoid most weather issues by using a clear lid enclosure then put the solar panel inside the enclosure. The panel doesn't need to be that large. I'm trying to find a battery which is less prone to catching fire. I'm tempted to think ultra capacitors.

[@RavenwoodAcres]

All valid points. You can also add a drip lope in the cables before they enter the enclosure. One of my other designs is to install the enclosure under a building eave and run the cables up the antenna and solar panel.

[@MichaelBurko]

@RavenwoodAcres, have you encountered any issues with the built-in RAK solar charge controller? @austinmesh mentioned in his recent livestream that he experienced some issues with it, such as it shutting off the RAK or putting it in a "fault" state, requiring a manual reset by pressing the button on the board. He ended up using Voltaic battery.

[@RavenwoodAcres]

I heard of this issue and have experience with my other RAK solar node. However, so far I have not with this build. Not sure why though.

[@jdan6102]

Where did you find the waterproof panel mount entrance fittings for the power and coaxial cabling? I didn't see it in the list of items.

[@RavenwoodAcres]

See below for the parts I think you are looking for. If not, please let me know.
Junction Box, ABS Plastic, IP65 Waterproof Dustproof Universal Electrical Enclosure: amzn.to/3txXuIR
Cable Glands Waterproof Kit: amzn.to/46ge11V

[@jdan6102]

Cable Glands! Thanks. Really like the build. Already have some of the items in your list but will adjust for my application needs. @@RavenwoodAcres

[@jdan6102]

By the way, am I correct in assuming that you are running the batteries in parallel for a 3.7 Vdc? Or are you using another config?

[@toolman1826]

What antenna are you running

[@RavenwoodAcres]

The antenna I currently using HNT Hot stop miner 5.8 dbi.

[@miltoneduardososa378]

Cool node! Love it. I suppose it is configured to be a repeater only, right?
Have measured the power consumption?
Does that RAK kit also include UVLO and OVLO to protect the accumulator?

[@RavenwoodAcres]

Yes, current I have it setup as a repeater. I have not yet measured the consumption but I will be soon. The Wisblock are equipped with a low-drop out regulator (LDO). However, nothing to protect from over-voltage. They have several warning about not connecting anything other than 5 volt solar panels.

[@PartisanCommsGroup]

Cool build; well done.

[@RavenwoodAcres]

Thanks!

[@spueli118]

what is the maximum current the 5V solar input can tolerate?

[@RavenwoodAcres]

The panels max output is 5V. Does the answer your question?

[@spueli118]

@@RavenwoodAcres sorry not the voltage, how mutch Amp works for the Controler? Thanks 👍🏻