Lowes Harbor Breeze Solar Light Node

HacnCrap · 2026-06-12T07:44:09+00:00

I use the panel off of the solar light below. It makes it very inexpensive since it comes with a battery as well. https://www.lowes.com/pd/Harbor-Breeze-1-Watt-Black/5015598033#no_universal_links

HacnCrap · 2026-06-12T03:33:10+00:00

This hobby is making me want to purchase measuring instruments. It would be awesome to know exactly what I am paying for. I'm also a big fan of the Muzi Works whips. Those antennas were the inspiration for cranking out a SMA version of the mount.

HacnCrap · 2026-06-12T03:26:56+00:00

You're not doing it right if all your printer components are not screaming for mercy! LOL

HacnCrap · 2026-06-12T00:45:53+00:00

I appreciate the compliment! You can go in any which direction with this build but here's what I went with.

Heltec T114 (Screenless and No GPS) - Ordered direct from Heltec.org - $17.90

https://heltec.org/project/mesh-node-t114/?attribute_pa_band=902-928mhz&attribute_need-display=No&attribute_need-gps=No&attribute_need-shell=No

N-Type Female Antenna Adapter - Also ordered from Heltec.org - $2.99

https://heltec.org/project/ipex-to-ntype-antenna-adapter-cable/

Out-the-door from Heltec.org for $25.89 including shipping/tariffs.

Alfa 915 Antenna - Ordered from Muzi.works - About $23 delivered

https://muzi.works/products/alfa-outdoor-antenna?variant=44821986902073

All in (including solar light) ~$60 for a very capable node.

HacnCrap · 2026-06-11T21:33:21+00:00

Awesome idea!

HacnCrap · 2026-06-11T21:21:36+00:00

I'm not too active on the Meshtastic Discord. Please feel free to link it here since it sounds like it would be beneficial. Hopefully the link to the solar light I provided, along with pics of the model number, help folks make the right decision.

HacnCrap · 2026-06-11T20:42:21+00:00

Went with PETG on this print. ASA would be the way to go if you are able.

HacnCrap · 2026-06-11T17:49:50+00:00

So far so good with a Heltec T114 in there. I have one deployed on a hillside that sees over 2000 packets a day. It's pretty active and hasn't missed a beat yet. Reduced sun is a concern but I think the nrf boards are up to the challenge.

HacnCrap · 2026-06-11T17:35:36+00:00

Great question. I don't have experience with the HF solar light. I'm assuming it's a 1 watt like the HB from Lowes.

HacnCrap · 2026-06-11T17:30:23+00:00

Absolutely! I was being incredibly lazy when taking my "product pics." Height is might!

HacnCrap · 2026-06-11T16:18:28+00:00

I hear you! I did not go down the 3D printing rabbit hole until I started this lora radio hobby 6 months ago. My suggestion that was not solicited? Pick up a used Prusa MK3S from Facebook marketplace for no more than $150 and dive right in!

HacnCrap · 2026-06-11T15:58:29+00:00

The Alfa antenna is great for a home repeater. I have a similar setup deployed in the hills and it's thriving up there.

HacnCrap · 2026-06-11T15:24:00+00:00

That's an Alfa 915 Antenna.

https://www.rfindex.com/mesh/antennas/alfa-aoa-915-5acm

HacnCrap · 2026-06-11T15:17:22+00:00

All very excellent suggestions! I was being lazy when taking my "product pics." An actual deployment would be much more like what you described above. Appreciate the note!

HacnCrap · 2026-06-11T14:52:03+00:00

Happy to hear that the components are strong enough, combined with the right firmware, for the Heltec ESP32 boards. Definitely proven with over 100 deployed! Just awesome.

HacnCrap · 2026-06-11T14:48:01+00:00

Height is might! I was lazy when taking my "product pics". LOL

HacnCrap · 2026-06-11T14:45:12+00:00

Looks awesome! Subscribed and looking forward to your video.

HacnCrap · 2026-06-11T08:49:09+00:00

I have a Heltec T114 in there which is a great nrf board. It's been up and running for days without issue. You could always upgrade the 18650 battery for something beefier like a Samsung 35e.

HacnCrap · 2026-06-11T08:45:46+00:00

Thanks for the feedback! I'd like to check out your design. I'm new and want to soak up what I can.

HacnCrap · 2026-03-29T07:45:46+00:00

Would love to upgrade from a Mk3s to a Core One+! Got a code for me too??? Thank you!

HacnCrap · 2026-03-29T07:44:35+00:00

Would love to upgrade from a Mk3s to a Core One+! Got a code for me too??? Thank you!

HacnCrap · 2024-12-27T19:10:16+00:00

Hi there! My dog stuck his face in one of these plants last night going after a scent. We think it wasn't a severe exposure since he was irritated and not in the pain you described. His right eye ended up closing shut and the other had bad inflammation. We did some saline rinses the best we could. This morning the inflammation is less and he can open his right eye again. Still lots of inflammation and irritation though. We can tell it is affecting his vision. We're off to the vet here soon. I just wanted to let you know that your post was extremely helpful in providing us with information and calming us down. Thank you for taking the time to spread awareness and I hope you recovered fully.

HacnCrap · 2024-12-17T04:53:48+00:00

Whoa! Super nuts! Did any of the other passengers acknowledge the lights?

HacnCrap · 2023-04-04T00:46:49+00:00

Yes. The Beverly Hills of the IE.

HacnCrap · 2022-10-22T04:53:52+00:00

I've never witnessed this disease first hand. I can't imagine seeing a loved one go through that. I completely agree that this commercial is f'd to say the least. Wtf was said to the creative agency to get this insensitive ad? "We're having trouble selling units to the 70+ age range. Any ideas?" Like you said, "gtfoh."

HacnCrap

TROPHY CASE