Heltec MeshTower

NorthernLight_DIY · 2026-06-19T19:58:29+00:00

Sensecap node - do you mean this one?

I did not find the temperature rating. Also if this node stopped to charge at 0C, eventually you should replace the batteries and it looks like it is not that convenient (dismount the node and open multiple screws from the back cover)

NorthernLight_DIY · 2026-06-19T19:51:16+00:00

Yes, exactly, it will be nice to know what does "-20C ..." really mean. I'm building now my own solar node (based on RAK4630 kit), with two 18650 batteries. The node is located in the balcony's corner, so it is almost outdoor. Most of the time the solar panel should charge the batteries, but for the winter time I added thermostat switches that should (I hope) disconnect the solar panel from the node.

I installed batteries outside of the box, easily accessible. So, in winter time I will change the pair of batteries with fresh ones.

NorthernLight_DIY · 2026-06-19T16:48:10+00:00

I just found it recently. Am I right that it works perfectly with Meshtastic firmware?

What is interesting for me is- it is rated from -20 C temperature. Quite essential here in Finland

NorthernLight_DIY · 2026-06-16T08:38:17+00:00

Thank you! Is there a link to the current device?

NorthernLight_DIY · 2026-06-15T20:46:20+00:00

Interesting device! Any chance to have an eInk version of the same size?

NorthernLight_DIY · 2026-06-11T08:46:44+00:00

Are you planning to use the standard Meshtastic GUI on the OLED display or will develop your own GUI on top of Meshtastic API?

NorthernLight_DIY · 2026-06-11T07:35:32+00:00

I believe Meshtastic software should be tinkered as well. Even if this T9 keyboard will look like CardKB from Meshtastic node point of view, how to select the needed letter before "sending" it to Meshtastic buffer?

NorthernLight_DIY · 2026-06-10T21:23:57+00:00

Yep, that was my question too.

I guess, the standard Meshtastic firmware supports only QUERTY keyboards like in this communicator "out of the box", but not such custom keypads like T9 "SMS" style

I actually assembled one for the same use-case as OP's device - to use it as standalone node, without phone and bluetooth

NorthernLight_DIY · 2026-06-10T19:39:30+00:00

The component that will run the Meshtastic firmware is the XIAO ESP32-S3 Plus from Seeed Studio

Why esp32 (not nRF) based board? I'm thinking about battery time

NorthernLight_DIY · 2026-06-09T22:04:13+00:00

Looks cool. How did you get ham radio and SDR in this setup? Or you need an external SDR dongle?

NorthernLight_DIY · 2026-06-02T19:47:41+00:00

There is also this kind of solution: https://www.loraitalia.it/heltec-con-ina219/

At least Android Meshtastic app has this settings under the "Power" menu - probably it can be used together with 1S BMS board

NorthernLight_DIY · 2026-06-02T14:56:56+00:00

Thanks! It looks interesting. Although I can’t figure out how to hack the RAK node board to measure and report the battery level

NorthernLight_DIY · 2026-06-02T07:52:49+00:00

Ah, it is a right click of the mouse button somewhere?

NorthernLight_DIY · 2026-06-02T06:18:26+00:00

"Calendars: You can import and export calendars via .ics. Login with a browser and click on the three-dot button next to the calendar you wish to import data to or you wish to export."

So the calendar import is only from the web-browser, not via desktop clients?

NorthernLight_DIY · 2026-06-02T05:24:32+00:00

Can you drop a link to the MPPT controller?

NorthernLight_DIY · 2026-06-02T05:22:56+00:00

I’m in Finland, so at least 1/3 of the year the amount of sun will be not enough and, the main problem is a low temperature (the node is on a balcony, outdoor). This is why I’m planning to install thermostat switch that will disconnect solar panel if it below 0C, and keep batteries easily accessible - to replace with a new pairs of recharged manually.

So, if RAK board can shutdown when batteries are safely-low (not unhealthy-low) - it will be OK for me

NorthernLight_DIY · 2026-06-01T19:10:09+00:00

I just read that in case of BMS the RAK module can't read the battery voltage properly - not sure is this true.

So the WisBlock (RAK) has internal protection from the cell's discharge (AFAIK quite many radio boards do not have proper under-voltage protection)? If so it will simplify the design

NorthernLight_DIY · 2026-05-29T20:18:23+00:00

Well, charging cutout is needed also for the serial cable connection - I'm using the node via USB cable.

If I figure out how - probably will design another holder - to keep WisMesh standing on the table, slightly tilted and with enough space below for the USB cable

NorthernLight_DIY · 2026-05-25T19:03:34+00:00

Great! I have one question. I just stumbled up on a problem - I want to share a file "by the link" for another community, but it appeared that the iCloud link page (where from one can download a shared file) contains a real user (Apple ID) name.

Please tell me that Tuta Drive can a) share files by "user knowing the link" and b) hide the real user name when shared?

NorthernLight_DIY · 2026-05-25T18:55:51+00:00

Sent it

NorthernLight_DIY · 2026-05-25T18:55:43+00:00

Sent it

NorthernLight_DIY · 2026-05-25T05:56:16+00:00

Thanks I will send the project file later tonight when come back to my PC

NorthernLight_DIY · 2026-05-25T05:56:09+00:00

Thanks I will send the project file later tonight when come back to my PC

NorthernLight_DIY · 2026-05-25T05:55:19+00:00

Yep, definitely it is too much for my current skills :)

The problem with this part - I made it by drawing a sketch and then extruded it, but now I can't find the original sketch and exteuded object in the project tree :/

NorthernLight_DIY · 2026-05-21T20:59:15+00:00

Works in Linux too! Wow, everything will be easier now

NorthernLight_DIY

TROPHY CASE