6W Solar Mesh Node /w Magnetic Mount

Versatile mesh node based on the soshine 6w panel. Can be used with magnets, screws or zipties to mount it. Designed to be a meshcore repeater, but can be used to power any mesh radio. Intended to be used with lipo batteries, but 18650s should fit if necessary. Magnets are very strong and can easily support the weight in varied conditions.

Shopping List & Parts:

Solar Panel - https://amzn.to/4qb3n7l
Rak 4631/19007 - https://amzn.to/3Ys2x9T

Battery - https://amzn.to/3N8aQ8A

Silicone Tubing & Sealant - https://amzn.to/4qyHDlw & https://amzn.to/3Njyoap

M3 heat inserts - https://amzn.to/4qMjwzX
SMA extended bulk head mount - https://amzn.to/450927x

M3 & M5 nuts and bolts - https://amzn.to/3LnzVf5

Magnets (optional) - https://amzn.to/4pqYypa

Alfa Antenna & Adapter (optional) - https://amzn.to/49nyjtI & https://amzn.to/4b65N2r

INA219 (Optional) - https://amzn.to/3N8b53u

Assembly Notes:

I highly recommend not printing this in PLA, you might be able to get away with PETG, but I would recommend PETG-CF at a minimum. Ideally, it would be printed in PET-CF, ASA, or ABS. I recommend hitting it with a code of spray paint regardless of what you print it in for added protection.

I recommend mounting it so the SMA bulk head is pointing down, but as long as you put sealant on it, you can get away with doing it upright and using a smaller bulk head extension. The node is designed to be used with SMA antennas, but you can use an adapter to attach a N-type antenna.

External charge controller is not strictly necessary, but highly recommended since the built in RAK charge controller can only handle a max of .18A and the board maxes out at aroung .5-.6A (a bit less than the advertised 1A).

INA219 can be added for additional solar telemetry. 

Completed node:

Magnets are designed to be installed using the hardware they come with. Screw should pass through and be secured with the nut and then the magnets attached tot he screws.

Mount arm should be secured to the lid using a generous amount of CA glue. 

When attaching the main body to the panel apply silicone in multiple circles on the back, and then place and additional bead inside the body around the box since this is the main ingress point for water.