MeshCore / Meshtastic Baum Solar Repeater
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Description
This project was created with the aim of developing an extremely compact and as inconspicuous as possible solar repeater for MeshCore / Meshtastic that can be permanently operated elevated in trees. The MakerWorld-user OhmsLoL coined the term "Treepeater" — a combination of Tree and Repeater — with similar solar-powered tree repeater designs. Examples include the MeshCore Solar Treepeater V3 and Treepeater V4
The design is specifically made to be pulled over a branch with a thin cord or rope and then secured high in the tree. Thanks to its compact design, low weight, and black PETG housing, the repeater remains surprisingly inconspicuous even at low heights
The triangular construction uses vertically arranged solar cells distributed around the housing. This allows energy to be generated even in diffuse light, changing sun positions, or partially shaded locations. The goal was to achieve the most reliable power supply possible under real outdoor conditions — not just with optimal south-facing orientation
Technical Basis
- Seeed Studio XIAO nRF52840
- Wio-SX1262 LoRa module
- Support for:
- MeshCore
- Meshtastic
- 2× 18650 Li-Ion batteries
- CN3791 MPPT Solar Charge Controller
- External 868 MHz antenna
- routed downwards
- approx 20 cm vertically below the housing
- 3× Solar cells
- each 110 × 60 mm
- arranged vertically in a triangular shape
- Each solar cell individually protected by Schottky diode
- Type: 1N5817
Housing & Construction
- Total weight including electronics: approx 355 g
- Triangular, vertical design
- Housing made of black PETG
- Very compact and optimized for elevated mounting points
- Maintenance-friendly internal structure:
- complete electronics accessible via pull-out "drawer"
- Rainproof ventilation openings on bottom and top parts
- Back-ventilated solar cells with approx 4 mm air gap for temperature reduction
- Integrated 18650 holder as a remix of an existing design:
Hardware Bill of Materials
- 1x XIAO nRF52840 & Wio-SX1262 Kit (Seeedstudio)
- 1x CN3791 Solar Charge Controller Board MPPT (Amazon)
- 2x 3.7 V 18650 3800 mAh Lithium Battery (Aliexpress)
- 1x 868MHz LoRa Antenna Omni-Directional 3dbi + 15cm IPEX (Amazon)
- 3x Solar cell 110x60mm 6v 166mAh (Aliexpress)
- 30cm thin copper wire for the 18650 battery holder contacts
- 2x JST-PH 2.0 connector (Amazon)
Assembly Instructions
- Printed with black PETG
- The insert was fixed with a small, self-tapping screw (Amazon)
- On the back of each solar cell, a Schottky diode 1N5817 and corresponding cables were soldered and secured / sealed with UV glue + liquid rubber (see pictures)
Diagram for parallel connection of solar cells (Source: https://www.mpptsolar.com/en/solarmodule-parallel-schalten.html )
License
You may create derivative works based on this object, provided that all such derivative works are published exclusively on the MakerWorld platform and include proper attribution to the original creator. You may not share, upload, host, distribute, or publish this object—or any derivative work of this object—on any other digital platform, marketplace, or distribution channel. Commercial use of this object and any derivative works is strictly prohibited. This includes, but is not limited to, selling, renting, sublicensing, or using the object in any context in which you receive monetary compensation or other financial benefits.
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