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Watertight Rak19007/3 Meshtastic Case w/ Switch

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0.2mm layer, 4 walls, 15% infill
0.2mm layer, 4 walls, 15% infill
Designer
11 h
3 plates
4.9(33)

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Description

This is designed as an attempt to be a watertight radio case for the RAK WisBlock 19007 and 19003 series Meshtastic radios starter kits (with 2000mah battery) with room for GPS board and antenna and an externally accessible power switch. I've attached the blend files, the stls and the 3mf file. There are two options for the cap, depending on the external antenna count. If using a square ceramic GPS antenna, there's plenty of room in the single external antenna design to adhere the gps to the cap.

I'm using 4 o-rings in this design, all 1/16th in diameter. One on the top for the cap, a smaller one around the port access at the bottom, and then two small ones (or one per antenna) to go around antenna threads under the washers.
UPDATE: There's an option now for printable TPU gaskets attached in the 11/14/24 update.

To install all of this, the battery goes into the internal frame upside down. The cable will go through the large opening in the frame, and against the slot side that the battery connector will be on. Use the screws included with the RAK starter kit to install your board, but don't hook up your power until you've attached your antenna(s). Use the recess on the side to place your bluetooth antenna (the one labeled BLE) and slide the antenna cable for it through the hole and plug it onto the board. There's a hex recess in the lid to capture the antenna mount. Secure your antenna mounts, install antennas, plug them onto your board and plug in the battery. Slide the whole thing into the case, aligning the internal frame grooves (they are two different sizes to prevent switch and charging port misalignment) with the case grooves The bluetooth antenna, if it's not adhered in place, likes to catch on the body when sliding in. Slot it all together and secure the cap with two m3 socket cap screws.

UPDATE: If using the battery switch, I used the SPDT Chonzon Micro switches available here: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09R3Y6MMN?ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_fed_asin_title.  Slot it into the hole in the base as pictured.  Cut your battery wire at a point where the battery is slid up a little bit in the frame, giving you room to work.  Once the switch is soldered, neither it nor the battery can leave this internal frame unless you break it out or desolder it.  Solder your battery to the central post.  You will most likely need a short stretch of thin gauge wire to patch from the switch, back to the wire attached to the plug.  Solder it to the left most plug as pictured, then install as described above. 

To install the Belt Clip: Use two m3 nuts inside the external shell, and use (2) m3 socket screws to tighten it in place.

When printing the case, the outer shell and upper lid will need supports. I use tree supports on the lid, but regular supports on the body and that works well. I print in PETG for higher durability outdoors.

Comments, questions, feedback welcome. I wouldn't submerge this case, but I'm pretty confident with it in just rain and outdoors moisture in general.

11/5/24 Update: 
 1) Move antenna ports slightly towards the wall.  A few antennas were rubbing on the board and this made room for them.
 2) Thickened the lid wall slightly.  Sometimes a print would be good, sometimes it would be too thin and have a hole.  Was most likely a printer issue but nonetheless.
 3) Added a corner to the internal grooves that the insert and the body align on.  This will ideally prevent misalignment of the USB port during assembly.

11/14/24 Update:
 Lot of big, positive changes on this one.  Don't forsee needing to update this again in the future unless a component goes missing or such.  

1) Added a lip to the middle of the internal frame, making it easier to pull it out.

2) Added a second option for the bottom charging cap, something a little more designed looking.  Less plain.

3) The internal groove didn't work as well I wanted, so I just widened it and now it forces a direction.

4) Added a place for an on/off switch in the internal frame and the case.  This is located near the charging port and can be accessed by removing the charging cap.

5) Added a belt clip.  Clip has recess on the backside to fit orings if desired.

6) The locking action of the charging cap was pretty rough in the first version.  Cleaned it up a lot.  It's much, much better now.

7.  Added an option for TPU gaskets, but Orings are still fine.

 

There are now:

  • 2 Lid options
    •  A. 1 external antenna
    •  B. 2 external antennas
  • 1 Internal option.  Can be used whether or not you use a switch.
  • 4 Body options.
    •  A. With belt clip holes, with on/off switch port.
    •  B. No belt clip holes, with on/off switch port.
    •  C. Belt clip holes, no On/Off switch port.
    •  D. No belt clip, no On/Off switch port.
  • 1 Belt clip.
  • 2 Charging caps.
    • Basic cap
    • Fancy cap (Not super fancy though.  Just looks like I tried.)
  • TPU Gasket options.



 

 

Comment & Rating (87)

(0/1000)

Nice design cudos! I have designed a new cap with neodium magnet (15x3mm) insert, can share the file if u like.
designer
3
Reply
That is a nice addition to this setup, please share!
0
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Did you end up sharing this anywhere?
0
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Nice and compact outdoor case for this board. I had to notch the inner portion to allow the battery cable but overall great.
The designer has replied
designer
2
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yeah I think that works. It can be done without doing that, but it's tight.
1
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what is the size of the battery
0
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Replying to @user_783403333 :
I believe its a 3000mah one
0
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By far one of my favorite Meshtastic radio cases, great work! I really like the tray insert with all the components. Only had blue TPU for the gaskets/seals. Gonna change that in the future.
(Edited)
The designer has replied
designer
1
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That one looks slick.
0
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what antennas are u using?
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Replying to @stripertwink :
Using The Stubby Antenna from : https://zbm2industries.com/products/mesh-stubby?variant=45259893833880 The other antenna is for GPS and I picked that up from Aliexpress.
0
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Print Profile
0.2mm layer, 4 walls, 15% infill
Printed OK but I have no idea where to source the proper o-ring so I gave up on it. It requires some hair thin o-rings that are not standard. Could you link to them?
The profile uploader has replied
0
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They're listed in the assembly manual for what O-ring it should be. #021 or something like that.
0
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Replying to @AuxArc :
It's been a while since I looked at this print and I see you added printable TPU gaskets, thats a game changer. Thank you! I'll print it again and try it with the gaskets.
0
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Replying to @AuxArc :
Is the assembly manual part of one of the downloads? I can't seem to find it.
0
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Boosted
what battery should i use? 😟
The designer has replied
1
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I use the 2000mah flat batteries. make sure polarity is right before you plug it in.
1
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Boosted
Replying to @AuxArc :
unfortunatelly that does not supply to Czech republic. and i had quite issue to find something similar. 1200mAh battery from different vendor with 10mm thickness.
0
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Boosted
love the compact design. printed in ABS (right) and polymaker PA6-CF20 (left) the Nylon was a little tricky but not bad. Used the battery connectors so I could replace the battery without replacing or reconnecting the switch. all in all very happy with it.
designer
2
Reply
Great looking little case, printed beautifully and only had a little cleanup to do that was likely my printer settings. The twisting cap is just a snug fit and needing a small amount of sanding to fit. Waiting on my RAK19003 and battery! I think this will become my daily driver.
designer
2
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Look at how cool these look. What a great design.
1
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Is that antenna in your pocket or are you just happy to see me! I have a helical ext ant on my setup and it slighty better that the one provided by RAK, very slightly. how does your preform?
0
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I added a Loop to the belt clip in case I want a lanyard or to hang it up somewhere.
1
Reply
Boosted
Print Profile
0.2mm layer, 4 walls, 15% infill
I haven’t finished assembly but I just wanted to say that this model is really great. it looks amazing and everything is straight forward and easy to put together. I printed the body and top cap with BambuLab PETG-CF and the clip and bottom peice with BambuLab PETG-HF. For final assembly I’ll probably put a small bead of caulk or gasket maker to really seal it up as I’ll be wearing this unit on my belt when out in the woods rain or shine. Thank you and cheers 🍻
profile
1
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