My First Pocket-Sized Solar Node (nRF52840 + Ra-02) - The "Infinite Battery" Stealth Build
Just wanted to share my recently finished custom Meshtastic node. My main goal was to build a highly portable, screenless "stealth" client node that I can just toss in my bag or clip to my gear and completely forget about charging.
Here is the hardware breakdown:
-nRF52840 Pro Micro (Amazing power efficiency)
-RA-02 module (433 MHz)
-500mAh LiPo battery + 6x6cm Solar Panel (wired with a Schottky diode to prevent reverse current).
**Case:**Custom enclosure I modeled and printed in PETG on my Bambu Lab A1 mini.
Completely screenless to save power, just a single user button to wake up Bluetooth or send a NodeInfo/canned message.
With the nRF chip's efficiency and the solar panel topping it off during the day, the battery life is practically infinite.
I did a quick urban test (balcony to balcony) and managed to get around 500 meters of solid connection through dense concrete buildings and a very noisy 433MHz environment. Really looking forward to taking this out for a proper Line of Sight test to see if I can hit that 1-2 km mark.
Let me know what you guys think.