Converting a Solar Light to a Meshtastic Node

[@lewdutoit7630]

👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼 good work and clever recycling

[@domino2205]

I really like the package you adapted, can you give more info as to make and model? There are other things similar but I really like what you did here

[@RobCanada]

I built similar here in the UK and it's been rock solid and hasn't;t dropped below 85%, the RAK boards are seriously impressive on low power.

[@14percentviking]

I'm in the UK and desperate to build a solar node. do you have a parts list or a video?

[@plam600]

Damn you beat me to it! I was in bunnings the other day and saw those arlec units with the same idea in mind. Ive just built 2 repeaters the same way. The only difference was a 3d printed custom housing that attaches via the existing hinge mounts with waterproof cable tunnels similar to the arlec design. I'll upload the design and link here when I get a chance. I was concerned about the panel size and battery capacity so I'm glad the hear they stand up OK! Nice work.

[@kenneth6731]

What is the benefit of a node over a repeater? In a small isolated group of three devices communicating, which would go on the mast?

[@justOffgrid-ph7uo]

Wow thanks for this..... Simple lovely 👊🌞🔋

[@ingmarm8858]

G'day did you check the maximum no or low load voltage of the solar panel? That Wisblock board has a 5.5v max input on the "solar" connector doesn't it? Nice conversion, I was looking at those lights last weekend for the exact same reason :-)

[@captmulch1]

I’ll get a node online in South Lismore in the next week.

[@1200cjh]

What mapping program do you use to work out your coverage?

[@m1geo]

Looks like 'Radio Mobile' by VE2DBE

[@horseperson195]

Nice! I’m from the central west and am planning on setting up a network around the orana area 👍🏼 any tips would be appreciated 😁

[@0sk_]

Nice work

[@Freedomfortruth90]

Want to get this up and running in Coffs Harbour

[@seanudal]

What antenna did you use?

[@dacian.vladimirescu]

what hardware for 444 mhz ?

[@Tore_Lund]

10 solar cells in series? that is perfect voltage for the Wisblock's inbuilt solar controller! Very nice spotted. Lidl or where did you get it?

[@mrbc42x]

Nice work again! Where is that antenna from Matt?

[@mattrixon]

Thanks! I purchased the antenna locally, but I imagine you could find it on AliExpress too: core-electronics.com.au/915mhz-lora-antenna-rp-sma-1-2-wave-2dbi.html

[@edwardfletcher7790]

​​​@@mattrixonHey mate, love what you're doing with LoRa & Meshtastic, but the music makes it REALLY difficult to enjoy watching your videos. Also have you considered starting a separate channel for these projects or mebbe a weather sub channel ? It's annoying how expensive the WisBlock is when an ESP based LoRa module is $25 😡 Are you messing around with Quansheng UVK5's too ?

[@AlvinMcManus]

A link to the light would have been appreciated! Still it is a good video.

[@arnenl1575]

The 5 W claim on the box is for the led, not the solar panel.

[@xwarmangle]

nice job!

[@GoatZilla]

that's a nice view

[@chriscowally]

Just ordered the wis block kit

[@edwardfletcher7790]

Have you found them below US$45 ? It really annoys me they're 3x the price of a Heltec !

[@chriscowally]

@@edwardfletcher7790 No if all goes well with wisblock I will get a Heltec

[@BDBee81]

Hey now, now, now, now baby I'm beginning to see the light One more time There are problems in these times But ooh, none of them are mine Oh baby, I'm beginning to see the light

[@pnowikow]

Genius. I'm copying this

[@MyTube4Utoo]

Very cool.

[@DavidCase-ov5uo]

Nice music but what is the video about????????

[@BDBee81]

>8-D

[@ricdonato4328]

Mount the camera. Bouncy camera movement very quickly became extremely annoying. Also, not fond of your choice of background music, we turned it off.

[@robmillle]

Couldn't agree more about the music