Nibbler - The Smallest Meshtastic powered Node (probably)

The sibling of my wildly popular Bender case for the HeltecV3 is finally here. Nibbler is a tiny, portable, pocketable, HeltecV3 Meshtastic powered node available in two flavours, Nibbler Pocket and Nibbler Plus.
Nibbler Pocket uses an internal antenna for maximum pocket-ability while Nibbler plus has a full size SMA connector.
In this video I show how Nibbler is constructed and is assembled. Chapter markers are available:
02:18 Design and Construction
07:57 Nibbler Pocket Assembly
14:30 Nibbler Plus Assembly
21:47 Availability, Pricing & Thank you!
Nibbler is available to buy as a kit with various option from my website below, you simply add your HeltecV3 and battery.
zerofox3d.com/...
Learn more about Meshtastic with this great video from Lewis at Ringway Manchester:
• The Idiots Guide To Me...
Also checkout these other channels making great content about Meshtastic:
/ @andykirby
/ @ringwaymanchester
/ @the_comms_channel
/ @techmindsofficial
/ @radioprepper
/ @wearempowered247

[@gra2121]

Just bought two benders today after watching Ringway Manchester. Looking forward in receiving my package.

[@HughRoper]

Awesome! Exactly what I’ve been looking for.

[@morgaj21]

Not only are these cases attractive they are extremely practical as well. A really well thought out design - my order is already in!

[@zerofox3d]

Thanks bud, shipping starts tomorrow for the early access customers!

[@slashsplat]

OK. Got my proper Heltecs (not the ones lacking LoRa)! Assembled the two Pockets and the two Plus's. Went together just like the video. I now realize I might decide to scrap the horizontal clips on the pockets as they take up a bit of pocket room when not in use. Will be interested to be able to order the plain backs and the filler. Thanks for a great product. The design and fit are excellent, and I cannot imagine the time it took to perfect each piece. My hat is off to you, Sir.

[@zerofox3d]

I’ll sort you out some backs Ira 👍

[@edwardfletcher7790]

​​@@zerofox3dIt's a very clever case design, but have you considered using the GoPro Hero battery format and making it swappable ?

[@zerofox3d]

@@edwardfletcher7790 Thanks! The issue is you need a battery and its matching holder with terminals. It’s generally impossible to find a holder for anything but the common tubular cell batteries like AA or 18650. Anything flat or a more useful efficient shape generally comes with a wire and random JST type connector (normally a non-original-knockoff JST) So we’re kind of stuck!

[@epikmero]

my bender arrived in such good packaging, i was blown away by the quality, i would 1000% recommend, im going to order a nibbler as well.

[@zerofox3d]

Thanks bud! Actually switching to new, smaller boxes for single Nibbler units, bit ore friendly to the environment! Hive wrap still doing the job of protecting them though :-)

[@rider275]

I am new to Meshtastic. I just purchased some of the items that you have for sale. Looking forward to getting the devices assembled. Thank you!

[@DavidStansfield-xs8ch]

I’ve just built my Nibbler+ my new battery was flat but soon charged and ready for testing. Great design and quality.

[@zerofox3d]

Thanks David!

[@FastAsFunk]

Just built my Nibbler Plus. Great service from Chris and what a lovely design. Furthermore, it's got even better fit and finish than the Bender which in itself was very good indeed. Another cracking product from Zerofox3D. Highly recommended 😎👍🏻

[@zerofox3d]

Thanks bud, it worked out really well in so many ways I haven't mentioned. Like the way it's centre of gravity is such that it will sit nicely on a desk just like Bender. I completely planned that of course!

[@ThePJN91]

Very pleased I discovered this! Was about to order a Bender but this is perfect for a device that spends most of its time in my pocket! Can't wait for it to arrive!

[@morgaj21]

Just assembled mine nd tomorrow I will be out for a walk/test - can't wait!

[@hemigod427]

What a crazy, amazing and innovative design! I knew i had to order one as soon as I received your first email about Nibbler. If you're not a Futurama fan then this is a crazy coincidence. 😝 I love that show. Amazing stuff good sir! i can't wait to receive my Nibbler Plus.

[@zerofox3d]

Thanks bud, I am really proud of this one, don’t tell Bender but it’s my favourite! I have a room sensor that looks like a Cyclops… named Leela 😉

[@KINGSTONSPRIDE]

Thanks for the belt clip option. A lot of these 3D printed cases don’t have it.

[@gr33nshoes]

Just got my Bender today in Germany (impressed by the packaging) and ordered two of these (plus and standard). Basically to be worn like a good old pager (which I actually still do, as a volunteer firefighter).

[@zerofox3d]

Glad it arrived safely! Nibbler is a level above Bender, you're going to love it I'm sure :D

[@AskIveSolar]

Commenting to support the video and channel. Cool stuff, really looking forward to how this tech and your cases continue to progress

[@nickmoss2356]

Great Design....Now I must decide which ones or get both!!!!

[@mandh14]

Good to see a new British company doing so well. Nice well thought out designs.

[@PCBWay]

That's IMPRESSIVE!

[@QuattroUK2011]

Love the video and case Chris! I have lots of different cases from various places for the Heltec V3 but the Bender is by far the best QUALITY case! I have no need for the Nibbler yet but I want one anyways!

[@SimonBurley]

Really cool and very clever 👍

[@sparkyprojects]

Just received my Nibbler, thanks, it's great Just for info, i managed to add a switch on the end with the usb, opposite to the battery My switch was about the same size but with ears for bolts Now i'm able to turn it off when not needed, and to safely change antennas for testing ;)

[@mark2w0jmk7]

The bender is great. Thank you. Now I can't wait for my Nibblr to arrive Mark 2w0jmk

[@apted]

Congratulations on the new design, looking forward to putting mine together when it arrives. Noticed you have changed the design of the ‘nut tool’ which is good as I found the one that came with the bender broke quite easily.

[@zerofox3d]

Thanks bud! As discovered by many the original was a torque wrench… 😆

[@OutpostH]

just ordered one 🙂

[@OH2023-cj9if]

Can't wait as this will go to work with me and not even be noticed on a city centre building!

[@techydude]

I love your channeling of Steve Jobs showing one of the new iPods (20 years ago?), pulling it out of his pocket after talking on stage for half an hour, nicely done :-) Looking forward to my package arriving soon.

[@zerofox3d]

I figured someone would get the tribute :D

[@techydude]

@@zerofox3d My two arrived today, thank you, started assembling them... but realised there's no on/off power switch?! 😱

[@zerofox3d]

@@techydude​​⁠The Heltec can be put into a “soft” off/sleep state by holding down the top button. No hardware power switch as in a device you likely charge everyday that has a 20+ hour battery life it’s really not needed. Add to that it would have increased size and manufacturing time… soldering Bender was a huge task 😝

[@techydude]

@@zerofox3d Ah, I didn't know about the soft-off, worked great overnight. Thanks!

[@zerofox3d]

@@techydude Neither did I when I designed a case with a switch I’d then have to solder 1000 times 😆 The physical switch is obviously better but the soft power down is fine for this type of case 😁

[@_MisterG]

... and I was just about to ask if the STLs are available - glad I watched to the end. As for the battery adaptors, I just bought two packs of each size with the idea of soldering them together. You could make a fortune just selling these!

[@zerofox3d]

The hardware kits are on the site now too so, not put up the battery cable separately yet as I don't want to cannibalise the stock for Nibbler. I'll see how it goes though because I think you are correct! Thanks for the order ;-)

[@letmelooktv]

Nice one, will be getting a Nibbler for sure. I already have the Bender. I reckon if you offered an "all you need" option. With the battery and the lora node people would snap them up. 😁

[@zerofox3d]

Thanks! I’ve had discussions with Heltec but the volume you need to order to get competitive or rather feasible pricing is eye watering sadly!

[@VapourTrailz]

Not going to make the early order on this I'm afraid, much as if dearly love one - Daughters 18th Birthday to fund😢😢😢 Am loving the bender though but would have preferred one of these.

[@zerofox3d]

Do they not get cheaper as they get older, my 5 year old is already expensive enough!?! What am I talking about, I have a wife and I know exactly what she costs me, damn!

[@amagicalpotato]

Just built my six Benders and four Nibblers. The craftsmanship that went into these goes way beyond hobbyist, I'm impressed. I do have one question about the Nibblers though; without the Bender's convenient on/off switch, and given the Nibbler's built-in rechargeable battery, is it possible to turn the Nibbler off when not in use? My mesh is intended to be used as a backup comms network for my friends, family, and a few people in my neighborhood when the power/grid goes down. In Florida, it's an annual concern to prep for. Should I just let my Nibblers' batteries drain to dead and then recharge them when it's time to hand them out and use them?

[@zerofox3d]

Thanks my Magical Potato friend! There is a secret many don’t know… hold down the top button to soft shut down the Heltec. It’s not fully “off” like a power switch that cuts the battery connection but it does use little power in that state.

[@irvingibarra15]

The STL of the vertical clip has a big block on it

[@zerofox3d]

That will be a support enforcer/blocker. If you read the release notes this is explained ;-)

[@seanyem]

Sticking with that Wirral Accent 😂 Mate, You do such a good good with these designs, They look incredible. Looking forward to my Bender arriving, I should have come get it since your down the road. I'll get a nibbler next money day! You think you'll do something for the RAK Boards or T-Beam. You design would be awesome on the T-Deck. All.the best mate! Sean (2E0SYA)

[@zerofox3d]

Cheers Sean. Your order is in the last 20 or so of Batch W. CQR in Moreton are making the cables as I type this. I'll see if I can make one myself for you today and will drop it round later if I can ;-) I have a draw full of other boards.....

[@seanyem]

@zerofox3d That would be awesome! I'm away in London for Friday! Was hoping take take it with me! I understand your sbowed understand. Did you get my messages on the mesh, I spotted your node at Alton Towers or somewhere near and dropped at message but wasn't sure you got it, My nodes or SYA & WLV

[@robd003]

Could you please design cases for the nRF boards which are much more power efficient?

[@zerofox3d]

I have WisBlocks here…. Will get to them!

[@sandroney]

Bender arrived on Monday, Nibbler arrived today and has already been assembled, I love them both! Excellent work Chris, Thank you. Quick question, if I wanted to swap the antenna on my Nibbler, would powering it down by holding the program button leave it in a safe state to do this ?

[@zerofox3d]

Honestly not 100% sure! I would think it sleep mode the lora chip wouldn’t be pushing anything to the antenna but I am guessing! What I will say is I’ve powered a Heltec up accidentally without an antenna countless times and have yet to see any consequences, not sure if that’s luck!

[@GmrsKissimmee]

Olá, você pode criar uma opção para que ao executar o Evil Portal você possa deixar a tela em hibernação para não desperdiçar bateria?

[@chandlertechnology]

Great video. Have benders, ordered these. Your design and printing skills are exemplary. I know how hard it is to get the printed pieces to fit so amazingly well. Job well done. Just wondering how you printed the captive nuts!!!

[@zerofox3d]

Thank you kind sir! Them nuts be A2 stainless steel... not forged by me lol

[@sparkyprojects]

I will be getting a nibler in due course Is there any way to add a switch ? I've got the bender with switch so i can change antennas if needed, as you said in the vid, you shouldn't power up with no antenna, i'm guessing you could change antennas while holding reser, but you might not want to connect an antenna straight away, and it's not easy to disconnect the battery for a simple task.

[@zerofox3d]

A switch would have meant soldering or having a more complex cable manufactured which just wasn’t feasible sadly. It also would have needed space and that is at a real premium here trust me! Also felt for this use case the switch wasn’t essential as I imagined it being like your phone, left on all the time and charged every night. The only potential place a switch could be added is in the Niblet. It would take some creative design and soldering but it’s possible. I’ll be publishing a STEP file for the Niblet so anyone can design one easily… feel free to have a crack 😃

[@sparkyprojects]

@@zerofox3d Thanks for the quick reply, i don't have a 3d printer, but i'll see what i can do once i get one ;) For my use case, i don't need 2 active nodes at home, so if i'm not using it i would want to turn it off.

[@UnknownUser-pf9rk]

What about a bottom plate with a 1/4" thread? I find those very useful when putting my devices on a tripod high up for testing and whatnot :)

[@zerofox3d]

Space is tight in the main body so it would be tricky, the Niblet on the end though is something that could be modified and customised. I’ll be posting a STEP file for it soon.

[@Sparks0001]

Looks really nice - I assume the Heltec V3 is not included? The web store is really not clear if it isn't!

[@zerofox3d]

Correct, you need to add the Heltec and Battery, I'll revise the description to make this clearer, thanks.

[@Sparks0001]

@@zerofox3d You might want to add an option to buy the Heltec as part of a package too, if you get enough demand, then people can buy a full working kit :) I have just ordered a Heltec from Amazon, as my first step into this!

[@zerofox3d]

@@Sparks0001 I’d love too but the order volumes Heltec ask for to get competitive discounts made my eyes water!

[@simondwyer9455]

Can you do a smaller case for the WisBlock? :)

[@zerofox3d]

Not yet but I do have a couple in a draw 😉

[@FreeavalonUrbanHomestead-gh5ob]

Where powered thru the usb does it charge the battery

[@zerofox3d]

Yes indeed!

[@FreeavalonUrbanHomestead-gh5ob]

@zerofox3d Thanks my nibbler should be here anyday now . My benders all up and running. Whats next

[@zerofox3d]

@@FreeavalonUrbanHomestead-gh5ob Still deciding! The Team is a car crash of a device design wise, loathed to make a case for it. The M5Stack keyboard is staring at me....

[@martinsmith2550]

just built my Nibbler Plus great bit of kit. Can you recomend a small amtenna to go with it my Paradar one is a bit long.

[@zerofox3d]

The small one I use is just a cheap jobby from eBay. I plan to try and source a small one I can provide as an option, for now Google/ebay is your friend 😉

[@martinsmith2550]

@@zerofox3d just found some on amazon.

[@FreeavalonUrbanHomestead-gh5ob]

The nibbler has landed😂

[@HarukiToreda]

Nice case, it would be nice if it had a power switch. An ESP32 without a power switch is not disaster ready proof since you will have to constantly charge it, even in deep sleep it will still drain the battery and if you're not careful it will be dead when you need it. To carry and charge daily it will work as is.

[@zerofox3d]

Thanks bud. Nibbler is designed to be daily carried and charged, you can power it down by holding the program button (top) too. My other case, Bender, has a power switch and has an easily swapped 18650 cell, more suitable as a "disaster node". I'd have liked to have put a physical switch on Nibbler too but space was at a premium and it further complicates production.... I've done a lot of soldering in the last few months lol

[@FastAsFunk]

The battery recommended by Zerofox3D also has built in BMS to stop over discharge.

[@HarukiToreda]

​@@FastAsFunk I am aware of that. The concern is ensuring the device is ready to use when needed. It will function if used and charged daily like a phone. However, without a power switch, you cannot store the device and be certain it remains charged unless you physically disconnect the battery. This device uses an ESP32, which will eventually run out of charge even in deep sleep mode without a power switch. Zerofox3D mentioned already it was more for daily use and not as disaster preparedness.

[@GamingKing545]

the heltec capsule sensor v3 might be the smallest rn idk

[@zerofox3d]

...when your battery life is measured in minutes rather than hours you don't qualify lol

[@madcarew5168]

Great stuff!!...recharging batt. In situ??

[@zerofox3d]

Thanks! ....and yes recharges via the USB and the battery has a PCM chip for an extra layer of protection.

[@UsefulClips]

It's very nice, but not the smallest by quite a bit.

[@zerofox3d]

I should have just said “best” and left it at that 😉

[@Woddy-bd7ns]

What is the range of that internal antenna vs an external ?

[@zerofox3d]

Difficult to say but I have reached a node a mile away with the internal antenna. External will always be superior of course!

[@plproductions8887]

Will there be an option to have a switch with this model?

[@zerofox3d]

No space! Plus you can just hold down the programme button to sleep the Heltec so the power switch isn't really needed (especially in a device you will likely charge each night like a phone)

[@over-engineered]

why no on/off switch?

[@zerofox3d]

Partly the lack of space, partly the added complication of production (soldering) and partly its not really needed in a device you will likely charge every night. Add to this you can hold down the top button on the Heltec to put it into a low power sleep mode. Adding it would have just made it over-engineered really 😉

[@JohnWilliams-fk7by]

On the bender if you power it thru the USB will it charge the battery.

[@zerofox3d]

It will indeed as long as the on/off switch is on the on position!

[@JuliansRandomProject]

TAKE MY MONEY!!! 💰💸 (love the banana for scale)

[@Ponyony]

No space for GPS module? :(

[@zerofox3d]

The logical thing for me to have done is design Nibbler so that a version could be made to fit the Heltec Tracker…. 😉