The Rak Wireless Solar Enclosure: Our Final Thoughts

[@darknetworld]

I guess it kit but people can customized as see fit. It depend what it job. People can modified it.

[@Moneypit_Adventures]

I plan on picking up one of these to try mounting to a drone for off grid coms during wheeling trips and such. How much does the full kit weigh?

[@edwardk3]

When it loses power from lack of sun will it automatically turn back on when there is power? Unscrewing the lid just to turn it on would mess it all up for many use cases

[@russellhltn1396]

What is the orientation of the antenna? If you lie the box flat, I'd expect the antenna to also be flat. That's going to affect range considering that most devices have the antenna vertical.

[@RavenwoodAcres]

The antenna is integrated on the board, and therefore, you're right the antenna orientation. I chose to just add an external antenna to increase the range. Thanks for the feedback.

[@bolle666]

Are there no versions with holes for external antennas?

[@RavenwoodAcres]

You can find some universal enclosure that pre-drilled hole. Most of those are design electrical contractors but can be adapted to make your own solar node.

[@bolle666]

@@RavenwoodAcres They used to have it: kzbin.info/www/bejne/bKaYp2mIiJmDY6M

[@djvincon]

Awesome. What about 5 of 10 dropped at some strategic points on route as a pre mission scout for an area you need extra nodes for a certain time. The small size for me makes them more to extend the battery life then for permanent installation.

[@RavenwoodAcres]

I agree they could definitely be useful the type scenarios you mentioned. Thanks for the feedback!

[@gunningopher]

If the panel isn't sufficient to keep it charged, why not include a USB charge port?

[@RavenwoodAcres]

I will be adding one to make it easier to recharge.

[@bolle666]

@@RavenwoodAcres What part will you use for that?

[@RavenwoodAcres]

@@bolle666 One of the biggest not having access to the USB-C is for firmware update and charging if they battery dies. In it current configuration have remove 8 screws to access the USB-C port.

[@kerbsidemotors9249]

Glad I didn't buy one, though it was too good to be true. Cheaper options or even a Mobile phone