DIY Meshtastic Solar Node

MESH-S

DIY • Solar • Mesh Node
DIY reference design and documentation for makers and hobbyists.
MESH-S DIY solar mesh node reference design
DIY overview

DIY reference for outdoor mesh experiments

01

Solar power example

Example setup for solar energy harvesting in DIY contexts.

02

Winter experiment notes

Telemetry samples from low-light conditions.

03

ASA enclosure concept

Printed housing example for outdoor use; results may vary.

04

Modular DIY platform

Field-friendly layout with replaceable core modules; self-assembly required.

Telemetry

Telemetry snapshot

Example Home Assistant telemetry from DIY experiments.

Charge current
Battery voltage
Days without sun
Charge current
HA history export
Charge current over time
Battery level
HA history export
Battery level over time
Field notes

Winter behavior observations

Example higher battery capacity
Conservative power profile
Observed in diffuse light
No moving parts
Cold & moisture considerations
Field photo
Sub-zero morning
MESH-S node outdoors in sub-zero morning with condensation
Temperature
Winter week sample
Temperature during winter week
Reference layout

Illustrative internal layout

MESH-S illustrative internal layout (reference design)
Custom parts
Reference configuration showing only the parts modeled and printed for MESH-S. Off-the-shelf components are intentionally omitted.
ASA enclosure
ASA enclosure
UV-stable printed housing
Mounting lid
Mounting lid
Round & rectangular mounting example
Spacer plate
Spacer plate
Electronics mounting interface
Silica compartment
Silica compartment
Humidity control insert
Reference build

Reference configuration in 6 views

View 01 – power core layout

Power core layout

Reference placement of the MPPT controller and main node board on the spacer plate; layout can be adapted.

View 02 – battery pack positioning

Battery pack positioning

Example location for the 4×18650 battery pack with cable routing shown for reference.

View 03 – RF path routing example

RF path routing

Illustrative routing of the RF path (U.FL → N-Type) prior to closing the enclosure.

View 04 – sealing concept

Sealing concept

Reference gasket placement and enclosure closure for weather exposure considerations.

View 05 – system check reference

System check (reference)

Example checklist items for power checks, node startup, and LoRa mesh connectivity.

View 06 – outdoor mounting context

Outdoor mounting context

Reference deployment context for DIY builds; assembly, wiring, and commissioning are completed by the builder.

Protection

Moisture considerations

Sealed layout concept

No external interfaces

The enclosure example uses no external service ports or connectors. Access to electronics is only possible by opening the housing, reducing potential ingress points for moisture.

Silicone gasket

Full perimeter sealing

A continuous silicone gasket can help seal the enclosure halves, aiming to reduce exposure to rain, splashes, and humidity.

Pressure equalization vent

Membrane-based breathing

A pressure equalization membrane is intended to balance internal pressure changes caused by temperature fluctuations while aiming to limit moisture ingress.

Silica gel compartment

Passive humidity control

An internal silica gel compartment can capture residual moisture, helping limit condensation in DIY outdoor experiments.

Installation

Mounting options for DIY builds

Quick-release mounting mechanism

Universal mounting system

Modular attachment interface

The mounting lid is presented as a universal attachment concept, showing how a DIY build could be installed on a range of structures without adapters or enclosure modifications.

Round structures

10 mm – 60 mm diameter

Example compatibility with vertical and horizontal poles with diameters from 10 mm to 60 mm. Two mounting hole offsets show possible positioning, enabling the use of cable ties or metal clamps.

Rectangular profiles

10×10 mm – 60×60 mm

An integrated profile geometry illustrates mounting on rectangular structures such as aluminum profiles and frames from 10×10 mm up to 60×60 mm.

Quick-release bracket

Optional accessory

A dedicated quick-release bracket example shows a mechanical latch system. Two release levers disengage four locking pins, enabling fast removal without tools or enclosure disassembly.

Magnetic mounting option

Optional configuration

The bracket can be paired with optional high-strength magnets (up to Ø56 mm) for temporary installation on metal structures while keeping the node removable.

DIY

Bill of materials for one DIY node

Technical reference list of components for one MESH-S DIY build.

Component Quantity Notes / Specs Photo
1 XIAO nRF52840 & Wio-SX1262 1
2 Solar panel 1 5 V / 2.7 W (118×173 mm)
3 MPPT charge controller 1 CN3065
4 U.FL → N-Type coax 1 RG178 (≥150 mm)
5 18650 battery holder 1 4-slot
6 ALFA 868 MHz antenna 1 5 dBi
7 18650 Li-Ion cells 4 pcs
8 M3×12 screws 18 pcs cylinder head
9 M3 brass threaded inserts 18 pcs brass
10 Self-tapping screws 2×10 17 pcs hex head
11 Amphenol pressure equalization vent 1 Ø12 mm
12 Silicone gasket 1174 mm Ø 2 mm
13 Sikaflex 554 ~1–2 mm layer
14 Silicone sealant as required
15 Silica gel as required
16 ASA filament (3D print) 242 g 2 colors

The listed components represent one possible example configuration.

No claim is made regarding completeness, correctness or suitability for a specific purpose.

All components are intended for self-assembly. Assembly, wiring and commissioning are the responsibility of the builder.