💥New 2024 Off-Grid Solar Meshtastic Build Video💥

The Comms Channel
31 Jan 202424:28

TLDRJoin the Comps Channel as we embark on building a solar node for off-grid locations, with a focus on deploying at high elevation ham radio towers. Learn about the transition from acrylic boards to custom PCB boards for a more professional look and ease of setup. Follow the step-by-step guide to assemble the solar node, including drilling for antenna mount, cutting holes for solar panels, soldering battery holders, and adhering components with waterproof seals. Discover tips for optimal solar charging and antenna configuration. This video is a must-watch for those eager to set up their meshtastic devices.

Takeaways

  • 💡 The video introduces a new off-grid solar meshtastic build project.
  • 🏡 Solar nodes are envisioned for remote locations and high elevation ham radio towers.
  • 🔋 The build uses 18650 batteries and addresses concerns about their use in certain environments.
  • 📦 Custom PCB boards are recommended over acrylic boards for a more professional look and ease of setup.
  • 🔧 The video provides detailed instructions on drilling holes for antenna mounts and solar panels.
  • 🔌 The assembly includes soldering battery holders and power cables to the battery holder.
  • 🔍 Accurate part sizing and selection is emphasized to avoid common ordering mistakes.
  • 🛠️ The use of 3M 5200 adhesive is recommended for securing the solar panel to the enclosure.
  • 🔄 The video discusses the difference between wiring batteries in parallel and series and the importance of correct polarity.
  • 🌞 The solar panel is mounted with consideration for optimal sun exposure using a calculator from sunsolar tilt.com.
  • 📱 The Whiz block is flashed with the latest meshtastic firmware and connected via Bluetooth for configuration.

Q & A

  • What is the main purpose of the solar node discussed in the video?

    -The main purpose of the solar node is to provide power for remote locations, such as local ham radio towers at high elevation, and for home use with a power over Ethernet build.

  • What is the significance of using custom PCB boards instead of acrylic boards?

    -Custom PCB boards are recommended for their professional look and ease of setup, requiring fewer parts to be purchased separately. They also offer a more streamlined and efficient design for mesh tastic devices.

  • How does the video creator plan to address the shortage of enclosures and mesh tastic starter kits?

    -The creator plans to offer custom PCB boards on Etsy as a replacement for the acrylic boards, and is considering a limited run of the acrylic plates on Etsy to meet the demand.

  • What is the process for drilling the hole for the antenna mount in the enclosure?

    -The process involves marking the spot on the top right side of the enclosure, using a ruler to align with the second ridge, and drilling with a 5/8 drill bit. The rough edges are then cleaned up with a deburring tool or a pocket knife.

  • How is the solar panel attached to the enclosure?

    -The solar panel is attached using 3M 5200 adhesive, after sanding the top of the enclosure door for better adhesion. The panel is placed on the enclosure and secured with heavy objects for 24 to 48 hours to let the adhesive cure.

  • What is the recommended way to solder the battery holders and power cable to the battery holder?

    -The positive side (red wire) is soldered first on the right side of the battery holder, followed by the negative side (black wire) on the left side. Multiple holders can be soldered together and then connected to the Whiz block.

  • How does the video creator ensure the correct orientation of the solar panel and its cables?

    -The creator ensures the correct orientation by making sure the side with the sticker and cable outputs is placed on the part of the enclosure with more surface area above the hole.

  • What is the difference between wiring batteries in parallel and in series?

    -Wiring batteries in parallel increases the capacity and total milliamp hours, while wiring in series increases the voltage. In this build, batteries are wired in parallel to increase battery life.

  • How is the Whiz block flashed with the latest version of mesh tastic?

    -The Whiz block is flashed by connecting it to a computer using a USB cable, opening a Chromium-based browser, navigating to Flasher mesh.org, selecting the target device and firmware version, and following the on-screen instructions.

  • What is the process for mounting the device outside after the adhesive has cured?

    -The process involves removing the grid plate, marking the positive and negative sides of the battery holder, inserting the batteries, and securing the device with screws. An external antenna is connected, and the device is mounted with a pole bracket adjusted for optimal sun exposure.

  • How does the video creator address a comment about the battery life of the build?

    -The creator acknowledges that the previous estimate of over 2 months of battery life might be slightly less due to the difficulty of reaching 100% solar charging with a large number of batteries. The creator plans to test this theory and report back.

Outlines

00:00

🌟 Introduction to Solar Node Project

The video begins with a welcome back to the comps Channel, where the host announces the commencement of a solar node project. The envisioned use for these solar nodes includes deployment at local ham radio towers at high elevations. The host also discusses a power over Ethernet build for home use and mentions an upcoming video on the topic. Concerns about 18650 batteries are addressed with a reference to a previous video. The host shares exciting news about transitioning from acrylic boards to custom PCB boards based on a viewer's suggestion, which will make the setup more professional and require fewer parts. The host also discusses plans to replace acrylic boards with PCB boards for those who have already ordered.

05:00

🛠️ Solar Node Construction and Parts

The host delves into the construction process of the solar node, starting with drilling a hole for the antenna mount. Detailed instructions are provided, including the importance of placement to avoid interference with solar and battery plugs. The host also discusses a problem with parts being out of stock on Amazon and offers a solution by listing the correct size options in the video. The process of cutting a hole for the solar panel is explained, with emphasis on safety and cleanliness. The host shares tips on using 3M 5200 adhesive for secure attachment of the solar panel and recommends allowing 24 to 48 hours for the adhesive to cure.

10:01

🔧 Soldering and Internal Assembly

The paragraph focuses on the internal assembly of the solar node, starting with soldering battery holders and power cables. The host provides a step-by-step guide on soldering the battery cable to the battery holder and emphasizes the importance of correct polarity. The assembly of multiple battery holders is also discussed, along with soldering the USB cable to the solar cable. The host then explains the process of mounting The Whiz block to a plate and flashing the latest version of meshtastic to it. The paragraph concludes with a reminder to allow the adhesive to cure before proceeding with the next steps.

15:03

🔋 Battery Wiring and Enclosure Preparation

This section discusses the difference between wiring batteries in parallel and series, highlighting the importance of choosing the correct method for the build. The host provides clear instructions on marking the positive and negative sides of the battery holders and the enclosure to avoid polarity issues. The process of inserting batteries into the holders and securing the plate to the enclosure is detailed. The host also talks about using an external antenna for better signal reception and mounting it properly. The paragraph concludes with a discussion on the enclosure's tilt angle for optimal sun exposure and how to calculate it using a website.

20:04

🌐 Final Assembly and Testing

The final paragraph covers the completion of the solar node assembly, including plugging in the solar wire, inserting batteries, and booting up the device. The host provides insights into using and configuring mesh tastic, encouraging viewers to explore the resources provided in previous videos for a comprehensive understanding. The host also acknowledges a comment from a viewer regarding the battery life of the build and promises to test and report back on this theory. The video concludes with a call to action for viewers to like, subscribe, and join the community for further engagement and sharing of their own builds.

Mindmap

Keywords

💡Off-Grid Solar

Off-Grid Solar refers to a system that generates electricity from solar power without being connected to a central electrical grid. In the context of the video, it is used to power a meshtastic node in remote locations, such as high elevation ham radio towers, where traditional power sources are not available or practical. The system is designed to be self-sufficient and environmentally friendly, harnessing the sun's energy to operate independently from conventional power networks.

💡Meshtastic

Meshtastic is a wireless communication protocol that allows devices to communicate with each other in a mesh network, extending the range of communication beyond the reach of a single device. In the video, the creator is building a node that operates on this protocol, enabling communication in areas without traditional network infrastructure. The node is designed to work seamlessly with other meshtastic devices to create a network that can relay messages over long distances.

💡Ham Radio

Ham Radio, also known as amateur radio, is a hobby where enthusiasts use radio equipment to communicate over long distances, often for fun or during emergencies when standard communication networks are down. In the video, the creator plans to deploy solar nodes at ham radio towers to enhance communication capabilities in remote areas. These nodes will be powered by solar energy, making them ideal for locations far from power sources.

💡Power over Ethernet

Power over Ethernet (PoE) is a technology that allows electrical devices to receive power through the same Ethernet cables that carry data. This simplifies the setup by reducing the need for separate power cables. In the video, the creator is working on a build that incorporates PoE, suggesting an interest in making the solar node more versatile and easier to deploy, as it can draw power from the same cables used for data transmission.

💡18650 Batteries

18650 Batteries are a common type of lithium-ion battery cell, often used in various electronic devices due to their high energy density and rechargeability. In the context of the video, these batteries are used to power the meshtastic node when solar charging is not possible, such as during nighttime or cloudy weather. The video also addresses concerns about the environmental impact of using these batteries and provides a link to a video that discusses this topic in more detail.

💡Custom PCB Boards

Custom Printed Circuit Boards (PCB) are boards that are designed and manufactured specifically for a particular electronic project or device. In the video, the creator receives a recommendation to use custom PCB boards instead of acrylic boards for the meshtastic device. This change is intended to make the devices more professional-looking, easier to set up, and potentially reduce the number of parts that need to be purchased separately.

💡Etsy Shop

Etsy is an e-commerce website focused on handmade or vintage items and craft supplies. In the video, the creator mentions their Etsy shop as a place where viewers can purchase acrylic boards and, potentially, the new custom PCB boards that are being considered for the meshtastic device. The shop serves as a platform for the creator to offer physical components related to their projects.

💡Enclosure

In the context of the video, an enclosure refers to the protective casing that houses the electronic components of the meshtastic node. It is designed to protect the internal parts from environmental factors such as weather and physical damage. The enclosure is also important for the aesthetic appeal of the device and is a key component in the build process described in the video.

💡Soldering

Soldering is a process of joining two or more metal components together by melting a filler metal (solder) into the joint. In the video, soldering is used to create secure connections between the battery holders, power cables, and other components of the meshtastic node. Proper soldering is crucial for the reliable operation of the device and to ensure that electrical connections are safe and efficient.

💡Whiz Block

The Whiz Block is a microcontroller board used in the video as the central processing unit for the meshtastic node. It is responsible for managing the device's operations, including communication over the mesh network and interfacing with other components such as the solar panel and battery. The Whiz Block is programmed with the meshtastic firmware, which enables its functionality within the mesh network.

💡Antennas

Antennas in the context of the video are devices used to transmit and receive radio frequency signals, which are essential for the operation of the meshtastic node. The video mentions two types of antennas: one for the lower radio frequency and another for Bluetooth communication. Proper antenna selection and placement are crucial for achieving optimal communication range and signal quality within the mesh network.

Highlights

The video introduces a new off-grid solar meshtastic build, aiming to set up solar nodes in remote locations such as local ham radio towers at high elevation.

The creator is working on a power over Ethernet build for home use, which will share many parts with the solar build.

Concerns about 18650 batteries are addressed with a dedicated video linked in the description, ensuring safety and environmental considerations.

A viewer from Switzerland recommended using custom PCB boards instead of acrylic, leading to a new direction in the project development.

The creator is considering offering custom PCB boards on Etsy to simplify the setup and professional appearance of meshtastic devices, reducing the number of required parts.

Existing customers who ordered acrylic boards will receive new PCB boards as a replacement for free to accommodate the change.

A poll is created to gauge interest in a limited run of acrylic plates on Etsy due to high demand.

The video provides detailed instructions on drilling a hole for the antenna mount, emphasizing the importance of correct placement to avoid interference.

A step-by-step guide is given for cutting a hole for the solar panel to fit, including measurements and safety precautions.

The use of 3M 5200 adhesive is recommended by sailors for securing the solar panel, ensuring a strong and durable bond.

The video explains the process of soldering battery holders and power cables, including tips for proper polarity orientation and assembly.

Instructions for flashing the latest version of meshtastic to The Whiz block are provided, along with the necessary hardware and software requirements.

The importance of allowing the adhesive to cure for 24 to 48 hours before proceeding is emphasized for optimal results.

The video discusses the difference between wiring batteries in parallel for increased capacity and in series for increased voltage, with a focus on the correct method for this build.

The process of mounting the device outside, including the use of an external antenna and the assembly of the pole bracket, is thoroughly explained.

The creator acknowledges a slight correction to a previous claim about battery life, demonstrating transparency and commitment to accurate information.

The video encourages viewers to adjust the build to fit their needs and share their own creations in the community, fostering a collaborative and innovative environment.

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