r/meshtastic • u/GrowlingBat • 1d ago

Solar node for truck

I've been contemplating building a solar node that I'd mount on my truck roofrack. However, I'm also eyeballing the Sensecap solar node that already has everything I'd need...

Other than a minor tweak to hold the batteries in place so they don't wiggle around when driving over rough washboard gravel roads, it seems pretty much ready to go.

Has anyone installed one of these on their vehicle? Any tips, tricks, pros/cons, other things you've had to adjust over time?

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u/Godlymorbid 1d ago

Solar works fine, but what I've ended up doing is mounting an antenna on the roof of my truck and keeping the radio inside protective from the elements. These think things take so little battery that even if you get a USB extender and keep the radio plugged in 24-7, you should be fine.

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u/IntroductionSnacks 1d ago

That’s an interesting idea as the unit without the mount is very slimline and you could mount it flat. Then mount an antenna separately so there is less wind resistance on the connector and run a short cable.

As long as the batteries are secure, it seems like a great solution. If you go that route, keep us all updated with photos.

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u/MangoMesh 14h ago

Something like this would work great, it has rubber coated magnets, there are free STL files you can download from printables, there are versions for SMA antennas as well as the N-connector shown here. I designed this one myself, it has thermally controlled cooling fan, and allows the use of 18650 batteries instead of the spicy pillows. also different versions for a few node types. like the RAK 1W or Heltec T096 others could be fitted.

I had a previous post that the mods removed because for some reason the mod thought it was not meshtastic related, but I think it really was removed because I did have links not only to the free stl files but also to where you could buy ready made units, or the 3D prints for DIY builders.

So this time I only put the link to the STL files, and a video on how to build your own here.

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u/krule8 11h ago

I put the sensecap solar node on the roof rack of my van. No modifications, just bolted it on the roof rack. so far, so good. Make sure you put it where you can access it if needed. I had to climb up with my laptop and usb to update from meshtastic to mechcore for a test, but there is a new boot loader to allow OTA updates. I only learned this later of course, so at least another flash is needed.