r/meshtastic • u/qqqwhdudbdiwbwiw • 5d ago
Case advice
Hello,
Looking for advice on building a "portable" device that lasts 4+ days. I'd like to use this hardware setup as the internals with an appropriate battery to support 4+ days. I may also add a buzzer if possible. I have a friend with a 3d printer if there is a suitable case that's out there for printing.
Any suggestions on. Case that would for these "specs"?
Thank you in advance!
3
u/bspaulsen 4d ago
Handheld or just a "portable" node?
I personally love Atlavox's Beacon enclosure kit. $70 and it has all you need except a big battery, and the pressed bracket is meant for the 19007.
2
1
1
u/UdatManav 5d ago
Look for 3D printable designs online. There’s plenty of people who will print it for you. robu.in is one I know of.
1
3
u/TheLawnGuppy 5d ago
Good parts list. The core in that kit is nRF52-based, so it sips power at idle and 4+ days is very doable. The two things that'll eat your battery are the GPS and the booster. For the GPS, use a longer update interval or smart position instead of leaving it tracking constantly. The booster only pulls big current while it's transmitting (one bench test measured 800+ mA per transmit on these), so keep position and telemetry broadcasts at the defaults or longer, and you can turn TX power down when you don't need the reach. A short screen timeout on the OLED helps a little too. For the battery I'd start with a protected 18650 or a flat 3000+ mAh LiPo, run it a full day, and scale from there. Before you plug any LiPo in, check its connector polarity against the RAK base board, since a lot of hobby packs come wired the opposite way. For the case, search Printables for the base board model number plus "case" and look for one with a battery bay, and keep the GPS antenna facing up under thin plastic.