- Published on
I guess the name is a work in progress. It doesn't exactly roll off the tongue.
Version 1, as it were
Version 1, as it were
I started tinkering with the idea of making my own nodes for Meshtastic as soon as I got my hands on my first handheld device. I needed to combine multiple things to make this work. A great idea I quickly came up with was the bird box Meshtastic node. Combining elevation and stealth, it seemed simply perfect for a Meshtastic node.
I had already made my first prototype before I even considered that I probably should have researched this. Turns out I was obviously not the first to think of it, but I digress. I still went through with making my own version.
The vision
The vision is simple. I need the nodes to be as high up as possible to provide greater coverage for the radio inside. Trees seemed like the obvious solution, as they can be found almost anywhere and, of course, they're tall too.
The idea was to combine elevation with a little bit of stealth. Rather than simply mounting a radio and solar panel to a tree, why not put the whole thing inside something that looks perfectly at home there?
A bird box seemed like the perfect solution. It provides a convenient enclosure, can be mounted high up in a tree, and doesn't immediately draw attention. And, of course, there's something rather satisfying about the idea of a Meshtastic node living in symbiosis with nature.
Simply perfect.
First deployment
The first version of this solar node was mostly meant for testing. I had not yet received any of the parts I had ordered to actually build these things, so I made do with what I could gather from the nearby area while waiting for my order to arrive.
The solar panel, originally meant for a security camera, was placed right on top of the bird box. Inside, I placed one of my handheld radios in a waterproof box. The solar panel has a USB-C port, so I simply plugged that into the handheld.
That was it. Nothing fancy. But would it work?
I climbed a tree at the top of a nearby hill and left it there, facing south.
Main concerns
My main concern, and also the reason I had to get out there and do some testing on my own, was simply this: Would the panel be enough to keep the device charged?
I could read all I wanted to online, but theory only gets you so far. The general consensus online seemed to be that the device might struggle a bit, but my experience was actually the opposite.
I didn't actually save the data from my testing at the time, which, in hindsight, I definitely should have done. However, I can share a screenshot of similar results that I later acquired while doing similar testing with another device.
Later revisions
The Oversized One
The Oversized One
Not stealthy, and not necessary. This one was never deployed, because it would simply defeat the purpose of my initial vision.
It looked silly. It was not a bird box with a solar panel. It was a solar panel with a bird box.
The Revised One
The Revised One
While it doesn't look perfect (I mean, it's a prototype. What would you expect?) This is still the design that I think I will choose to refine if I ever end up making many more of these bird box nodes.
It is simple and efficient. It avoids unnecessary complexity while remaining functional and true to its purpose.
There is no large external antenna on this version, but in a final version I might add one for greater range. For now, this version will have a small antenna inside the junction box to transmit and receive over shorter distances.
Parts list for The Revised One:
1x Heltec T114 with default antenna
1x CN3791 Charge module with MPPT
1x ~5V solar panel (actual output unknown)
3x 18650 3.7V Batteries
1x battery holder for 3x18650 3.7V batteries
1x waterproof box
1x bird box
+ a few screws and glue to hold it together
Final thoughts
These nodes should be placed as high up in trees as possible, preferably on the south-facing side for maximum sun exposure. Removing a few branches might be necessary to improve exposure to the sun, but remember that some branches can also help protect the node from rain, snow, and wind (as well as from people).
Not many people will be paying attention to the treetops anyway. But should someone spot the node, it won't look particularly suspicious with this final design.
- Published on
Now I am currently writing a test blog post. This will be likely be removed in the near future. Thank you for reading.
Here is a map of New York for some reason.