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VK3DEL

4 days ago

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Repeater Build – Part 2

MeshCore Repeater Build – Part 2

All links to the components used in this build will be below.

Sorry for the delay been so busy the last few weeks.

Repeater named ACMA's Favourite Node

Thought I'd post another update on the MeshCore repeater build, as it's now pretty much where I want it.

After some testing, I decided to increase the enclosure size from 150 × 100 × 70 mm to 150 × 150 × 90 mm. While the original enclosure worked, it became a bit cramped once I added everything I wanted.

The larger enclosure now comfortably houses:

RAK 1 Watt MeshCore node
Three 18650 lithium-ion cells
Waveshare Solar Power Manager Module (D)
Environmental sensors
Internal antenna feed and wiring
Room for future expansion

I chose the Waveshare Solar Power Manager Module (D) because the RAK 1W node requires a constant regulated 5V supply. The module accepts the varying battery voltage from the three-cell battery pack and provides a stable 5V/3A output while also handling solar charging.

I also added a DC barrel connector as an additional charging option. If we get a run of cloudy weather and the solar panel isn't keeping up, I can simply plug in a standard DC power supply to recharge the batteries. The repeater can therefore be powered or charged from either the solar panel or an external power supply, giving me a backup option if needed.

The internals are mounted on a 3D printed insert that keeps everything secure and tidy while making it easy to remove the entire assembly for servicing or upgrades, and it fits the project perfectly.

Inside the repeater, I've also installed environmental sensors that monitor:

Temperature
Humidity
Barometric pressure
Air quality

These readings are transmitted as part of the node's telemetry. When another MeshCore user pings the repeater, they can view the telemetry and check the repeater's current environmental conditions, along with useful information about the node's status and operation.

To mount everything on the roof, I added a 3D-printed mast bracket to the enclosure, which clamps onto a Universal Waterproof Wireless Bridge J-Pole that I picked up from Amazon. The J-Pole is then mounted to my existing TV antenna "hockey stick" mast, which makes for a simple, sturdy installation without needing to install another mast.

I deliberately went with the larger enclosure so there's still a bit of spare room inside. If I decide to add another sensor or module down the track, I won't need to redesign the whole setup again.

For the antenna, I upgraded to the RAKwireless 8 dBi fibreglass antenna (900–930 MHz), and so far the results have been excellent. The repeater has been hearing nodes from around Melbourne and well beyond, including:

Frankston
Dandenong
Kinglake West
Mt Anakie
Yarra Ranges

The coverage has exceeded my expectations for a suburban rooftop installation.

One unexpected problem has been birds. Over the years, they've bent or damaged several antennas on my roof, so I decided to try something a little different. I fitted trimmed black cable ties around the tip of the antenna to discourage birds from landing on it. I've also added similar deterrents around the enclosure to remove any obvious perching spots. It might not be the prettiest solution, but hopefully it'll save another antenna from becoming a cockatoo perch!

So far, everything has been running really well, and I'm very happy with how the project has turned out. It's been a great learning experience, and hopefully it'll provide another reliable 1W MeshCore repeater to help improve coverage across Melbourne's south-east.

As always, if anyone has any suggestions or questions, I'd love to hear them.

73,

VK3DEL

On to the next build, a MeshCore Repeater mounted on a drone

https://core.eastmesh.au/#/nodes/92177bafab3cb04d8c0d25cb51f93cb561d4c818337ede09c78ae8e709134339