Modular Solar Meshtastic Node - MagSafe / Suction Cup Sw...

Features

RAK19003 base + RAK4631 core (nRF52840, SX1262 LoRa radio)

3000mAh 3.7V LiPo battery for standalone runtime

External whip antenna via U.FL-to-SMA for real range over the stock stub

Always-on 0.225W solar panel built into every configuration — keeps a trickle charge going regardless of which back plate is attached

Swappable back plate system — two interchangeable options:

MagSafe plate: snaps to any MagSafe-compatible phone or case for hands-free carry (magnetic only, no charging function)

Suction cup plate: mounts to windows, dashboards, or any smooth flat surface, and adds a second 0.5W solar panel for significantly better charging — ideal for stationary use (car dash, window-mounted base, campsite)

Print-in-place mounting channel lets you swap plates in seconds without tools

Why two back plates?

The MagSafe plate keeps the build slim and portable for carrying on your phone day-to-day. The suction cup plate trades portability for a stronger solar setup — combined with the built-in 0.225W panel, the 0.5W add-on roughly triples total solar input, which matters if you're leaving the node mounted somewhere with steady sun for extended periods (parked car, window sill, basecamp).

Build info

Firmware: Meshtastic, US915 region, LongFast preset

Configured as CLIENT_MUTE / LOCAL_ONLY for use as a personal node (won't relay others' traffic)

Real-world battery testing with a 10-minute GPS update interval showed roughly 7-8% drain per day on the base 0.225W panel alone

Bill of Materials

Full parts list (AliExpress and Amazon sourcing options both included in the same doc):

BOM: [link here]

Print notes

Layer height: 0.2mm

Infill: 15%, grid pattern

QR code panel: the built-in QR code is decorative by default and links to meshtastic.org. If you want it to actually scan and work, that specific portion needs to be printed with a 0.25mm nozzle — the standard 0.4mm nozzle doesn't have the resolution to keep the code scannable.

Assembly is the same as this other vairant:

08/15/20267: Update: Added R2 with the space for the Gps module from RAK wireless.