MeshCore / Meshtastic Solar „Stealth Repeater“

MeshCore / Meshtastic Solar "Stealth Repeater"

This project was created with the goal of developing a solar-powered MeshCore/Meshtastic repeater that blends into its surroundings as inconspicuously as possible. Instead of a classic technical housing, the design deliberately follows the shape of a narrow, vertically mounted marble plaque with a Roman-inspired design

All technology, including the antenna, power supply, and electronics, is completely enclosed within the housing. Only the black solar cell is visible from the outside. This makes the setup appear more like a decorative or permanently installed element rather than a typical repeater or outdoor node

The front design can be flexibly adapted to local conditions, for example, with custom lettering, symbols, or alternative faceplates

Technical Basis

• Seeed Studio XIAO nRF52840
• Wio-SX1262 LoRa Module
• Support for:
  • MeshCore
  • Meshtastic
• 2× 18650 Li-Ion batteries
• CN3791 MPPT Solar Charge Controller
• 868 MHz Antenna (internal)
• Solar cell:
  • 150 × 115 mm
  • vertically mounted
• Fully integrated electronics within the housing

Housing & Design

• Dimensions: 220 × 175 × 50 mm
• Total weight including electronics: approx. 850 g
• Vertically mounted plaque design
• Painted with marble effect spray
• No visibly mounted technology or external antenna
• Individually customizable front design
• Cable tie mounting for easy outdoor attachment
• Well-designed ventilation (ventilation openings/slots at the bottom of the tray and top of the lid)

Power Supply

• Solar-powered with MPPT charge controller
• Energy-efficient nRF52840 platform
• Large battery capacity with 2× 18650 cells
• Designed for long-term autonomous operation
• Suitable for continuous outdoor use

Hardware Bill of Materials

• 1x XIAO nRF52840 & Wio-SX1262 Kit (Seeedstudio)
• 1x CN3791 Solar Charge Controller Board MPPT (Amazon)
• 1x Monocrystalline Solar Panel 3W 5V 150 x 115 mm (Aliexpress)
• 2x 3.7 V 18650 3800 mAh Lithium Battery (Aliexpress)
• 1x 868MHz LoRa Antenna Omni-Directional 3dbi + 15cm IPEX (Amazon)

Assembly Instructions

• Printed with white PETG
• All parts (except the insert) were glued with 2K epoxy adhesive (Amazon)
• All parts (except the insert) were primed with plastic primer (e.g. Amazon)
• Painted with granite effect spray paint (e.g. Amazon)
• The electronics were secured with 3M adhesive tape / UV adhesive / …
• The insert was secured with 2 small self-tapping screws (Amazon)