Low Cost Solar Nodes

20 Jul 2026 3 min read 1 comment Build
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Testing Low Cost DIY Solar Nodes

Objective: Get Meshtastic & MeshCore nodes into my surrounding neighborhoods, where people can create a decentralized off-grid, encrypted text messaging infrastructure.

Strategy: Provide how-to build information links and real time testing data where available. Kick-start local mesh neighborhoods with community-sponsored promo solar nodes.

INFO LINKS: The People’s Repeater |

TESTING: Low Cost Solar Lights Repurposed (for DIY* projects)

Warning: Lithium battery projects carry fire risks. Read our full disclaimer* before building.



NODE 1 : Test Node 5676 PM Utility Night Node
Solar node XIAO nRF52840, battery 3.2V LiFePO4 (the safe* lithium), Solar panel, Charge controller, Telemetry add-ons (TBD), 10″ pvc tube (auxiliary battery holder), with 30lb round magnet. Firmware ver. 2.7.15.567b8ea

If found, contact: PILOT PROJECT ADMIN (include icode if applicable)

Solar/3.2v battery (partial shade) – PASS  |  30lb Magnet Vertical Hold – PASS
********

NODE 2 : Test Node 0441 Tree Incognito (where theft is a real concern)
Solar node XIAO nRF52840, battery 3.2V LiFePO4 (the safe* lithium), Solar panel, Charge controller, Telemetry add-ons (TBD), plastic wire ties & last year’s plastic door decoration. Firmware ver. 2.7.15.567b8ea

If found, contact: PILOT PROJECT ADMIN (include icode if applicable)

Solar/3.2v battery (partial shade) – PASS  |  30lb Magnet Vertical Hold – PASS
********

NODE 3 : Test Node Tree Beacon
Solar node XIAO nRF52840, battery 3.2V LiFePO4 (the safe* lithium), Solar panel, Charge controller, Telemetry add-ons (TBD), plastic wire ties through center post. Firmware ver. 2.7.15.567b8ea

If found, contact: PILOT PROJECT ADMIN (include icode if applicable)

Solar/3.2v battery (partial shade) – PASS  |  30lb Magnet Vertical Hold – PASS
********

NODE 4 : Test Node 0897 Mag 60 
Solar node XIAO nRF52840, battery 3.2V LiFePO4 (the safe* lithium), Solar panel, Charge controller, Telemetry add-ons (TBD), 10″ pvc tube (auxiliary battery holder), with 60lb round magnet. Firmware ver. 2.7.15.567b8ea

If found, contact: PILOT PROJECT ADMIN (include icode if applicable)

Solar/3.2v battery (full shade) – PASS  |  60lb Magnet Vertical Hold – PASS
********



[PENDING]

NODE 5 : Test Node Tower-Tag Mag 90 
Solar node RAK 1W, Quad 18650’s battery, Dual Solar Panels, 5.8 dBi 915 MHz 31″ Fiberglass Antenna, Charge Controller, Telemetry add-ons (TBD), with 90lb round magnet. Firmware ver. 2.7.15.567b8ea

If found, contact: PILOT PROJECT ADMIN (include icode if applicable)

[IMAGE pending]

Solar/(pending) battery (partial shade) – PENDIN  |  90lb Magnet Vertical Hold – PENDING
********

NODE 6 : Test Node 1d21
Solar node XIAO nRF52840, battery 3.2V LiFePO4 (the safe* lithium), Solar panel, Charge controller, Telemetry add-ons (TBD). Firmware ver. 2.7.15.567b8ea

If found, contact: PILOT PROJECT ADMIN (include icode if applicable)

Solar/3.2v battery (partial shade) – PASS  | 
********

NODE 7 : Test Node 329a
Solar node XIAO nRF52840, battery 3.2V LiFePO4 (the safe* lithium), Solar panel, Charge controller, Telemetry add-ons (TBD). Firmware ver. 2.7.15.567b8ea Firmware ver. 2.7.15.567b8ea

If found, contact: PILOT PROJECT ADMIN (include icode if applicable)

Solar/3.2v battery (partial shade) – PASS  | 
********

NODE 8 : Test Node xxxx 
Solar node XIAO nRF52840, battery 3.2V LiFePO4 (the safe* lithium), Solar panel, Charge controller, Telemetry add-ons (TBD) 

If found, contact: PILOT PROJECT ADMIN (include icode if applicable)

[IMAGE pending]

Solar/3.2v battery (partial shade) – PASS  |  30lb Magnet Vertical Hold – PASS
********

*DIY Do It Yourself Projects “Use at Your Own Risk” (see DIY Disclaimer)
Warning:
Lithium battery projects carry fire risks. Read our full disclaimer before building.
All information, instructions, and projects shared on this site are for educational and informational purposes only. Use of this site constitutes agreement and understanding of Terms & Conditions.

AI OVERVIEW:

SPONSORS:

ACTIVE NODES:
– MeshMap.me/node/(add listing)
– MeshMap.me/node/(add listing)

Long Name ID
Raydio Mesh
Author: Raydio Mesh

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One response to “Low Cost Solar Nodes”

  1. […] LINKS: YouTube Video | Black Flag Civilian | Support & Connect with BFC | Other Low Costs DIY Projects & Testing […]

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