Meshtastic RAK19007 Dual 18650 Weatherproof Case

This page and the models are a work in progress, I have some other versions of the models I'd like to add and there are some details I'd like to add to this page.

To-Do List

• Add file name explanations
• Add BOMs for various versions
  • Add product links for BOMs
• Add CAD files
• Add waterproof versions and seals
• Add magnetically mounted versions maybe?

Description

This is a rugged weatherproof case for the RAK19007 Meshtastic board. This isn't the smallest possible case, but it is very durable, can be waterproofed (for future versions), and prints with no supports needed. It holds two 18650 lithium-ion batteries, which can be connected in parallel to enable a Meshtastic node to run for up to two weeks if not using the GPS unit or other sensors/displays. It has an antenna port on the top of the case for a LoRa antenna and another antenna port on the bottom for a GPS antenna, if one is used. There is also a hole in the bottom for running a wire from a solar panel or other charging source, and another hole for accessing the USB port. There are (number tbd) versions of the case which can be completely waterproofed using o-rings and printed TPU or cut rubber/foam gaskets, creating a Meshtastic node which can even be operated in marine environments. It includes slots in the back of the case for attaching the case to stuff using zip ties.

Features

• SimpleHole - there is a hole in the bottom of the case for passing solar charge wires through, rather than a threaded M8 hole on the side.
• NoInserts - the mounting holes are sized to directly accept the screws, rather than sized to accept a heat-set insert.
• NoGPS - there is no hole for connecting a GPS antenna (there is no room in this case for an internal GPS antenna, so this option means you can't use GPS).
• NoSolar - there is no hole for running wires from a solar panel, the only way to charge the node is via the USB port.

Add file name explanations here

Waterproofing

Add additional steps for waterproofing case here

• The USB feature obviously can't be used as it's just an open hole in the case. For general weather resistance, the hole should be fine since it's on the bottom of the case.
• The model TPU-Seal should be either printed out of TPU (or other flexible material) or cut out of some flexible gasket material. This provides a seal between the case and the lid.
• The SMA antenna hole has a countersink on the inside of the case to use an o-ring seated between the rear hex of the SMA connector and the case. 
• The M8 threaded hole has a countersink to accept an o-ring on the cable gland, which, in combination with a round wire (as opposed to multiple wires) should create a water-tight seal for the solar power input.
• Finally, the 3D prints themselves have to be waterproof, so using PETG, printing slower, hotter, and with less cooling, and using at least 3-4 perimeters is recommended.

Materials

Basic Case

•  4x M3x6mm heat-set inserts [Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B087NBYF65)
• 4x M3x8mm machine screw [Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09TKSWCZR?th=1)
• 4x M3 washer [Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0B5GXMVRG?th=1)
• 3x M2.5x4.5mm heat-set inserts [Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07HKT5W7S?th=1)
• 3x M2.5x8mm standoffs [Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08F1YJX2Z?th=1)
• 3x M2.5x3mm machine screws (I used the ones that come with the RAK19003, but any that are 3mm to 8mm long should work)
• 2x SMA to U.FL 8cm cable (add link here)
• 1x 5mm o-ring [Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01N75JL0F) (I used the o-rings that people buy for keyboard modding because they're extra soft and very cheap)
• 1x SMA LoRa antenna [Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B095JTW6XM) (link is 915MHz for North America use)
• 1x GPS antenna (if planning to use GPS module (add link here)
• 1x RAK19007 Base Board (add link here)
• 1x RAK4631 (nRF52840) or RAK113100 (RP2040) Core Module [rakwireless-RAK4631](https://store.rakwireless.com/products/rak4631-lpwan-node?m=5&h=wisblock-core&variant=37505443856582)  [rakwireless-RAK113100](https://store.rakwireless.com/products/rak11310-wisblock-lpwan-module?m=5&h=wisblock-core&variant=40830755602630)

Other Notes

• The 18650 batteries should be attached to the lid using glue or a strong double sided tape like VHB.
• You can use the GPS antenna as it comes, but I would recommend shortening the cable so you don't have a ton of extra wire hanging off the side.

Planned Upgrades/Changes

add planned upgrades here

Feel free to modify these models however you want, I added the CAD files to make that easier. Also, I don't care if anyone want to take these models and sell them, I don't honestly think they're worth selling, but if you do want to sell them, just leave a link back to this page somewhere in your listing.