The solar enclosure is “universal” in that it can accommodate the Heltec V3, RAK Starter Kit, or boards of similar size without modification. It features the option for N-Type or SMA connectors, an optional waterproof USB-C pass-though. An inexpensive MPPT controller is used for more efficient solar charging.
I only have experience from using the CN3791 MPPT Controller as a Meshtastic node, but using the RAK19007 and two 18650 batteries, it only discharges overnight by about 12% and easily charges & regains the 12% in just 2-3 hours. When using a Heltec V3 and two 18650 batteries, it discharges 20% overnight and takes 8 hours to regain the 20%.
I use the HeltecV3 at the house because if its WiFi reach, but use the RAK19007 for remote nodes. You should have no problems using the RAK assuming you don’t get below about 3.2v. So far I’ve had no need to deal with the brownout situation using RAK. The HeltecV3 is a new installation, so I’ll see how it goes.
The MPPT controller is way better than the RAK Green Power or the built-in chargers in either board. You’ll be glad you used it.
Great info. I could not get the green power module to work at all but then that is not saying much. In the build Solar node for top of tall building using the Waveshare D solar power manager I used 3 x 18650 batteries (protected) and my testing showed that it re-starts after brownout: but from the data over the mesh concerning the voltage level of the device, which has been up 3 months July-September in Munich Germany, that situation (running flat) has not arisen yet probably because of your interesting numbers concerning discharge and time taken to regain the lost power - not much sun required to top up the usage again. Winter will be interesting to see. Your build is beautifully compact. I have not started 3D printing but this might set me off. Your comment about condensation in the box is very right. I have 89% humidity in my node box and am not convinced that is good - despite there being some small holes in the base where cables come in. Next time… Strangely I had problem using a second waveshare D solar power manager with protected batteries and swapped to unprotected. My next project is to try to run a solar node which supports store and forward… i.e. one that drains much more power. I am starting with 3 x 18650 with the T-beam S3 Supreme Core and a larger solar panel… do not expect that to work. It would seem a tall order… and with many brown-outs, which defeats the point of store and forward (it should then be on all the time…).
The power required to add supported sensors are usually in the microamp range per sensor, so pretty negligible. GPS on the other hand, can use 40-60mA when scanning for satellites and 20mA or so once locked - still not a lot, but notable.
I just enter in fixed GPS coordinates for the solar nodes and don’t bother with GPS.
I forgot about air quality sensors. They can draw quite a bit of power - on the order of 180mA.
I had said I would report.
My box node with 10000 mAh lipo did not start again, when sun (test lamp) shone, after being flat using the Hailege CN3065. Not even at 65 mW solar power input. Am testing with a smaller battery now to see if it works then.