RYOBI 18V Meshtastic Basestation radio for IOT Sensors, Emergency Radio, and other communications

I love RYOBI tools. Primarily because they share a common battery. I have plenty of them charged up and ready to go. I can't tell you how many times I have picked up some device that I haven't used in a long time and the batteries are dead or leaking.

Meshtastic is a relatively new unlicensed mesh radio network. In the US it works on 915Mhz. It's a great way to connect small IOT sensor devices. It's just meant to send small packets of text/data. The radios are very low power and typically transmit up to around 1-2miles. The beauty of the mesh network is that neighbor nodes can pass information on.

Meshtastic can also be used to communicate among local users if the power and cell towers go down. Some locations have repeaters high up on mountains and can cover 20 miles or more.

Most users currently use their phones screen and bluetooth to control their meshtastic radios. More recent meshtastic devices have their own screens/keyboards.

The project cover currently works with the RAK Wisblock Mini, RAK Wisblock, and Seeed XIAO radios boards.

I'll post a how-to video in a bit…

Note: Batteries are not waterproof! Look at the Remixes. I've added a design with a skirt and a battery box.

I'm not thrilled with the $10 Seeed XIAO. The ESP processor is very power hungry and I need a better way to keep it together. Maybe I'll add zip tie holders.

2/24/2025 update: Several people asked about battery life. With the Wisblock Mini I get around 4 days with the 1.5Ah battery, 11 days with the 4Ah battery, and 15 days with an old 9Ah battery.

• RAK Wisblock Mini Meshtastic radio ( https://amzn.to/4aTJKK2 )
• RAK Wisblock Meshtastic radio ( https://amzn.to/3Qw9pzf )
• Seeed XIAO ( https://www.seeedstudio.com/Wio-SX1262-with-XIAO-ESP32S3-p-5982.html )
• 915Mhz LoRa 3dbi SMA antenna ( https://amzn.to/3Q9rW40 )
• 915Mhz SMA Whip antenna ( https://amzn.to/3X0OTKm )
• RYOBI 18V Battery ( https://amzn.to/4hT0mUB )
• Ryobi Green PETG Filament ( https://amzn.to/42NhN4o )
• 12-24V to 5V USB-C buck converter ( https://amzn.to/4hvBqTb )
• RYOBI battery terminal ( Homelite/Ryobi/Ridgid Contact Plate Holder Assembly #HM-300001044 - Tool Parts and Accessories - PartsWarehouse )
• Insulated 1/4" female terminals (https://amzn.to/32hGPIb)
• Brass M2 knurled inserts ( https://amzn.to/4hJRCAB )
• M2 hex button head bolts ( https://amzn.to/40KQG7A )
• 1" Nylon Tie-down Straps ( https://amzn.to/40VXBuz )

Assembled Portable Meshtastic radios I like:

• LILIYGO T-echo ( https://amzn.to/4gAp0bB )
• RAKwireless WisMesh Pocket V2 ( https://store.rokland.com/products/wismesh-pocket )
• Seeed SenseCap T1000-E ( https://amzn.to/3Qw9pzf )

Tools:

• Crimper ( https://amzn.to/3iZzvrl )
• Wire Stripper ( https://amzn.to/3aJLkyV )
• Heat Insert Press ( https://amzn.to/42PGn4O )

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