Meshtastic USB Extension Box

This is a simple enclosure that allows you to ground mount a USB-C port and Reset button in order to maintain the firmware on your RAK 4631 based Meshtastic node. Update firmware from the ground or just press reset if your node locks up. Only climb the tower one time!

You can even use the 4th pair in the ethernet cable to run 12 volt or higher power to the enclosure and step it down to 5 volts with a converter inside. Run any power setups like this into the RAK solar port. NOT the battery port. 

Print back down, no need for supports. 

Parts needed:

1. 4 pin USB-C Solder connection for inside the node enclosure: https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005003827367222.html
2. 4 wire USB-C Female connector https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005006564841844.html
3. Cheap Push Button for Reset Button https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005001923261889.html
4. JST PH-2.0 cable and connector to solder on to the RAK 4631 Reset and GND Pins
5. 20mm  and 5-10mm (doesn't matter how long if its between these values) M3 screws 
6. 2mm silicone gasket material
7. Up to 80 feet of genuine copper core CAT6. I recommend using Direct Burial grade cable as it is UV resistant. Longer distance or using CAT5e your mileage may vary. Personally I have done 60 feet reliably. 

You can use whatever wiring convention you want. Here is what I used: 

1. USB Power + Blue,
2. USB Power - White/Blue,
3. USB Data + Orange,
4. USB Data - White/Orange,
5. Reset Button Green and White/Green. Polarity doesnt matter here.,
6. External (12 volt) Power + Brown,
7. External (12 volt) Power - White/Brown

Assembly:

1. Solder the wires on to the male usb end and solder your reset wire and reset connector as well. Feed through a standard cable gland in your enclosure. 
2. use a drill to enlarge the cable hole on the bottom of the USB Box as needed to get a snug fit over your ethernet cable. Strip it back and push it through. 
3. Insert the female connector into the rectangular slot on the faceplate and solder it to the ethernet cable making sure your pinouts are correct. Test the USB connection at this point so you know you got it right. 
4. Install the RESET button in the faceplate and solder it. 
5. At this point if using external 12 volt power drill out a hole in the bottom of the USB box that will fit the cable you are using and connect the wires to the remaining twisted pair. 

Congrats, you now have a reliable way to maintain your node over USB at great distances. It pays for itself the first time a wireless firmware update fails and you don't have to climb to your node with a laptop on your back.