Heltec V3 Slim Case for 18650

Edit 2026-02-07: Fixed the bottom half file to remove floating edges that appeared in Orca

Slim case for the Heltec V3 Meshtastic board powered by an 18650 cell. I have hundreds of those cells laying around and it felt silly to purchase a MuziWorks battery or other flat cell just so I could have a slightly smaller case to carry around. Also uses an SMD-style cell holder because it's my opinion that those are better quality and I always have spares of them. Kudos to @Gremlin87's model that I took inspiration from.

Aside from the Heltec V3/antenna and an 18650 cell you'll need

• 2ea M3x6mm screws, I use socket-head style

• 1ea SMD-style 18650 cell holder, like this one

Assembly notes:

• Some manufacturers of the SMD holders have a tiny little leg or two on the bottom. Snip that off so the cell holder can sit flat.

• Insert the two tiny buttons into the holes underneath the board before you put the board in.

• The cell holder "snaps" into its area and is held in place with tabs to make it semi-removable. If, when assembling, the printed tabs snap off because of print tolerances or slightly different cell holder sizes, you can probably still use the print. Glue a thin piece of foam to the lid/rear before screwing it closed, and that should press down the battery to keep it from moving around (maybe do both?). 

• Be careful not to pinch the battery or antenna wires when you attach the two pieces, the lid/rear has tabs that hold the board down.

• IMPORTANT: I like the SMD-style cell holders, but they're not marked for polarity. It's on you if you insert a cell backwards and fry the board. 

Thanks for printing!