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N0ZYC Solar RAK (V1RK):


I picked this up to give me some experience with an NRF cpu, since all my other radios use the more power-
hungry ESP-32.

This package includes a RAK-4631, a 6 volt solar panel integrated into the housing, mounting bracket for
wall mounting and angling, adjustable (SMA) whip antenna, and two decent 18650 batteries. (with capacity for
two more) These claim to be 3,000mAh, so 11,100mWh at3.7v, totaling 22Wh capacity for the two.

It doesn't ship with any additional modules such as sensors or display. The RAK base is mounted to a 3-D
printed frame which doesn't leave room to access the lower slots, but the upper two (slots A and B) are
probably usable, as well as the IO slot on top.

Being an NRF processor, it's got low power use and can run on battery power for several times longer than
an ESP32-style node. The solar panel seems to do a good job keeping the batteries charged.

I do have a few concerns about this enclosure though. First, the waterproofing is sub-par. There's a good
dovetail seam between the two halves of the enclosure, but there's no rubber gasket. I suggest getting a
length of silicone gasket and inserting into the seam. Also, the antenna uses an SMA connector, without any
attention to waterproofing the SMA port. The whip antenna might not mind the elements, but this could be
an entry-point for water.

I also noticed the bluetooth antenna is just laid down right next to the metal extension of the battery bus
bar along the bottom. Proximity to metal like that is probably affecting its range. I might try to adjust
its position to improve bluetoth distance since it'll probably be out-of-reach once installed.
 



RAK4631 Wisblock (in meshtastic radios)

2025.12.16 18.14.04	2025.12.16 19.17.44	2025.12.16 19.18.35	HIZY 18650 3000mAh 3.7v

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