Add wireless charging to Meshtastic nodes

This guide walks you through adding wireless charging to an existing Meshtastic node.

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hardware

Now let’s get started with the hardware we need.

Basic setting

lock settings

assembly

The hardware is all ready and the wiring is now complete. For this we will follow the following Schematic:

When getting started, I usually start by connecting the charging receiver to the USB port on the board. This allows you to charge without cables. However, if you want to continue using the USB port while charging wirelessly, things get a bit complicated.

For wireless charging to work, your board must have something called a battery management system (BMS). Basically, you need to tell the BMS to treat the wireless charger as another power source. This can be a bit tricky, especially for boards like T-Beam or Heltec where the BMS is built into very small components.

However, some devices like Rak make the task easier. There is a special connector that allows you to connect a wireless charger directly to the BMS.

To add wireless charging to your Rak devices, such as WisBlock products, follow these simple steps:

1. Hardware required:
   First, prepare the Qi wireless charger DIY kit and JST ZHR-2 (1.5mm) connector. You will need a connector to connect the wireless charging module to the solar connector on the Rak board.
2. Understanding polarity:
   Before you start fiddling with wires, understand what the colors mean. Red usually means positive and black means negative or ground. This must be secured to prevent components from splashing.
3. Soldering preparation:
   Double-check component compatibility before soldering. To avoid potential damage, make sure your wireless charger operates within the specified voltage range of your WisBlock product (ideally 5V or lower).
4. Soldering process:
   Take care to make sure everything lines up perfectly when soldering. Connect the red wire of the wireless charging module to the red wire (positive voltage) of the JST ZHR-2 connector and the same to the black wire (ground). Pay attention to polarity to avoid confusion.
5. Connect to board:
   After soldering all the wires, connect the JST ZHR-2 connector to the solar connector on the Rak board. Make sure it fits snugly to avoid hiccups and double-check that everything is securely connected.
6. Voltage considerations:
   Keep an eye on the output voltage of your wireless charger. It should not exceed 5V. Otherwise, your WisBlock product may be damaged. If the voltage is too high, problems may occur, so use it safely.

In conclusion, integrating wireless charging into Meshtastic Node provides a convenient and practical solution to ensure that your device is always ready to work. Wireless charging makes it easy to keep your nodes fully charged without the hassle of constantly plugging and unplugging cables. This not only simplifies the charging process but also ensures that the nodes remain operational and accessible whenever needed.

Wireless charging also offers an attractive option for those considering fully sealed nodes for waterproof purposes. By eliminating the need for exposed charging ports, wireless charging contributes to a more robust and weather-resistant design. This increases the durability and reliability of the node, making it suitable for outdoor and harsh environments that require protection from water and dust.

In essence, integrating wireless charging into Meshtastic Node provides the perfect balance of convenience and functionality. Whether you want uninterrupted communication in a remote location or a durable solution for outdoor deployments, wireless charging provides an elegant and efficient way to power your nodes while improving their versatility and resiliency.