IMPORTANT NOTE: A hardware issue affected the first version of the Heltec T114 that caused long messages to fail. Heltec worked with the Meshtastic community to diagnose this and are offering free replacements for anyone who bought a V1 board. The following message was posted by their representative in the GitHub thread where the issue was discussed:
"For customers who have previously made purchases from our Heltec website or Heltec AliExpress, please send an email to support@heltec.cn with your order number to request a replacement for Mesh Node T114 (V2) boards. Replacements will be provided based on the number of units purchased. Prior to shipping the replacement, we will confirm the delivery address and other order details via email. If you purchased through agents, you can ask the agent to contact us and request a replacement."
The fantastic Heltec T114 now has a Bender! Yes, my wildly popular case now supports the latest a greatest board from Heltec.
If you haven't seen it the T114 has 5x better power efficiency, a larger colour screen, solar panel connector and optional GPS! The headline feature is it using the same NRF52 chipset used in the RAK Wisblock giving amazing battery life, expect days of battery life from an 18650!! The larger screen makes Benders proportions look even better than before (its almost like they planned it!)
If you've used Bender before you'll see the overall design is the same, the modifications needed were simply the internal structure supporting the board and the front cover. The internal hardware (battery holder/switch/SMA) is the same and there is room for the optional GPS board behind the main board. The only other change I’ve made is adding a hole (with bung) to allow access to the solar charging port. That will allow tinkerers to add a solar panel easily until *cough* someone *cough* designs a case with a built in solar panel.
Never seen Bender before? It features a bay for an 18650 battery and support for a full size SMA connector so a variety of antenna's can be used.
Just add your own Heltec T114 and you have a Meshtastic node!
I designed Bender to sit on a desk or window ledge, a "home node" as such. There is even a power switch to save you going into the app to power down the device (The switch is no longer optional, simplifies fulfilment!)
Assembly requires no screws or glue with everything clipping together securely. You can see a video demonstrating how to assemble the original Bender for the V3 on
YouTube here (the T114 version assembles in the same way)
Your purchase includes:
- The Bender 3D printed case
- 18650 battery holder with JST connector pre-installed and power switch
- High quality Female SMA cable
- SMA Hex tool (for tightening the SMA cable nut!)
You simply need to add a Heltec T114 and an 18650 battery.
I also have available an optional antenna designed and made in the UK by PTPlace.co.uk. This is now available in both EU/UK 868MHz and USA 915MHz variants! These antenna's are hand made and tuned for the specific LoRA frequency.
