Bender's bigger, badder brother is here! Meet Flexo, the most flexible Meshtastic powered node "case kit" available!
A "case kit" allows you to build a Meshtastic powered node easily. It includes all the little pieces of hardware needed, you just add your device board, battery and antenna.
Flexo is the evolution of my original case called Bender. Bender was designed to be a home/desk/windowsill node and was universally loved. There are over 3000 Bender's in all corners of the world, something I'm extremely proud of and grateful for!
Features
Flexo removes some of Benders limitations making it super flexible:
- Supports several device boards from Rak, Heltec and Raspberry Pi with more coming soon
- Allows a GPS module to be installed
- Supports a protected LIPO battery cell or 18650 with more battery support coming including 21700
- Uses a high quality C&K power switch on a custom PCB
- Includes a mounting system with wall mount and GoPro compatible mount
- Produces 80% less printing waste (yay environment!)
- Exposes all GPIO pins for tinkering!
Device Boards
The device boards supported at launch are:
- Rak Wisblock 19007 and 19003 (inc GPS module RAK12500 ZOE-M8Q)
- HeltecV3 (space available for GPS module!)
- Heltec T114 with screen (inc Heltec GPS module)
- Heltec VisionMaster T190
- Heltec Wireless Tracker (v1.1)
- Raspberry Pi Pico with WaveShare LORA hat
More boards will be added soon including the Heltec T114 without screen and Heltec Wireless Stick. The rough "rule of thumb" that determines if Flexo can support a board is if its height and width are 30mm x 70mm or less. If there's interest I will release a STEP file for the front plate where the board mounts.
Batteries
Batteries supported at launch are:
- EEMB 103395 3700mAh Flat LIPO (available on Amazon worldwide)
- 18650 cells (commonly available)
- Makerfocus 3700mAh (unconfirmed but size appears to match EEMB above)
- MakerHawk 603450 3.7V 3800mAh (unconfirmed but size appears to match EEMB above)
You'll receive the internal mounting pieces for the battery type you choose. Spares for the other internal battery mounts will be available in future should you decide to try a different battery.
The increased size of Flexo allows it to support larger antenna's without wobbling on a desk. The antenna's pictured are a mix of Taoglas LORA antenna's (see there website here with links to distributors worldwide) and the little whip antenna made by David at PTPlace (these will be an option in future when I have more stock)
Mounting
The Wall mount / Go Pro mount is "dual function", it is one mount that can be used both ways. You can use command strips or double sided adhesive to stick it to a wall or if you want a more secure connection there are two counter sunk screw holes (no screws provided, dig in a draw, you know you have some)
To use the mount as a GoPro mount you simply insert the two included GoPro tabs into the mount.
Temperature
Flexo is made using PLA+ bioplastic. If mounting in a car remove it when not in use and be aware that high temperatures could cause the case to warp. Just be sensible, I've only had one report of a wonky case in 7 months! (If you do accidentally end up with a wonky Flexo drop me an email.)
