Solar Project

Solar-Powered Reticulum Transport Node – Prototype

I’ve been working on a prototype solar-powered transport node for Reticulum using microReticulum. The goal is a self-sufficient node capable of acting as a transport relay without relying on external power.

The enclosure is 3D-printed from carbon fiber nylon, chosen for its durability and weather resistance. Power comes from a 12V 6 Ah battery paired with a Heltec V4 radio. On a full charge, the battery can sustain the radio for approximately 2–3 days without any additional charging. A 20-watt solar panel handles recharging — and even on an overcast day, it tops up the battery fairly quickly.

Next steps: I’d like to design a smaller, more easily deployable solar node — something compact enough to place quickly, while still lasting at least a full day on battery alone.