Solar mesh repeater with a large energy buffer for demanding locations: kit built around the Inhero MR2 with 2 W of solar in vertical south-facing mounting, space for up to eleven 18650 cells, an N bulkhead jack for the antenna connection and a clamp for mounting on 30 mm masts. The enclosure is self-printed (STL files free in the shop).
Design principle
Here too, the system is dimensioned for the leanest month rather than for annual yield. 2 W vertical and south-facing keep the MR2 in an energy surplus year-round in Central Europe, with headroom for overcast spells. The reserve sits in the battery rather than the panel: up to eleven 18650 cells provide, depending on configuration, a bridging capacity of several months. Wind load stays small and the enclosure inconspicuous, while extended bad-weather periods lower the state of charge only slightly.
Intended use
Designed for locations where an outage is expensive and maintenance is laborious: high points in the mesh, hard-to-reach mounting spots, sites with partial shading or without ideal south orientation. The enclosure philosophy matches the Hilltop Mesh Repeater S: small attack surface, mountable on masts and edges where larger enclosures are ruled out.
Included in the kit
- 1 × MR2 solar mesh repeater board (multi-chemistry, MPPT, RED/CE-certified)
- 1 × battery cable – choose variant: with LiFePO4 or Li-Ion protection module, or without BMS (open ends – for LTO and Na-Ion builds)
- 1 × BLE adhesive antenna 2.4 GHz (configuration and OTA updates via app)
- 1 × pigtail N bulkhead jack → U.FL, 15 cm
- 1 × ZIISOR 868 MHz fiberglass antenna with N-male connector – choose variant: 3 dBi (26 cm), 5.5 dBi (40 cm) or 8 dBi (55 cm). Not included with the “no antenna” variant.
- 2 × solar panel 6 V / 1 W with pre-soldered cable
- 1 × solar connector board (parallel connection of the panels)
- 1 × connection cable for the solar connector board
- 1 × screw set for MR2 mounting (stainless steel A2)
- 1 × stainless steel bolt set for mast mounting (4 × M6×60 mm, 4 × M6 nuts) – the nuts sit captive in the hex pockets, so no wrench is needed
Also required
- Up to 11 × 18650 cells – LiFePO4 or Li-Ion, matching the chosen battery cable variant. The without-BMS variant is intended for LTO (2S, external balancer required) and Na-Ion cells – details in the battery chemistry guide
- Only with the “no antenna” variant: an omni antenna with N-male connector. Please note: the enclosure’s antenna base seal is dimensioned for the base diameter of the ZIISOR fiberglass antennas; all three ZIISOR models share the same base diameter. Antennas with a different base cannot be sealed properly with the supplied part.
- 3D printer; weather- and UV-resistant filament – ASA-CF is very well suited
- Adhesive/sealant and adhesive-lined heat-shrink tubing for the antenna base seal
Construction & mounting
- Designed for up to 11 × 18650 cells and an N bulkhead jack (antenna connection)
- Mast mounting: clamp for a 30 mm mast – the required bolts and nuts are included as a stainless steel set
- Sealing: after antenna installation, the antenna base seal is glued to the enclosure and the transition to the antenna sealed with adhesive-lined heat-shrink tubing
📖 Detailed build guide – from slicer settings through battery pack and gluing to mast mounting, with a complete photo series
📖 Further reading: battery chemistry guide with capacity planning in the MR2 documentation
Manufacturer Information (GPSR)
Inhero GmbH, Gewerbestraße 19, 08115 Lichtentanne, Germany · info@inhero.de