Build a secure LoRa mesh node for your ChatterBox cluster or open channel using the LilyGo T3S3 E-paper!
Print your Case | 3D print the enclosure for your E-Paper Mini Node. There are 3 parts to the enclosure, which you can download here. STL Format Case Front Case Back On/Off Switch 3MF Format All in One |
Gather Components | You will need the following components: Lilygo T3S3 E-Paper (Source: Rokland) The Stemma version of DS3231 requires no soldering, so you may prefer it. Adafruit DS3231 Stemma OR DS3231 2000 mAh LiPo Battery Qwiic Connector SD Card M2 Knurled Nuts M2 Bolts |
RTC – Stemma – Plug in RTC | If you’re using the Stemma verision of the RTC, simply plug it into the T3S3 as shown here. |
RTC – Non-Stemma: Solder Qwiic Connector to RTC  | If you’re NOT using the Stemma version of the RTC… On the DS3231, we only connect VIN, GND, SDA, and SCL. I connect it here using a Qwiic connector, for easy removal/replacement, as well as chaining together other I2C components later on. The Quiic connector is soldered as follows: Red : VIN Black: GND Yellow: SCL Blue: SDA As far as PINS, the connections end up being: Pin 43 -> SCL Pin 44 -> SDA |
RTC – Non-Stemma – Plug Qwiic Into T3S3 | Plug the Qwwic connector to the Lilygo T3S3 as shown |
Press Nuts Into Case Back | Press knurled nuts into the 5 bolt holes of the case back as shown. You need to heat the nuts so they can seat into the case back. There are inexpensive soldering tips for this, but you can also use a heat gun. |
Gently Seat the T3S3 into the Case Front | You have to be careful here, and use your fingers to pry the window opening of the case front a little. Remember, the front of the T3S3 is thin glass and will easily break if pressure is put on the edges or corners. So as you’re seating the T3S3 in place, do whatever you need to to ensure you’re not harming the glass front. |
Add the Power Switch | The power switch should snap into place fairly easily. |
Connect the Battery | Connect the battery and insert both the battery and RTC into the case back as shown. Be careful to make sure the polarity of the battery is correct for the T3S3. Markings on the T3S3 show +/- to help you get this right. The plug will not necessarily have the correct polarity, as China-based sources (Amazon resellers) tend to send opposite polarity randomly. |
Close the Case, Add Antenna/SD | Close/bolt the case back in place, add your antenna, and insert a compatible SD card as shown. |
Flash the Device | Visit https://www.offgridcomms.club/firmware/ to flash your device. |
Disconnect USB and Power On | If everything works properly, the device screen will flash for 5-10 seconds and you should see a screen similar to the one here. This means it’s ready for your root device to onboard. |