Meshtastic · LoRa Mesh Radio
Heltec V4 Meshtastic Outdoor Case
A precision-fit, 3D-printed enclosure for the Heltec WiFi LoRa 32 V4 — with an 18650 battery bay, SMA antenna port, OLED window and passive cooling. Dimensioned from the official STEP model with a 0.3 mm assembly tolerance, shipped as a DIY kit and delivered with the fully parametric OpenSCAD source.
Why this case?
Why this case?
Three things matter in the field: it survives, it stays powered, and it keeps cool. This case covers all three.
Drop-safe outdoor build
2.4 mm walls printed in PETG or ASA — UV-stable, weather- and impact-resistant for long-term deployment.
Fits a full 18650 cell
A dedicated 70×26 mm battery bay keeps a single protected 18650 cell inside — days of off-grid runtime.
Fast passive cooling
1.5 mm slot vents across the floor, both sides and the rear keep the LoRa radio and ESP32 cool — no fan needed.
Key Features
Every opening is cut to the real board, so nothing needs filing or drilling.
Precision fit
Dimensioned from the official Heltec STEP model with a 0.3 mm assembly tolerance — snug, glue-free fit.
Outdoor durable
PETG/ASA material — UV-stable, impact-resistant and heat-tolerant.
Passive cooling
1.5 mm slot vents on the floor, sides and rear for continuous LoRa / ESP32 operation.
18650 battery bay
Internal 70×26 mm bay; a single cell keeps the node running for days off-grid.
Antenna freedom
SMA female port (φ6.5 mm opening) accepts high-gain 433 / 868 / 915 MHz antennas.
OLED & buttons accessible
0.96″ OLED window plus Reset / User button openings — no need to open the case.
Modular & maintainable
M3 heat-set inserts and screws for repeatable open / close cycles.
Light & portable
Printed parts weigh only ~50 g — lighter than metal enclosures.
Specifications
Measured from the official Heltec STEP model and cross-checked with the manufacturer datasheet.
| Parameter / 參數 | Value / 數值 |
|---|---|
| Material / 材質 | PETG (default) / ASA / ABS — multiple colors |
| Assembled size / 組裝尺寸 | 127.1 × 30.8 × 27.9 mm (lid included) |
| Printed weight / 印刷重量 | ~50 g (excl. hardware & battery) |
| Wall / tolerance / 壁厚 / 容差 | 2.4 mm / 0.3 mm |
| Compatible board / 相容主板 | Heltec WiFi LoRa 32 V4 (V4.0–V4.3) |
| Board cavity / 主板腔 | 52.3 × 26.0 × 23.1 mm |
| Battery / 電池 | 1× 18650, 3.3–4.2 V (optional; bay 70×26 mm) |
| Antenna socket / 天線接口 | SMA female (φ6.5 mm opening) |
| Openings / 開孔 | Type-C 11×6 mm; buttons φ3.5 mm ×2; OLED 25×14 mm |
| Mounting / 固定 | 4× M3 heat-set inserts (φ4.2×5 mm) + M3×6 screws |
| Cooling / 散熱 | 1.5 mm slot vents — floor, sides, rear |
| Waterproof / 防水 | No — splash-resistant only |
What's in the box & compatibility
✓ Included
- 3D-printed base (≈34 g)
- 3D-printed lid with OLED window (≈15 g)
- 4× M3 brass heat-set inserts
- 4× M3×6 stainless screws
- Fit-check template + assembly card
✕ Not included (buyer supplies)
- Heltec WiFi LoRa 32 V4 board
- Antenna (SMA male, 433 / 868 / 915 MHz per region)
- 18650 battery cell (3.3–4.2 V, protected)
Optional add-ons: SMA-to-U.FL pigtail, 18650 battery holder, USB-C short cable, M2.5 screw set.
Made for makers — parametric source included
The design is fully parametric OpenSCAD (cad/case_v4_base.scad): wall thickness, tolerance, vents, standoff height, openings and battery bay are all adjustable. Print your own color, tune the fit, or remix it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this case waterproof?
No. It is a dust- and splash-resistant design with ventilation slots. For prolonged heavy-rain exposure, add a silicone gasket and a breathable waterproof membrane.
Which boards fit? Do I need to flash firmware?
Designed for the Heltec WiFi LoRa 32 V4 series (V4.0–V4.3, same outline). The board is not included. For Meshtastic, use firmware 2.7.20+; in WebFlasher, select the standard V4 target without enabling MUI.
Do I need to assemble it myself?
Yes, about 5–10 minutes: press in the heat-set inserts, mount the board, connect the SMA pigtail, install the battery, and screw on the lid. An assembly card is included.
Are the battery and antenna included?
No. The standard listing does not include the battery cell or antenna. An SMA-to-U.FL pigtail and 18650 battery holder are available as add-ons. Choose a 3.3–4.2 V protected 18650 and an SMA male antenna for your region (433/868/915 MHz).
Can I charge the Heltec V4 through the case?
Yes. The 11 × 6 mm Type-C opening lets you plug a USB-C cable in to charge the board directly.
The V4 mounting holes are only 2.8 mm. Will M3 screws fit?
Enlarge the board holes to 3.2 mm for M3 screws, or use M2.5 screws instead (available as an add-on). The case is designed for M3 × 6 screws; M3 × 8 bottoms out inside the insert.
What print tolerance and quality can I expect?
Designed with a 0.3 mm assembly tolerance and printed at 0.2 mm layer height; every unit is checked against a fit-test template before shipping.
Pricing & how to order
Board, antenna and battery cell are never included — you get a precision case kit that fits the hardware you already own.
Plan A — Case Kit
- Printed base + lid
- 4× M3 heat-set inserts + 4× M3×6 screws
- Fit-check template + assembly card
Plan B — Full Kit
- Everything in Plan A
- SMA-to-U.FL pigtail (10–15 cm)
- 18650 battery holder with switch
- USB-C short charging cable
Plan C — Custom
- Color / filament choice, nameplate, logo
- M2.5 screw set, extra OLED cover