Enclosures & Cases
Protect your MeshCore nodes with the right enclosure for your deployment.
Same devices, same enclosures. MeshCore runs on the same hardware as Meshtastic-any enclosure designed for a Heltec V3, RAK, or T-Beam works for MeshCore too. Search for "Meshtastic" cases to find the largest selection.
3D Printed Cases
The community has created hundreds of 3D printable case designs. Here are the best places to find them:
Printables
Large collection with ratings and remixes
Thingiverse
Classic 3D model repository
Thangs
Growing library of mesh node enclosures
Cults3D
Premium and free designs
Tip: Search for your specific board (e.g., "Heltec V3 case" or "RAK4631 enclosure") for the best results.
Commercial Options
Ready-made enclosures from vendors who specialize in mesh networking hardware:
Weatherproof Enclosures
For outdoor repeaters and solar-powered nodes, you'll need an IP-rated enclosure:
| Type | IP Rating | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Junction Box | IP65-IP68 | Permanent outdoor installations |
| Pelican/Harbor Freight | IP67 | Portable rugged deployments |
| PVC Pipe Cap | IP67+ | DIY budget outdoor nodes |
| Ammo Can | Water resistant | Large solar + battery setups |
Important: Antenna feed-through is often the weak point. Use proper cable glands or waterproof SMA bulkhead connectors.
DIY Solutions
Creative solutions from the community for budget-friendly enclosures:
- Food containers: Takeout containers and Tupperware work for indoor use
- PVC pipe: 2-3" PVC with end caps makes excellent weatherproof tubes
- Electrical boxes: Standard junction boxes from hardware stores are IP-rated
- Altoids tins: Classic hacker enclosure for compact indoor nodes
Enclosure Selection Tips
- 1. Consider heat dissipation-ESP32 boards can get warm under load
- 2. Leave room for battery expansion if using LiPo/18650 cells
- 3. External antenna connections are better than internal for range
- 4. Use silica gel packets in sealed outdoor enclosures to prevent condensation