Designing my first 3D model for an off-grid mesh node

I set a goal for myself to release an app in 2026. I did that and I've been tinkering with some other projects I may eventually finish and publish too. More recently, I started messing around with Meshcore and Meshtastic. They're two competing networks that use LoRa technology to create an off-grid text messaging system.

I'd previously had several Meshtastic nodes, but a recent email from a reader asked if I'd be interested in helping expand the Meshcore network in Pueblo.

Fast forward to this week and I've built my second solar powered node in as much time. The first one has Meshcore installed and is acting as a repeater, but I decided to flash Meshtastic to the second one and put it up and monitor both networks – at least until I figure out where to put it as a Meshcore repeater.

For the second node, I picked up a Harbor Breeze solar light from Lowe's, removed the light, and started installing all of the necessary pieces to turn it into a mesh node. It's a project commonly referred to as The People's Repeater.

I couldn't find a mounting board that was designed to use the existing standoffs in the enclosure, so I opened Gemini and asked it to help me design one. My brain just doesn't understand CAD software, but with Gemini's help, I can tweak a model in OpenSCAD with a basic understanding of what the heck I'm doing.

A few hours and multiple iterations later, I had my very first original 3D model.

I've published it on MakerWorld, and to my surprise it has 47 views yesterday. It's incredibly niche, but oh so useful for my needs.