# The BARGAIN basement part 2

**URL:** <https://www.thethingsnetwork.org/forum/t/the-bargain-basement-part-2/5977>\
**Category:** Hardware\
**Created:** [March 10, 2017, 11:05am UTC](https://www.thethingsnetwork.org/forum/t/the-bargain-basement-part-2/5977 "2017-03-10T11:05:41Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 20\
**Page:** 11

<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![GryKyo](https://www.thethingsnetwork.org/forum/user_avatar/www.thethingsnetwork.org/grykyo/32/48516_2.png) [@GryKyo](https://www.thethingsnetwork.org/forum/u/GryKyo)\
**Post date:** [September 12, 2017, 2:07pm UTC](https://www.thethingsnetwork.org/forum/t/the-bargain-basement-part-2/5977/214 "2017-09-12T14:07:38Z")

</div>

**Tiny low cost regulators**  
DC-DC buck (step down) regulators which are preferable to linear regulators for in most cases. Rated at 3A but so small and costing so little! Size is only 20mm x 11mm and just as thick as the inductor, about 5mm in total. This is not much bigger than a TO-220 package. 6 pieces coming still attached through the pcb notches for €3.50 (free postage to Ireland) and they can be hard-wired to a fixed output voltage with a solder pad jumper.

I got [THESE](https://www.aliexpress.com/item/6pcs-DC-DC-Step-Down-Buck-Converter-Adjustable-4-5V-24V-to-5V-3A-97-5/32805900484.html) in the post today and the assembly appears to be very high quality, not skewed components, good solder masks/screen etc.

G

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<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![jezd](https://www.thethingsnetwork.org/forum/user_avatar/www.thethingsnetwork.org/jezd/32/46461_2.png) [@jezd](https://www.thethingsnetwork.org/forum/u/jezd)\
**Post date:** [September 12, 2017, 3:14pm UTC](https://www.thethingsnetwork.org/forum/t/the-bargain-basement-part-2/5977/215 "2017-09-12T15:14:13Z")

</div>

18650 Battery shield V3 (RaspberryPi&Arduino)-in Replacement Parts from Consumer Electronics on [Aliexpress.co](http://Aliexpress.co)…

Anyone used these?

[https://www.aliexpress.com/item/Wemos-18650-Battery-shield-V3-RaspberryPi-Arduino/32815528424.html](https://www.aliexpress.com/item/Wemos-18650-Battery-shield-V3-RaspberryPi-Arduino/32815528424.html)

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<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![BoRRoZ](https://www.thethingsnetwork.org/forum/user_avatar/www.thethingsnetwork.org/borroz/32/44234_2.png) [@BoRRoZ](https://www.thethingsnetwork.org/forum/u/BoRRoZ)\
**Post date:** [September 12, 2017, 4:18pm UTC](https://www.thethingsnetwork.org/forum/t/the-bargain-basement-part-2/5977/216 "2017-09-12T16:18:44Z")

</div>

> [@GryKyo](#):
>
> Rated at 3A

**no** way without dropping the output voltage (alot) 😉

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<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![GryKyo](https://www.thethingsnetwork.org/forum/user_avatar/www.thethingsnetwork.org/grykyo/32/48516_2.png) [@GryKyo](https://www.thethingsnetwork.org/forum/u/GryKyo)\
**Post date:** [September 12, 2017, 5:08pm UTC](https://www.thethingsnetwork.org/forum/t/the-bargain-basement-part-2/5977/217 "2017-09-12T17:08:59Z")

</div>

I trust you completely but that said these are for small 3.3v or 5v devices which I guess would glow orange/yellow colour if they drove a 3A load 🤣

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<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![BoRRoZ](https://www.thethingsnetwork.org/forum/user_avatar/www.thethingsnetwork.org/borroz/32/44234_2.png) [@BoRRoZ](https://www.thethingsnetwork.org/forum/u/BoRRoZ)\
**Post date:** [September 12, 2017, 5:29pm UTC](https://www.thethingsnetwork.org/forum/t/the-bargain-basement-part-2/5977/218 "2017-09-12T17:29:02Z")

</div>

at that current they are magic smoke devices … but @ a few hundred mA they work fine 🕶

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<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![mrTheWheel](https://www.thethingsnetwork.org/forum/user_avatar/www.thethingsnetwork.org/mrthewheel/32/6404_2.png) [@mrTheWheel](https://www.thethingsnetwork.org/forum/u/mrTheWheel)\
**Post date:** [September 13, 2017, 8:12am UTC](https://www.thethingsnetwork.org/forum/t/the-bargain-basement-part-2/5977/219 "2017-09-13T08:12:01Z")

</div>

> [@BoRRoZ](#):
>
> Mustool G600  
> _€ 42.57 incl. shipping_

Is it any good?

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<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![mrTheWheel](https://www.thethingsnetwork.org/forum/user_avatar/www.thethingsnetwork.org/mrthewheel/32/6404_2.png) [@mrTheWheel](https://www.thethingsnetwork.org/forum/u/mrTheWheel)\
**Post date:** [September 13, 2017, 8:22am UTC](https://www.thethingsnetwork.org/forum/t/the-bargain-basement-part-2/5977/220 "2017-09-13T08:22:06Z")

</div>

> [@BoRRoZ](#):
>
> ![](https://www.thethingsnetwork.org/forum/uploads/default/original/2X/e/ec1260d44ca0092e0f4033585bcaeeaeb82cab7c.jpg)
> 
> - update - _first impression = ok_

Second impression?  
Would you recomend this one?

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<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![BoRRoZ](https://www.thethingsnetwork.org/forum/user_avatar/www.thethingsnetwork.org/borroz/32/44234_2.png) [@BoRRoZ](https://www.thethingsnetwork.org/forum/u/BoRRoZ)\
**Post date:** [September 13, 2017, 8:47am UTC](https://www.thethingsnetwork.org/forum/t/the-bargain-basement-part-2/5977/221 "2017-09-13T08:47:57Z")

</div>

I like the [3 dbi](https://www.aliexpress.com/item/868mhz-antenna-3dBi-omni-fiberglass-antenna-best-price-factory-outlet-antenna-basestation-antenna/32801738509.html) , nice compact good quality and allowed  
_the difference in signal compared with the 10 dbi is not worth it imho_  
_also depends on the distance between your GW and antenna (cable loss)_

![](https://www.thethingsnetwork.org/forum/uploads/default/original/2X/0/0c0f555c68625eedb4e9621e0b80db3cc49ee27f.jpg)

_test setup indoor_

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<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![BoRRoZ](https://www.thethingsnetwork.org/forum/user_avatar/www.thethingsnetwork.org/borroz/32/44234_2.png) [@BoRRoZ](https://www.thethingsnetwork.org/forum/u/BoRRoZ)\
**Post date:** [September 13, 2017, 8:49am UTC](https://www.thethingsnetwork.org/forum/t/the-bargain-basement-part-2/5977/222 "2017-09-13T08:49:59Z")

</div>

> [@mrTheWheel](#):
>
> Is it any good?

I don’t know 🕶

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<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![BoRRoZ](https://www.thethingsnetwork.org/forum/user_avatar/www.thethingsnetwork.org/borroz/32/44234_2.png) [@BoRRoZ](https://www.thethingsnetwork.org/forum/u/BoRRoZ)\
**Post date:** [September 13, 2017, 8:52am UTC](https://www.thethingsnetwork.org/forum/t/the-bargain-basement-part-2/5977/223 "2017-09-13T08:52:14Z")

</div>

> **[5MP Mini Camera OV5647 Sensor 1080p 720p video for Raspberry Pi official Board ...](https://www.ebay.com/itm/5MP-Mini-Camera-OV5647-Sensor-1080p-720p-video-for-Raspberry-Pi-official-Board/162005349721?_trkparms=aid%3D222007%26algo%3DSIM.MBE%26ao%3D2%26asc%3D46089%26meid%3D85ff49a1f7bb41c59e66d22e816845bd%26pid%3D100005%26rk%3D4%26rkt%3D6%26mehot%3Dag%26sd%3D172279045455&_trksid=p2047675.c100005.m1851)**
>
> Raspberry Pi. It attaches to Raspberry Pi by way of one of the two small sockets on the board upper surface. Raspberry Pi NOT INCLUDED. size and image quality are important. It connects to Raspberry Pi by way of a short ribbon cable. | eBay!

_US $8.52 incl. shipping_

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<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![mrTheWheel](https://www.thethingsnetwork.org/forum/user_avatar/www.thethingsnetwork.org/mrthewheel/32/6404_2.png) [@mrTheWheel](https://www.thethingsnetwork.org/forum/u/mrTheWheel)\
**Post date:** [September 13, 2017, 9:35am UTC](https://www.thethingsnetwork.org/forum/t/the-bargain-basement-part-2/5977/224 "2017-09-13T09:35:12Z")

</div>

> [@BoRRoZ](#):
>
> ![](https://www.thethingsnetwork.org/forum/uploads/default/original/2X/8/861d23ac2c74744afc2aadbea583b747b82592dc.jpg)
> 
> _recommended 🕶_

What connectors do I need to order for an extension cable from this antenna to the RAK-831 (I think the RAK831 is RP-SMA - male … not sure).

=== EDIT ===  
Never mind. Found out by reading other threat. RAK831 has a RP-SMA male connector.

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<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![BoRRoZ](https://www.thethingsnetwork.org/forum/user_avatar/www.thethingsnetwork.org/borroz/32/44234_2.png) [@BoRRoZ](https://www.thethingsnetwork.org/forum/u/BoRRoZ)\
**Post date:** [September 13, 2017, 10:00am UTC](https://www.thethingsnetwork.org/forum/t/the-bargain-basement-part-2/5977/225 "2017-09-13T10:00:42Z")

</div>

for indoor testing I use this cable - RP-SMA plug (female pin) to N type plug Coax Cable RG58 2M

> **[RP-SMA plug (female pin) to N type plug Coax Cable RG58 2M | eBay](https://www.ebay.com/itm/RP-SMA-plug-female-pin-N-type-plug-Coax-Cable-RG58-2M-/330985215338?hash=item4d1041956a)**
>
> RF pigtail cable RP-SMA plug (female pin) to N type plug male connector RG58 2M. 2M default. RP-SMA male to N male. | eBay!

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<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![Charles](https://www.thethingsnetwork.org/forum/user_avatar/www.thethingsnetwork.org/charles/32/45146_2.png) [@Charles](https://www.thethingsnetwork.org/forum/u/Charles)\
**Post date:** [September 13, 2017, 10:22am UTC](https://www.thethingsnetwork.org/forum/t/the-bargain-basement-part-2/5977/226 "2017-09-13T10:22:39Z")

</div>

![](https://www.thethingsnetwork.org/forum/uploads/default/original/2X/5/5fe505a01cd3e3ab0e8016c9b26ff3be674e927e.jpg)

screw holes for Raspberry PI, Arduino, Beagle Bone, stackable and so much  
Awesome documentation , for outdoor GW, a must 😉

[https://shop.openh.io/pages/rubicon](https://shop.openh.io/pages/rubicon)

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<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![BoRRoZ](https://www.thethingsnetwork.org/forum/user_avatar/www.thethingsnetwork.org/borroz/32/44234_2.png) [@BoRRoZ](https://www.thethingsnetwork.org/forum/u/BoRRoZ)\
**Post date:** [September 13, 2017, 10:45am UTC](https://www.thethingsnetwork.org/forum/t/the-bargain-basement-part-2/5977/227 "2017-09-13T10:45:30Z")

</div>

[https://www.aldi.nl/aldi\_4g\_tablet\_101\_md\_60347\_48\_5\_26354\_43959.html](https://www.aldi.nl/aldi_4g_tablet_101_md_60347_48_5_26354_43959.html)

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<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![BoRRoZ](https://www.thethingsnetwork.org/forum/user_avatar/www.thethingsnetwork.org/borroz/32/44234_2.png) [@BoRRoZ](https://www.thethingsnetwork.org/forum/u/BoRRoZ)\
**Post date:** [September 14, 2017, 3:12pm UTC](https://www.thethingsnetwork.org/forum/t/the-bargain-basement-part-2/5977/228 "2017-09-14T15:12:54Z")

</div>

> **[Best170x120x72mm Waterproof Cover Plastic Electronic Project Box Enclosure IP65 ...](https://www.ebay.com/itm/Best170x120x72mm-Waterproof-Cover-Plastic-Electronic-Project-Box-Enclosure-IP65/272363128080)**
>
> Best170x120x72mm Waterproof Cover Plastic Electronic Project Box Enclosure IP65 | Business & Industrial, Electrical Equipment & Supplies, Electrical Boxes, Panels & Boards | eBay!

> **[Waterproof Electronic Junction Project Box PVC Enclosure Case 150 x 110 x 70mm ...](https://www.ebay.com/itm/240mm-x-170mm-x-110mm-Waterproof-ABS-Plastic-Enclosure-Case-Power-Junction-Box-/142396158430)**
>
> Waterproof Electronic Junction Project Box PVC Enclosure Case 150 x 110 x 70mm | Business & Industrial, Electrical Equipment & Supplies, Electrical Boxes, Panels & Boards | eBay!

> **[Outdoor Shockproof Waterproof Airtight Survival Storage Case Container Carry Box...](https://www.ebay.com/itm/Outdoor-Shockproof-Waterproof-Airtight-Survival-Storage-Case-Container-Carry-Box/141799312847)**
>
> Shockproof by 15mm PE inner lining. Keep your survival gear, valuables, lighter, matches, electronic gadgets save and dry. Waterproof storage case. Detail Image. Color: green. | eBay!

> **[Waterproof Shockproof Plastic Outdoor Survival Container Storage Case Carry Box...](https://www.ebay.com/itm/Waterproof-Shockproof-Plastic-Outdoor-Survival-Container-Storage-Case-Carry-Box/253000210693)**
>
> Specification:
>  
>  
> 100% brand new and waterproof 
>  
> Keeps your valuables, lighter, matches, electronic gadget safe and dry 
>  
> Shockproof by 3mm PE inner lining 
>  
> Can float on the water 
>  
> Terrific tool for camping, boating, fishing, tubing,...

  
_US $1.46 incl. shipping - node enclosure ?_

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<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![BoRRoZ](https://www.thethingsnetwork.org/forum/user_avatar/www.thethingsnetwork.org/borroz/32/44234_2.png) [@BoRRoZ](https://www.thethingsnetwork.org/forum/u/BoRRoZ)\
**Post date:** [September 16, 2017, 9:11am UTC](https://www.thethingsnetwork.org/forum/t/the-bargain-basement-part-2/5977/229 "2017-09-16T09:11:55Z")

</div>

![jst-sets](https://www.thethingsnetwork.org/forum/uploads/default/original/2X/1/1e89609665d8a6c79be57943fec63bc9f4ef3a41.jpg)  
_JST cable/connector sets_

- [http://stores.ebay.com/HobbyMart-SHOP/\_i.html?\_nkw=jst&submit=Search&\_sid=1029096428](http://stores.ebay.com/HobbyMart-SHOP/_i.html?_nkw=jst&submit=Search&_sid=1029096428)

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<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![BoRRoZ](https://www.thethingsnetwork.org/forum/user_avatar/www.thethingsnetwork.org/borroz/32/44234_2.png) [@BoRRoZ](https://www.thethingsnetwork.org/forum/u/BoRRoZ)\
**Post date:** [September 18, 2017, 7:38am UTC](https://www.thethingsnetwork.org/forum/t/the-bargain-basement-part-2/5977/230 "2017-09-18T07:38:58Z")

</div>

China National Day , **holidays from Oct. 1st ~ 8th !** 🕶

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<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![BoRRoZ](https://www.thethingsnetwork.org/forum/user_avatar/www.thethingsnetwork.org/borroz/32/44234_2.png) [@BoRRoZ](https://www.thethingsnetwork.org/forum/u/BoRRoZ)\
**Post date:** [September 21, 2017, 6:49pm UTC](https://www.thethingsnetwork.org/forum/t/the-bargain-basement-part-2/5977/231 "2017-09-21T18:49:47Z")

</div>

> **[Waterproof 100 x 68 x 50mm Plastic Electronic Project Enclosure Box Case Cover ...](https://www.ebay.com/itm/Waterproof-100-x-68-x-50mm-Plastic-Electronic-Project-Box-Enclosure-Case-YFR/302264964725)**
>
> 1 x Plastic Electronic Project Box Enclosure Case. Enduring DIY Electronics Project Box. Waterproof: IP66. Excellent waterproof performance. Built-in hole hold circuit board. | eBay!

  
_US $2.11 incl. shipping_

> **[158mmx90mmx46mm White Waterproof Plastic Enclosure Case Power Junction Box |...](https://www.ebay.com/itm/158mmx90mmx46mm-White-Waterproof-Plastic-Enclosure-Case-Power-Junction-Box/192271856769)**
>
> Excellent waterproof performance. Fixing hole center distance: approx.18 60mm. Material: plastic. Color: white. Detail Image. Mounted type: surface mounted. Durable and practical. | eBay!

  
_US $4.09 incl. shipping_

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<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![nicbkw](https://www.thethingsnetwork.org/forum/user_avatar/www.thethingsnetwork.org/nicbkw/32/44893_2.png) [@nicbkw](https://www.thethingsnetwork.org/forum/u/nicbkw)\
**Post date:** [September 22, 2017, 3:18pm UTC](https://www.thethingsnetwork.org/forum/t/the-bargain-basement-part-2/5977/232 "2017-09-22T15:18:42Z")

</div>

I use the larger version of this case for one of my homebrew gateways, the smaller is great for nodes

[http://www.clasohlson.com/uk/Waterproof-Case/31-8543](http://www.clasohlson.com/uk/Waterproof-Case/31-8543)

![IMG_20170922_162318](https://www.thethingsnetwork.org/forum/uploads/default/original/2X/3/3a0e27a9c12f5a6d79209dfb644dceb3099d3c4a.jpg)

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<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![ursm](https://www.thethingsnetwork.org/forum/user_avatar/www.thethingsnetwork.org/ursm/32/46475_2.png) [@ursm](https://www.thethingsnetwork.org/forum/u/ursm)\
**Post date:** [September 22, 2017, 6:14pm UTC](https://www.thethingsnetwork.org/forum/t/the-bargain-basement-part-2/5977/233 "2017-09-22T18:14:09Z")

</div>

got it today and after soldering the usual connection DIO1 --\> pinX it worked with the LMIC library and the prviously used code for the adafruit feather M0.  
the board is 2.54mm wider than the original feather, but it could be a cheap substitute.  
attention: the documentation notes the pin wron. look in LoRa.h  
and you don’t need to install suggested libryry, because that’s forseen for node to node connection  
 ![DIYmall_LoRa32u4](https://www.thethingsnetwork.org/forum/uploads/default/original/2X/b/b09dc4606a53a93d96ce43056f31f05b47f9a9f4.jpg)

````auto
// Adapted for DIYmall feather clone DIYLoRa32u4 Doc: ss = 19 , Reset = 9 , DIO0 = 26 (from LoRa.h)
// from Exemple Sender: ss = 8 , Rst = 4 , DIO0 = 7
const lmic_pinmap lmic_pins = {
    .nss = 8, // chip select on clone (rf95module) see LoRa.h
    .rxtx = LMIC_UNUSED_PIN, // 
    .rst = 4, // reset pin (M0=4)
    .dio = {7, // DIO0 is hardwired to 7
             5, // DIO1 is jumpered to 5
             LMIC_UNUSED_PIN}, // DIO1 is jumpered to unused
};```
have fun :slight_smile:
````

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