Hardware

First things first, let’s make sure we have all of the correct hardware before we begin assembling our NOMAD/BASENODE device:

• NOMAD/BASENODE Case (Front & Back)
• (4) M3x12mm Stainless Steel Screw
• Heltec V3 ESP32 LoRa Device
• Note: Different countries require different frequencies to be used when operating your LoRa device. Check to make sure your device and antenna are of the correct frequency for your location.
• MakerFocus 2000mAh 3.7v LiPo Battery
• USB-C Cable

Things To Note Before You Start

• ALWAYS Connect Your Antenna

Before powering on your device, always make sure the SMA antenna cable is plugged into the Heltec V3 AND the antenna itself is attached to the device. You risk causing damage to the board if you power it on without an antenna.

• Don’t Over-Tighten The Screws

When tightening the screws into the case, you do not need to apply a lot of torque. Be cautious when tightening the screws, while the screws have plenty of bite and can take a fair amount of torque – you are still screwing stainless steel into plastic and it can strip out the case.

• Move The Battery Cable

The NOMAD/BASENODE case is designed to be as compact as possible while still being rugged and supporting a 2000mAh battery for long battery life. This means the tolerances are slim and you should be careful to NOT pinch components when assembling the case.

The battery cable is a great example of something to watch out for. When you are in the final steps of assembling your case, pay careful attention to the instructions and make sure to move the power cable out of the way of any SMD components protruding from the Heltec V3 board. I recommend moving the cable over to the side of the case where the battery leads start and holding it there with a tool while you close the case and secure the screws. 

Step-By-Step Assembly

Installing the Heltec V3 into the NOMAD/BASENODE Case

• Start by placing the faceplate face-down on a table and placing the buttons into the case. Make sure the surface texture of the buttons matches the surface texture of the faceplate!
• Connect the SMA cable for the antenna to the Heltec V3 board, and be sure to move this connector out of the way when installing the board into the case.
• Insert the USB-C end of the Heltec V3 board into the case at an angle and push it gently to ensure the USB-C end of the board has been seated properly. There is a subtle lip designed into the case that holds the USB-C end of the board in place – make sure your board is seated flush under this lip. 
• Carefully and slowly pry back on the retaining clip on the antenna side of the Heltec V3 board while simultaneously pushing down on the Heltec V3 board until the board seats snug into place. The tolerances on this one are very small to eliminate any slop that would allow movement of the board when seated in the case. 
• Once the board is properly installed into the case, the final assembly step for the faceplate is to secure the antenna. Take the male end of the antenna connector (SMA cable) and install it securely on the case from the inside using the supplied locknut. You don't need to make this extremely tight, just snug enough to hold a bite on the case.
• Tuck the antenna cable into the slot on the side of the case.
• Finally, you can screw the antenna onto the connector from the top.

Installing the battery

• This step is very simple, there’s only one thing you really need to keep in mind. When you install the battery into the case, make sure the battery cable leads are at the top of the battery. Generally, if you install the battery with the MakerFocus label visible then you have installed it correctly.

Final assembly

• Now that you have both the faceplate and the backplate assembled, all that’s left is to connect the battery to the board and secure both parts of the case with screws. At this point, you will want to make sure your antenna is connected properly. You can now plug the battery into the Heltec V3 board.
• Next, as you align the faceplate with the backplate, make sure the power cable remains pushed over to the side and clear of any SMD components protruding from the Heltec V3 Board. The last thing you want to do is pinch those cables against one of the chips on the Heltec V3 board. This can damage the components of the board as well as the power cables.  
• Hold both parts of the case securely in place as you insert the screws. I recommend installing the screws from corner-to-corner, similar to how you would install the lug nuts on a vehicle, to evenly apply torque when bolting the case together.
• When installing the screws, you will want to apply consistent pressure on the screwhead to ensure a good bite for the first few threads where the bottom plate meets the top plate. I recommend waiting to torque the screws until all four screws are 95% threaded into the case. Make sure not to over-tighten these bolts, you do not need that much torque.

Congratulations, you made it to the end of the NOMAD/BASENODE Case assembly guide. Hopefully your device is assembled properly and you’re ready to start using it out in the wild! If you encounter any issues or need some help, please don’t hesitate to send us a message.