The SenseCAP T1000-E by Seeed Studio is a powerful, compact, and weatherproof LoRa device perfect for outdoor adventures, remote communication, and IoT applications. But what if you could make it even better? Meet the T1000E Charging Puck and Protective Case – two must-have accessories designed by Jace Harrison Crowley, an avid mountaineer and Meshtastic enthusiast.
Why These Accessories? The Story Behind the Designs
As a mountaineer, Jace uses the SenseCAP T1000-E to communicate and keep track of group members and his dog (really important). He then wanted to optimize the device for his outdoor adventures.
The Protective Case: Extra Defense Against the Elements
The T1000-E is already weatherproof (IP65-rated), but extreme environments demand extra protection. Jace designed the Protective Case to provide extra shielding for the device from minor impacts and scratches without obstructing any functionalities – keeping buttons, ports, and antennas fully accessible.
The Charging Puck: A Magnetic, Hassle-Free Charging Solution
Just drop the T1000E onto the puck, and magnets snap it into place, charging instantly. No fumbling, perfect alignment.
Whether you’re hiking, tracking wildlife, or deploying IoT nodes, the T1000E Charging Puck and Protective Case make your setup more durable and convenient. Thanks to Jace’s ingenuity and Seeed Studio’s co-create program, these accessories are now accessible to everyone.
Behind the Scenes: Developing the Charging Puck
Jace’s goal was a “drop in and go” charging experience. Let‘s see how he made it happen:
- Magnetic Alignment: The puck uses magnetic pins to hold the T1000E securely, even upside down.
- Mountable Design: With internal cable routing and screw recesses, the puck can be permanently installed (e.g., on a wall or under a desk).
- Community Feedback: Early prototypes were shared in the Meshtastic subreddit, where positive reactions motivated further refinements – like refining the tolerances in the charging puck, optimizing the design to make it more easily 3D printable without support.
Why Co-create with Seeed Studio
Jace has built many Meshtastic devices – from car nodes to solar routers – but considers the T1000-E the best portable node due to its compact size and ruggedness. When Seeed Studio invited him to co-create, he saw an opportunity to expand the T1000-E ecosystem with practical accessories.
How Seeed Studio’s Co-Create Program Helped?
- Lower Production Costs: Seeed’s manufacturing expertise made mass production feasible and cheaper.
- Global Sales Channels: The accessories are now available worldwide through Seeed Bazaar and its distribution network, to better help the product reach a wider audience.
- Fair Revenue Sharing: A transparent partnership model ensures creators like Jace are rewarded for their innovations.
- Handle complex after-sale service and logistics: Allowing creators to focus as much as possible on the product ideas and design, without being bogged down by after-sales.
