Very nice node but takes some skill to assemble.
Recently received my N37E and I really like it! I find the overall appearance very appealing cosmetically to start. Love the e-ink display both in size and readability. No more squinting to read incoming messages or node contacts. The little joystick is easy to use and access menus. The included antenna folds down nicely across the top of the case. I’m expecting the 3000 mAh battery to provide good time between charging. Very quickly after powering it up in my garage it started acquiring satellites. Overall just a nice package that I enjoy using.
Assembly on this one is not for everyone. Some mechanical skill with small tools is a big plus. There are a variety of small screws going into plastic holes that require both a gentle touch and the right tools – a pretty small screwdriver and a really really small screwdriver.
A couple of tips: the black plastic bezel holding the screen in place has a right and a wrong orientation. Get it wrong and the left side of the screen will be cut off a bit. One video I watched suggested tacking down the GPS antenna. I’d leave it loose. You’ll see why during the final assembly process. The cable is a tight fit across them circuit board. Ribbon cable attachment – There is a small plug that attaches both to the ribbon coming from the display and to the ribbon that will go to the circuit board. To insert the ribbon pull outward on the piece at the edge of the plug, insert the ribbon and then press that movable piece back in tightly to secure the ribbon. Tug on it to check. Orientation of the ribbon is important. The shiny pads on the ribbon must face the contacts in the plug. Look closely. You may want to use magnification. Attaching the ribbon extension cable to the board is a different process. Flip up a small gate and insert the ribbon from the side of the plug opposite the gate. Then press the gate down firmly & give it another tug to make sure it’s secure. Again, watch orientation. If you get it wrong the screen won’t work. It might not be a bad idea to connect all the pieces before screwing the screen down and check function. Caution – do not plug in the battery or apply power to the board via the USB port without an antenna connected to the board. This may be a bit awkward during assembly but I’ve read doing so may damage the board since it can start transmitting without the “load” of a board. This is a general caution when working with LORA boards. Hope this helps. A few things I thought worth mention or that I learned from putting mine together.
