Summary

NOTE: The performance of these node is very poor and I have tested 5 of them. A T-Lora has much better performance and it only slightly more expensive, but you get a lot better performance. I would call the Xiao a short distance node, so only use it if you have a more powerful node nearby

I saw this low priced Meshtastic node setup from Seeed and ordered two. Originally, I used the first two to create a mobile magnetic shark fin node for my car. Unfortunately that didn't work out. Mainly because i sealed the node into the the roof mounted shark fin and you can't upgrade the node without pushing the boot button to flash it. So I switched gears and created this window mounted node that is very unobtrusive, so you can leave it with family or friends event if they are not into meshtastic. The whole setup, excluding the 3D printed case is about $20.

On to the node. There are 3 print components:

1. A low profile mount that you can stick to the home window via Alien Tape or some other dual sided adhesive tape. It's low profile, so even if you have double hung windows, you can unclip the node and still open both parts of the window.
2. I included a non low profile window mount that you can use for non double hung windows or a picture window (e.g. a store front solid window).
3. A base case that holds all the electronics, but you need to cut the pins short. If you don't want to trim the pins, use the non pin trim version.
4. A lid that you stick the BLE/WIFI antenna to.

Everything can be printed without supports, Personally I used PETG, but you can probably use PLA as well.

BOM:

1. Meshtastic Seeed Xiao kit
2. An antenna cable with SMA connector https://amzn.to/40vNDS1
3. A SMA antenna https://amzn.to/3ZVUjac
4. A USB-C power supply and cable with the needed length https://amzn.to/40vNDS1

NOTE: I attempted to put a hole in the side of the of the boot button, but it's kind of hard to push it with a tooth pick. I supplied some suggestions to SEEED that would make it easier, but it is what it is for now.
NOTE2: The SNR is lower on the SEEED Xiao than other nodes, so don't expect the same performance from this node.

PS. The Amazon links are affiliate links, so I would appreciate if you used them. Thanks!