The Rak uses 12-14mA average with BT switched on, in power save mode and with all telemetry set to 3600 seconds (that is also something to remember, telemetry runs every minute otherwise, even when switched off)
great video, and yes. ESP32 bluetooth is very power hungry, this is why currently when you turn powersave mode, it turns off the bluetooth temporarily and doing so will double your normal runtime. It will however turn back on the moment traffic is detected which is useless on busy meshes.
For stand alone devices we are working on using a shortcut key to turn off blutooth since it is not needed on such devices. Fn+B will probably be the keys we set it to. Hopefully soon.
I have 5 Heltec V3 devices and 3 gps modules and 4 weather modules with one setup for an external large 900 mhz antenna and the solar panel with 4 solar charge controllers. Putting them together is the problem. No time lately not to mention other projects amd my 991a vhf/uhf amp board finals needing replacement. This is where when your single you can really het hobbies done but thankfully I am happily married and have numberous grandkids always here so no complaints but I really do wish I had a little time to get aome of it done.
I have been working with the ESP8266 and ESP32 for a long time, and I have developed low-power devices with them. Based on my experience, I can say that if these devices run continuously, they will consume a significant amount of power unless you put them into sleep mode. However, sleep mode is not ideal for communication devices like these.
Don't throw out your ESP32's just yet. If you put them in router mode they draw a similar amount as RAK4631 in client mode. A 5W solar panel running to the USB C with a decent battery and you have a deployable node.
This response was exactly what I needed. It's a great option for my future plans.
Now we just need at NRF version of the T-Deck :D
Mine arrive tomorrow, stay tuned people 👹
The Rak uses 12-14mA average with BT switched on, in power save mode and with all telemetry set to 3600 seconds (that is also something to remember, telemetry runs every minute otherwise, even when switched off)
All of these need an e-ink display to keep power down. There are probably e-ink displays that fit in the same spot are use the same pinout.
Thanks for such quality content, you're the best
😘😘
great video, and yes. ESP32 bluetooth is very power hungry, this is why currently when you turn powersave mode, it turns off the bluetooth temporarily and doing so will double your normal runtime. It will however turn back on the moment traffic is detected which is useless on busy meshes.
For stand alone devices we are working on using a shortcut key to turn off blutooth since it is not needed on such devices. Fn+B will probably be the keys we set it to. Hopefully soon.
That would be useful 👍🏻😁
The Bluetooth antennas on the Heltec nodes make a lot more sense now. It’s a power saving feature 😂 (auto disconnect)
Holy 💩, the power consumption of BT on the older model was very enlightening. Now I'm wonder how bad it is on wifi.
WiFi power consumption would be interesting.
Does the new one even have wifi?
Yes @@bolle666
does this board integrates solar support like the Rak does?
I have 5 Heltec V3 devices and 3 gps modules and 4 weather modules with one setup for an external large 900 mhz antenna and the solar panel with 4 solar charge controllers. Putting them together is the problem. No time lately not to mention other projects amd my 991a vhf/uhf amp board finals needing replacement. This is where when your single you can really het hobbies done but thankfully I am happily married and have numberous grandkids always here so no complaints but I really do wish I had a little time to get aome of it done.
I have been working with the ESP8266 and ESP32 for a long time, and I have developed low-power devices with them. Based on my experience, I can say that if these devices run continuously, they will consume a significant amount of power unless you put them into sleep mode. However, sleep mode is not ideal for communication devices like these.
Are you teating this all on the same firmware? 2.5 preview has alot of improvements
I'm a little surprised that Lewis hasn't mentioned the T114 yet. It's just a pity that I have a load of V3 devices deployed around the place.
Have you still got your TT Andy?
Question is, will the T114 fit in a V3 housing? I have a rather nice 3d printed case I would want to continue using. Are you able to try that out? :)
Hi, unfortunately not, it's a different size entirely
The 9 ma is idle current and the jump to 18 is rx…..
Don't throw out your ESP32's just yet. If you put them in router mode they draw a similar amount as RAK4631 in client mode. A 5W solar panel running to the USB C with a decent battery and you have a deployable node.
What is the max radio power output?
Hoping this works with the new 2.5 meshtastic update that is coming!
It's does 👍🏻
Interesting, I find the v3 a real hog on power when using wifi and GPS, 2 x 2500mah 18650's do not last that long at all.
5:04 OLED ?
You didn't say where to get the multimeter and there's no link in the description.