I've tested the module outdoor for about two weeks and it works great. Yesterday was the coldest night (-17.8 °C), and it passed without any issues.
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Additionally, I'll double-check datasheets for each component to validate the temperature range, but most of them should support -40 °C to 85 °C.
As I mentioned earlier, in the final version, a 3d printed case should be used, but it isn't ready yet. So for testing purposes, a transparent candy box was repurposed.
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The lowest detected voltage with the current setup was 2.23V, it's okay, but I'll replace the 1F supercapacitor with 1.5F in the future.
During the testing, I accidentally powered off the gateway and turned it on after a couple of hours. The node was discharged much more than I'd expected, but the reason was clear - retries. I use sendWithRetry that by default has 2 additional attempts to send the data. So 3 transmissions instead of 1 per minute during a couple of hours depleted the capacitor much faster. I'll either disable retries or implement smart ones (e.g. if the last 3 transmissions were retried without success - disable retry till the next success transmission).
Currently, I'm waiting for a crimping tool for JST 1.25 connectors, I may use them for connecting the solar panel and the sensor instead of just solder wires. Also, I've found that designing a small and waterproof case isn't something easy. Probably, a much easier way is to fill the whole box with silicone :)
I was asked a few times whether I going to sell this module to makers and hobbyists, and I don't really know. Would you buy it?) The module itself has little sense without a gateway, so probably, I have to finish it first (I already have a vision, almost all components, and a rough 3d model).
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https://youtu.be/Orf9segRLv0
6:00 to 8:00 min
the project describes a capacitor and components that limit the upper and lower voltage, preventing current leakage, losing the potential of upper collection.
- maybe it's worth handling the higher voltage/energy storage of the capacitor, as described in the reference video versus leaking. Have you evaluated the energy benefit/costs?
- another matter; Perhaps a 100m bluetooth range alternative?
could it be useful for a cell phone as a bridge/hub for an internet uplink?
Cell phones are aleeady sunked costs, with users next to the sensors.
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