Use Lilygo tlora-v2-1-1.6 with powerbank

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1

Hi everyone,

I want to use a Lilygo tlora-v2-1-1.6 with a powerbank, firmware 1.3.47.05147c0. As others have noticed, meshtastic will go to sleep and the powerbank will turn off.
I tried about any setting of the power configuration, without success.
I found the suggestion in the post " Power settings by range testing" to set

meshtastic --set is_router true
meshtastic --set wait_bluetooth_secs 28800

which results in “LocalConfig and LocalModuleConfig do not have attribute is_router.”

I know this wouldn’t happen if I attach a battery instead of a powerbank, but can someone tell me how to run meshtastic with a powerbank?
Thanks

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2

They don’t use enough power for smart power banks

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3

Usually the step up converter in a powerbank shuts down if no or almost no current is flowing, preventing the powerbank from being discharged without attached load. some people experienced the usb-c port with an usb-otg converter on some powerbanks working for low power applications. i didnt try that yet.

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4

Thank you, I had the impression that the powerbank turns off after meshtastic goes to sleep, but this might be wrong. The powerbank might just turn off, because not enough power is used as you say.

5

This is what I’m going to test a tbeam with.

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6

How many years can it run on that ? :smiley:
For now I ordered a couple of Samsung ICR 18650. They will fit for my T-Beam, but as far as I can see, they will work for the Lora as well.

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7

No idea, haven’t tested anything yet. Waiting for more parts. I’m planning on adding a 10w solar panel to start. I’ll check the charge each day and figure out what size solar I’ll need to keep it running in southern NH.

8

Going to try this as well with a separate large battery.

When I finally figure out what works for me, I will post my results. :grinning:

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9

I’d be interested how well it works. One day I want to set up a gateway.

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10

Hi @dhoskins just wanted to see how the adafruit solution worked out.

11

Sorry for not seeing this earlier, I had been working on getting my ham license and getting my IC-705 and nvis antenna set up so the Meshtastic project has been on the back burner. I will update this thread when I have vetted the components with actual use.