I have updated my prototype currently powered via USB-C 5V and changed to using the Waveshare LoRa module
Here is the 12 parts below used, headers and wire to connect up, used a hand drill to make opening for the coil on the 3.3V rail
The Waveshare Core1262-868M Anti-Interference SX1262 LoRa Module is better than the NiceRF LoRa used with the first prototype as it adds TXEN and RXEN ability (ability to enable and disable transmit and receive) and has uFL to SMA antenna connection
Also this just requires a small change to the current firmware variant.h file
#define SX126X_TXEN (32 + 13) // TXEN P1.13 NiceRF 868 dont use
#define SX126X_RXEN (32 + 10) // RXEN P1.10 NiceRF 868 dont use
#define SX126X_E22
This change has been merged
meshtastic:master ← markbirss:master
opened 06:00PM - 29 Apr 22 UTC
This change enables RXEN TXEN for the use of the Waveshare Core1262-868M Anti-In… terference SX1262 LoRa Module, EU868 Band
https://www.waveshare.com/core1262-868m.htm
Currently testing with fw 1.2.63 (backported)
Raspberry Pi Proto Hat Shield Extension Board also for Raspberry Pi Model
DESPI-C02 E-Paper board
This HAT connection board DESPI-C02 is aim to help users to learn how to use the E-paper Display easier, and it is used for Good Display's black-white E-paper Display and three-color (black, white and red/Yellow)
Price: USD 6.99
nRF52840-pca10059-v1 (Nordic USB Dongle)
Waveshare Core1262-868M Anti-Interference SX1262 LoRa Module, EU868 Band
USB C Connector Breakout with Headers
6.For 3.V Rail Power
LoRa bypass capacitorhttps://www.robotics.org.za/100NF-10?search=100NF-10
LoRa bypass capacitorhttps://www.robotics.org.za/CAPKIT?search=CAPKIT
Power5V to 3.3V Step-Down Power Supply - Bot Shop
SMA Female to uFL u.FL IPX IPEX Extension Cable
868 Mhz Antenna
4.2inch 400x300 e-Paper (GDEW042T2) -
GDEW042T2 is a TFT active matrix electrophoretic display , with interface and a reference system design. This 4.2” active area contains 400x300 pixels, 4 Grayscale. Support partial refresh, black and white.
Price: USD 17.60
I am busy testing these 2 options for power from LiPo 18650 batteries
2 x LiPo 18650 for 7.4v (currently testing)
5v 2 x 18650 boost board (still todo)
The 2 x 18650 LiPo 7.4v batteries lasted just over 64 hours and at 71 hours the voltage dropped too low to keep the device powered (the 3.3 Voltage regulator requires 4.3V or more too still operate)
1 Like
Neil
May 8, 2022, 2:09pm
24
For such kind of low power, if integrate all those stuffs in to one PCB and place it into waterproof case. The power switch may not necessary anymore.
1 Like
The 5v 2 x 18650 boost board lasted about 50 hours
I received another dual battery charger to try out next
This DF Robot is quite nice as it has a power on off button and can charge via USB-C or Micro-USB
In order to get some more battery usage statistics, i bought a RIDEN® UM24C USB 2.0 Color LCD Display Tester Voltage Current Meter
This allows power usage monitoring over Bluetooth
I starting using
Web GUI for RuiDeng/Riden USB testers (UM34C, UM24C, UM25C, TC66C) - GitHub - kolinger/rd-usb: Web GUI for RuiDeng/Riden USB testers (UM34C, UM24C, UM25C, TC66C)
but im yet to see the Accumulated value increase ?
As I just started I will see if it increase later
I see the accumulated value is actually available on the UM24C’s screen
1 Like
The accumulated usage starts to show connected to the M5 CoreInk
M5 CoreInk peaks at 180mA whilst the nRF82540 only peaks 90mA usage
Here is a 4 x 18650 Cell version I recently received
