PowerSaving 17: Breaking the 6 mA Barrier — Down to 1 mA

[IoTThinks]

This discussion was created from the release PowerSaving 17: Breaking the 6 mA Barrier — Down to 1 mA.

[user784213]

Hi! I built the firmware from this repository for my ProMicro NRF52840 + SX1262 and got the following results for the repeater:

powersaving off
set radio.rxps off
14mA

powersaving on
set radio.rxps off
7.9mA

powersaving on
set radio.rxps balanced
4,7-6.2mA

powersaving on
set radio.rxps level 10 preamble 16
2,6-4.7mA

Unfortunately, I don't have a power profiler; Lora's sleep mode power consumption fluctuates constantly within the specified range. But I'm seeing excellent results!

[IoTThinks]

Let me include your test result in the release.

It is expected with jumping current when LoRa RX sleeps and wakes.

When using preample 16 level 10, it sleeps longer.

Preample 32 level 10, it sleeps most.
However, preample 32 is only supported since MC1.16.

[IoTThinks]

@user784213 I have added your Test Results.
Thanks a lot for your testing.

[user784213]

It would be very interesting to try the new power-saving modes on the ble companions.
The t1000-e and thinkNode m3 companions have very small batteries. Is it possible to build a firmware with Lora sleep mode enabled?

[IoTThinks]

@user784213 Sure, let me compile for you.

[IoTThinks]

@user784213 T1000e is a bit hard to test if tested via usb-c (not accurate).
When doing a full charge, it reduces a little only.
So I test it battery life. Now at 61% after 2.5 days.

You can find M3 and T1000e here.
https://github.com/IoTThinks/EasySkyMesh/releases/tag/PowerSaving17

[IoTThinks]

Btw, I have committed final code to PS16 branch.
You can compile for any BLE companions now.
https://github.com/IoTThinks/MeshCore/tree/PowerSaving-v16

[IoTThinks]

My T1000e can last 3 days now.
Last time only 2+ days.

[pelgraine]

Hi,
Could I please request builds for the T-Echo Card? I'd be very interested to know how long one could run with this power saving update and the tiny solar panel.

[IoTThinks]

It has 800mAh battery.
It shoud last around 3 days (as same as my T1000e on 700mAh battery).
Yes, 2 days in PS16 and 3 days in PS17.

Tell me if it works perfectly for you so I can include in the final build.
https://github.com/IoTThinks/EasySkyMesh/releases/tag/PowerSaving17

Nice board.

[sq3jpx]

Hi.
After enabling RXPS in my Xiao Nrf Repeater, the sensitivity decreases by at least 3db. Receiving another RPT, which I receive at -7db with RXPS disabled, becomes impossible with RXPS enabled. What could be the cause?

[sq3jpx]

Unfortunately, only one. The rest of my network is based on promicro.

[IoTThinks]

@sq3jpx Please help to test this firmware on your Xiao NRF52 repeater.
https://github.com/IoTThinks/EasySkyMesh/tree/main/firmware/Testing/sq3jpx

Please help to compare the SNR for on vs. off for the below CLIs

• set radio.rxps.rfrx_disabled on => Before fix, Same as current PS 17.
• set radio.rxps.rfrx_disabled off => Fix
• get radio.rxps.rfrx_disabled

We are investigate if RXEN is connected correctly.
Thanks a lot and have a nice day.

[IoTThinks]

I heard the fix worked!
I will merge it to PS 17.1

[sq3jpx]

Ok. Thank you! 🙂

[pelgraine]

Can confirm the T-Echo Card repeater firmware is working, although it lasted about 2.5 days, presumably because of the volume of packets in our area.

Haven't yet tested the Bluetooth firmware. Will update when I do. Thanks

[Studley3270]

Testing this on my Heltec v4 ..

Nothing for the Thinknode M5 though ?

[IoTThinks]

@Studley3270 Sorry, I missed the M5.
https://github.com/IoTThinks/EasySkyMesh/releases/tag/PowerSaving17

Please try and feedback if anything is abnormal.
Should be working fine.

Enjoy.