FAQ: Battery and power management

Q1How long can a node's battery last if left ON without a Gateway configured?

A node can last approximately 1 to 2 months when powered on without a Gateway configured.

Q2How long can a node operate without a battery fitted?

The Hybrid Pulse Capacitor (HPC) can sustain the node without a D-Cell battery for up to approximately one week.

Q3Can I use a 17 Ah battery instead of the recommended 19 Ah?

Yes: however, the lower capacity will result in a shorter battery lifespan relative to the standard 19 Ah rating.

Q4What battery brands does Ackcio recommend?

Use 3.6 V, 19 Ah ER34615 D-Cell batteries from the following approved brands:

• Sunmoon ER34615
• BP Sunmoon ER34615
• EVE ER34615
• BP EVE ER34615
• Tadiran ER34615
• Saft ER34615

Q5Do all battery slots need to be filled for a node to function?

No. A node operates with just one battery installed. Additional slots serve as backup to extend runtime.

Q6Which node type consumes the most battery power?

In order of power consumption (highest to lowest):

• DG (Digital) Node: Highest consumption
• AN (Analogue) Node: Moderate consumption
• VW (Vibrating Wire) Node: Lowest consumption

Q7When should a battery be replaced?

Snape will issue an alert when the battery voltage approaches 3.0 V. Replace the battery promptly at this point.

Q8What happens if the battery is not replaced after dropping below 3 V?

• V: 3.0 V: Node stops sensing but remains on the Mesh network to relay data from child nodes.
• Below 2.9 V: Node enters deep sleep and disconnects from the network entirely.
• Lower than 2.5 V: HPC must be replaced before new D cell is fitted in otherwise new D cell will drain in 1-3 days.

Q9What causes faster-than-expected battery drain?

The following factors commonly accelerate battery consumption:

• Weak network: repeated reconnection attempts drain power.
• Parent node load: acting as a relay for many child nodes increases current draw.
• Extreme temperatures: very hot or cold environments degrade battery output.
• Non-recommended brands: batteries not meeting the 3.6 V / 19 Ah / ER34615 spec.
• Old or improperly stored batteries: manufactured >3 months ago or stored outside optimal temperature.
• High sampling rates: frequent sense-and-transmit cycles increase consumption.
• For Analogue nodes: excitation time exceeding 2 seconds adds significant drain.

Q10Can DG, ANS4, and VWS8 nodes run on a single D-Cell?

Yes. All three node types are designed for single D-Cell operation. Extra battery slots provide extended backup runtime only.

Q11Is a 12 V, 7 Ah car battery suitable for powering the Gateway?

Not recommended. The Gateway requires a continuous 12 V / 3 A DC supply.

Power math: Gateway consumes ~3 W (12 V × 0.25 A). A 7 Ah battery gives ~28 hours, insufficient for field deployment.

Recommended setup:

• Primary: 12 V, 3 A DC mains adapter
• Optional backup: UPS for short-term outage resilience

Q12What is the ideal battery storage and handling practice?

To maximise battery life and node reliability:

• Store batteries in a cool, dry environment away from direct sunlight.
• Use batteries within 3 months of manufacture for best performance.
• Never mix old and new batteries in the same node.
• Dispose of depleted batteries responsibly according to local regulations.