BBS:      TELESC.NET.BR
Assunto:  Re: PI PICO W minimum voltage..
De:       The Natural Philosopher
Data:     Wed, 13 May 2026 14:39:52 +0100
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On 13/05/2026 12:12, druck wrote:
> On 12/05/2026 14:04, The Natural Philosopher wrote:
>> On 11/05/2026 23:38, Computer Nerd Kev wrote:
>>> The Natural Philosopher  wrote:
>>>>
>>>> This is a bit of a puzzle. My oil sensor stopped transmitting last
>>>> night. I replaced the batteries just now and its working again. The
>>>> voltage from is 3 x AA supply had dropped to 4.2V. This is supposed to
>>>> be enough to work a PICO W off? And IIRC on test it worked down to
>>>> around 3.8V or so.
>>>>
>>>>
>>>> Anyone know more?
>>>
>>> I don't know the Pico's power specs, but maybe there's resistance
>>> on one of the electrical connections, such that the voltage drops
>>> more under load than where and when you measured it?
>>>
>> I measure at the far end of the chain
> 
> How? Multimeter, USB power measuring dongle, oscilloscope.
> 
> The first two will average the voltage readings over a short period. You 
> really need a scope to spot transient drops, such as when the Pico is 
> transmitting over WiFi.
> 
> ---druck

Further investigation shows that a brand new set of AAs has discharged 
more overnight than the last set had in six months...(4,3V)

That is not possible if the nano timer is operating correctly: I suspect 
there is a constant battery drain from the unit somewhere.

Fortunately it's a socketed unit and I have spares...

I need to 3D print a cover for the oil tank before I can remove it 
however..it looks like rain



-- 
The lifetime of any political organisation is about three years before 
its been subverted by the people it tried to warn you about.

Anon.


--- PyGate Linux v1.5.14
 * Origin: Dragon's Lair, PyGate NNTP<>Fido Gate (3:633/10)

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