Interesting behavior with aeon 4-in-1, batteries and low tem

[JanJoh 1]

I just noticed that the temp sensor in the aeon 4in1 seem to have issues with low supply voltage.

Take a look at the attached graph, and notice the different time scales under the graph.

The red sections indicate the sensor powered with four generic alkaline 1,5V batteries. As you can see before it "flat lined" du to low battery there was a couple of spike readings.

I replaced them with four Sanyo enerloop that I use for my camera flash. (Green sections) , these are 1,2V NiMH. These batteries does not like cold and as you can see I got massive spiking (this does not happen with NiMH during summer time as I have used them extensively).

So, I replaced them with four non rechargeable lithiums (blue) section, at that seemed to do the trick for low temperature use. The "small spike and gradual decline" is from me bringing the sensor in to replace my weather seal (electrical tape

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So, not a bug, just a small tips in regard to 4in1 and low temperatures.

Next spring there will be a constant supply to that one.

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[Daniel W 0]

What constant power supply will you use for outdoor usage?

[petergebruers 1,268]

Thanks for sharing!

[JanJoh 1]

What constant power supply will you use for outdoor usage?

Standard USB wall-wart. I have the good fortune to have a small storage adjacent to the sensor.

If I needed to actually design a supply for outdoor use, I would buy a cheap 240VAC->5VDC on eBay, and simply put it in an IP-rated small enclosure (junction box)

[wienog 107]

I just noticed that the temp sensor in the aeon 4in1 seem to have issues with low supply voltage.

Take a look at the attached graph, and notice the different time scales under the graph.

The red sections indicate the sensor powered with four generic alkaline 1,5V batteries. As you can see before it "flat lined" du to low battery there was a couple of spike readings.

I replaced them with four Sanyo enerloop that I use for my camera flash. (Green sections) , these are 1,2V NiMH. These batteries does not like cold and as you can see I got massive spiking (this does not happen with NiMH during summer time as I have used them extensively).

So, I replaced them with four non rechargeable lithiums (blue) section, at that seemed to do the trick for low temperature use. The "small spike and gradual decline" is from me bringing the sensor in to replace my weather seal (electrical tape

Please login or register to see this image.

/emoticons/default_biggrin.png" alt=":D" srcset="https://forum.fibaro.com/uploads/emoticons/[email protected] 2x" width="20" height="20" />)

So, not a bug, just a small tips in regard to 4in1 and low temperatures.

Next spring there will be a constant supply to that one.

Please login or register to see this image.

/emoticons/default_wink.png" alt=";)" srcset="https://forum.fibaro.com/uploads/emoticons/[email protected] 2x" width="20" height="20" />

Janjoh,

I was wondering: which software gives you this kind of detailed readout of your measurements ?

[JanJoh 1]

I just noticed that the temp sensor in the aeon 4in1 seem to have issues with low supply voltage.

Take a look at the attached graph, and notice the different time scales under the graph.

The red sections indicate the sensor powered with four generic alkaline 1,5V batteries. As you can see before it "flat lined" du to low battery there was a couple of spike readings.

I replaced them with four Sanyo enerloop that I use for my camera flash. (Green sections) , these are 1,2V NiMH. These batteries does not like cold and as you can see I got massive spiking (this does not happen with NiMH during summer time as I have used them extensively).

So, I replaced them with four non rechargeable lithiums (blue) section, at that seemed to do the trick for low temperature use. The "small spike and gradual decline" is from me bringing the sensor in to replace my weather seal (electrical tape

Please login or register to see this image.

/emoticons/default_biggrin.png" alt=":D" srcset="https://forum.fibaro.com/uploads/emoticons/[email protected] 2x" width="20" height="20" />)

So, not a bug, just a small tips in regard to 4in1 and low temperatures.

Next spring there will be a constant supply to that one.

Please login or register to see this image.

/emoticons/default_wink.png" alt=";)" srcset="https://forum.fibaro.com/uploads/emoticons/[email protected] 2x" width="20" height="20" />

Janjoh,

I was wondering: which software gives you this kind of detailed readout of your measurements ?

I wrote it myself, it is basically a few wrappers that create data sources for Cacti. I posted a thread on the topic in the forum about a year ago. So, do a search for my username and cacti and you should find it.

[TinaFranchi 0]

Good to know JanJoh that this written by you and you explain it in very good way.

[JanJoh 1]

Dear readers,

I linked this thread to another HA forum, and got a private message basically asking "but, what does your advice actually mean?"

And , I apologize for maybe assuming that people have more electronical experience than most do. I do apologize for that.

Basically, I am saying: it appears that for usage in low temperature (below freezing) you should avoid using rechargeable 1,2V batteries with the aeontwk 4in1.

The best choose for battery powered operation is non rechargeable lithium batteries (as they operate normally even in -40 degrees centigrade). Expensive, but worth it.

The second best choose is "normal" 1,5V alkaline batteries, but they do not last very long in low temp. If you do not mind changing batteries often, this is the cheapest option. You can most likely buy 40 "No name" of these batteries for the same cost as 4 Lithiums.

I hope this has made it more clear.

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