Hello all!
I’ve recently ran a test following the model provided in Global Asset Tracking with a Cellular Notecard and Datacake on three Notecarrier-A’s. However, there were some issues the cards seem to be having, and I kindly ask for assistance in diagnosing and solving this issue.
For sake of readability, I’ll name the three Notecarriers A1 (for devID ending in 2006), A2 (for devID ending in 9561), and A3 (for devID ending in 5142).
Here’s the process I used to setup this test fleet:
The hardware used included three Notecarrier-A’s, each are equipped with Cell + Wi-Fi Notecards, and are each powered by one 3.6V Li-Po battery. Batteries are wired into JST-PH connectors and plugged into the LIPO ports on the Notecarriers.
Fleet Setup
Each battery was checked using a multimeter prior to testing, and every battery had a minimum voltage of 3.6.
The same continuoustracker.json file was used to program all of the notecards.
JSON screenshot
This JSON file’s role is to schedule a sync every hour. Programming to all cards was done via VSCode terminal and USB connection.
Programming was done just before 12:00 PM on Friday, 7/26/24, and the test was left to run until 8:00 AM on Tuesday, 7/30/24.
Though I’m confident that this is unrelated, I will add that A1 was left on an office desk, A2 was left by the front desk of an office, and A3 was left in a car that was driven two to four times each day.
Here are the issues I’ve encountered (screenshots can be found in the album linked in the first reply):
Firstly, Notecarriers A1 and A2 had occasional missed syncs.
Examples include A1 missing its 3PM sync on Friday and A2 missing its 6PM sync on Friday.
Secondly, Notecarriers A1 and A3 had instances of continuous brown-outs (and forced syncs).
Examples include A1 at 11PM on Sunday and A3 at 4 and 5AM on Tuesday.
Thirdly, Notecarrier A1 eventually stopped sending data by end of Monday. A1’s Red LED intermittently flashes acceleratingly, which I presume indicates that it continuously tries to start up but is unable to.
Given the brown-out information that show up in the _health.qo files indicating a drop of voltage (usually to 3.2-3.4V), I would assume that this is a battery issue. However, I’ve tested each battery using a multimeter and they seem healthy; A1, A2, and A3’s batteries measured 3.60V, 3.64V, and 3.65V respectively.
As a new user, I’m limited in how many links I can attach to post, so I’ll see if I can get any of these put into the replies.
I’m not entirely sure what I should do from here for further testing and diagnosis.
Any guidance would be greatly appreciated.
Many thanks in advance~