I’m currently developing a system based around a Notecard LoRa and Notecarrier X. My prototype is working fine, powered by a 2000mAh LiPo battery, but I really need (quite a bit) more longevity. I’m a software dev not an electronics engineer so forgive me if this should be obvious - can I use a lithium thionyl chloride battery instead of the LiPo? I don’t need my system to be rechargeable, in fact once installed there will be no way to get at the system to recharge it. I’m guessing it should be OK, if I use a Notecarrier XM instead of the X? (I also don’t need the Qwiic/ESLOV capability)? For some installations I’ll likely need to use a phone-network Notecard instead of the LoRa. Is the switch to the alternate battery OK? Are there issues I should be aware of?
Hi @darkerenergy,
Yes, you can definitely use a Li-SOCl₂ battery with any of our Notecards/Notecarriers. In fact, the XM is a good Notecarrier to use precisely because it does NOT have a charging circuit on it, so you won’t unintentionally try to charge that battery.
If you’re going to be using it with a Notecard Cellular device though, make sure you use a battery that can handle up to 3A bursts (we have recommended Tadiran’s PulsesPlus line in the past).
Hope that helps!
Rob
Hi @RobLauer -
That certainly does help, thank you very much. And thanks also for recommending a vendor/source for suitable batteries - this isn’t my field at all so all help is gratefully received. BTW thanks to the Blues team for the awesome Blues Expert MCP. I have it hooked up to Claude (Opus 5.5) and the combination is amazing.
Best Regards,