Reply To: Case for Lower Threshold Voltage on Mayfly Stations

We typically code our stations to cutoff modem transmissions at 3.45v, and file operations at 3.4v.  The Mayfly will stop operating around 3.35v, so if you set your modem cutoff too low, then you’ll stop transmitting AND stop collecting data on the memory card at the same time.  By setting the modem cutoff a little above the memory card logging cutoff, then you’ll have time to visit the station to swap batteries before you start losing data on the card.  But in general, the station shouldn’t be falling that low repeatedly.  Use a larger solar panel and make sure the battery pack is matched to it, based on the amount of sunlight you get on a typical day.  Most of our stations stay in the 3.7v-4.0v range without user intervention to replace dying batteries.