It’s a custom data logger that for the SDI12 connection basically connects pins to screw terminal. We are using a 12v 16 ah sealed lead acid battery. I did try 5v nimh with a 1A setup 12v buck previously and it had problems with the sap flow. All other sensors work fine with the stepup. I am using the EZSCB ant esp32. It has the lowest sleep power usage. I have just shallow buried the electronic box ( keep constant temperature) and insulated the probe on the tree. We will get some days next week in the 39oC so this will test if the issue is on the sensor side.