Battery Level Indicator Issue

Help & Support
1

A couple of weeks ago, one of my devices (336WL7) started sending notifications that the battery level was critically low. I finally got around to removing the device, cleaning it up, and removing the batteries. I tested the old batteries with a digital battery tester and a digital multimeter, the measured voltage was 1.34 volts on both meters. With these old batteries, the device was still sending moisture readings, but the device voltage reading indicated “unavailable.” I installed new batteries today. I checked voltage on the new batteries before installing them, 1.62 volts. After installation, the device initially reported battery voltage of 85%, 1.45 volts, but within an hour or so, I got a notification from the device that battery voltage was critically low (I think the reading was 0%, 0.75 volts). Does this indicate a problem with the battery level indicator on the device? If so, what is the remedy?

2

I just checked this device again this morning. Now it is reading 85% (1.53 volts) battery level. I will continue to monitor it, but would appreciate any insights you have as to why it jumped from reading 0.75 volts to 1.53 volts over a couple days period.

3

Hi @kramekooc ,

Apologies for the late response after returning from the Christmas break. I will bring this up with the engineering team and report back on the possible causes (e.g. bugs or something else with your specific device). In the meantime, did you happen to encounter freezing temperatures? This is the only potential explanation that came across that could cause this.

Thanks,

Stanley
Marketing PM
Team GeoDrops

4

Thanks for the reply, Stanley. We did have a couple of days where it dipped below freezing, on Dec 15 it got to 32F for a couple of hours, and again on Dec 31 it got below freezing for a few hours with a low of 30F. However, the problem seems to have started on or before Dec 11 if I look at the battery history graph.

5

Hi @kramekooc,

Thanks for your patience while we reviewed this case. We’d like to move forward with RMA and will coordinate the return details with you directly by email. Please keep an eye out for that message shortly.

Best,

Stanley
Marketing PM
Team GeoDrops

6

Hi @kramekooc ,

The RMA unit should’ve arrived a couple weeks ago as we corresponded via email. I just wanted to reach out again to see if everything’s working out alright before closing out this thread.

Thanks for your patience as this was getting resolved,

Stanley
Marketing PM
Team GeoDrops

9

Hi Stanley,

I did receive the RMA unit, it actually arrived a day or two ahead of schedule! I’m probably going to wait until spring before I do install it as my yard is dormant now and thus there is not much need to know soil moisture content. I have left my other devices installed just to gain some experience on their readings during the off season. Please feel free to close this thread, and thank you again for your help!

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