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Automatic power on #206

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opened 2026-10-05 05:49:17 +02:00 by adam · 7 comments
adam commented 2026-10-05 05:49:17 +02:00
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I plan to install my LoRa APRS module in the trunk of my vehicle, turning on with vehicle ignition power. However, I realize that once the unit has powered off (e.g. from low battery condition), once power is restored it does not turn on until a button is pressed. (I'm using a Heltec v3)

Is it possible to make the unit automatically power on through firmware? Or is this purely a hardware issue?

I plan to install my LoRa APRS module in the trunk of my vehicle, turning on with vehicle ignition power. However, I realize that once the unit has powered off (e.g. from low battery condition), once power is restored it does not turn on until a button is pressed. (I'm using a Heltec v3) Is it possible to make the unit automatically power on through firmware? Or is this purely a hardware issue? <!-- github-sync-id:3274579154 -->
adam closed this issue 2026-10-05 05:49:17 +02:00
adam commented 2026-10-05 05:49:18 +02:00
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maybe you need to run it without any battery at all, this way when powering the car it will start and when car stops it will be off and won't get into the "no-restart" state.

maybe you need to run it without any battery at all, this way when powering the car it will start and when car stops it will be off and won't get into the "no-restart" state. <!-- github-comment-id:3133654615 -->
adam commented 2026-10-05 05:49:19 +02:00
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I would like to keep the module alive for a few days even with ignition off (in case car is towed away for example), so I was hoping to keep the battery in the circuit.

I must admit I don't know the details of the Heltec/LoRa boards, but are you saying that supplying voltage through the USB port (ONLY) will cause power-on, while applying power through the battery connector (ONLY) will not cause power-on?

I had assumed that applying power to either connector would cause the CPU to start, but the firmware was dictating boot or shutdown. (Just guessing)

I would like to keep the module alive for a few days even with ignition off (in case car is towed away for example), so I was hoping to keep the battery in the circuit. I must admit I don't know the details of the Heltec/LoRa boards, but are you saying that supplying voltage through the USB port (ONLY) will cause power-on, while applying power through the battery connector (ONLY) will not cause power-on? I had assumed that applying power to either connector would cause the CPU to start, but the firmware was dictating boot or shutdown. (Just guessing) <!-- github-comment-id:3133807998 -->
adam commented 2026-10-05 05:49:20 +02:00
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this boards have no hardware to detect a connected voltage and do something. They have a chip that enables charging the battery connected but this works outside the esp32 possibilities.

so the only way would be to add some resistors and transistors to have somehow a hardware reset switch for this

this boards have no hardware to detect a connected voltage and do something. They have a chip that enables charging the battery connected but this works outside the esp32 possibilities. so the only way would be to add some resistors and transistors to have somehow a hardware reset switch for this <!-- github-comment-id:3133815226 -->
adam commented 2026-10-05 05:49:20 +02:00
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Oh I will pursue this from a hardware standpoint. Thanks

Oh I will pursue this from a hardware standpoint. Thanks <!-- github-comment-id:3133818229 -->
adam commented 2026-10-05 05:49:21 +02:00
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You don't need to detect connected voltage, you can just deep sleep for like 5 minutes and then check voltage on startup and then sleep again or turn on normally.

If this board doesn't have low power protection built-in then it is recommended to install that outside the board if you don't have that built-in in your battery (because some li-ions have built-in protections). Software protection is always not perfect and such physical protection board (which costs very little) will protect your cells

You don't need to detect connected voltage, you can just deep sleep for like 5 minutes and then check voltage on startup and then sleep again or turn on normally. If this board doesn't have low power protection built-in then it is recommended to install that outside the board if you don't have that built-in in your battery (because some li-ions have built-in protections). Software protection is always not perfect and such physical protection board (which costs very little) will protect your cells <!-- github-comment-id:3135085235 -->
adam commented 2026-10-05 05:49:22 +02:00
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In a nutshell the problem is that I expect the board to power on (boot) when USB power is applied. I contacted Heltec who told me this board does automatically power on when USB power is applied, and if not then it's the firmware being written to the board (APRS Tracker).
_**

"This is quite peculiar; I suspect it's related to the software. I suggest you first consult the software developer. If you encounter any further issues later, we can assist, but currently, we're also unsure how to help you. "

**_

I'm a bit confused...I didn't think the firmware would be responsible for commanding the board to start on power up. But maybe I'm wrong. Does this makes sense?

I can confirm that when selecting POWER OFF from the menu, the board doe NOT power off. So maybe there is some firmware issue?

In a nutshell the problem is that I expect the board to power on (boot) when USB power is applied. I contacted Heltec who told me this board does automatically power on when USB power is applied, and if not then it's the firmware being written to the board (APRS Tracker). _** > "This is quite peculiar; I suspect it's related to the software. I suggest you first consult the software developer. If you encounter any further issues later, we can assist, but currently, we're also unsure how to help you. " **_ I'm a bit confused...I didn't think the firmware would be responsible for commanding the board to start on power up. But maybe I'm wrong. Does this makes sense? I can confirm that when selecting POWER OFF from the menu, the board doe NOT power off. So maybe there is some firmware issue? <!-- github-comment-id:3172961439 -->
adam commented 2026-10-05 05:49:22 +02:00
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HELTEC V3 has no power on and off through code as there is no way to switch power in this boards with ESP32S3

if the board is unpowered and reconnected to power it will for sure power on. But if the board is SLEEPING (deep sleep) there is currently no way to detect if power is connected again and the sleep less time to check a voltage increase would be the only solution

HELTEC V3 has no power on and off through code as there is no way to switch power in this boards with ESP32S3 if the board is unpowered and reconnected to power it will for sure power on. But if the board is SLEEPING (deep sleep) there is currently no way to detect if power is connected again and the sleep less time to check a voltage increase would be the only solution <!-- github-comment-id:3271022834 -->
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Reference: adam/LoRa_APRS_iGate#206