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esp32 WiFi does not work with battery power

Posted: Mon Feb 05, 2024 5:03 pm
by jax200
Hello

I am developing a project that employs either a DOIT DEVKIT or ePulse Feather esp32 board. The project relies on using WiFi to communicate to a Raspberry Pi. I would like to power the board entirely by battery, preferably rechargeable NiMH AA batteries. Currently I am using 4 in-series AAs via an LDO that feeds the 3.3v pin.

However, when powered by these batteries I am not getting a reliable WiFi connection, but if I power the board from my PC via the USB it connects immediately. I have tried also feeding 5v to the VIN or USB pins but no luck.

So there is something going with the WiFi chip that I don't understand. I would appreciate any suggestions how to get it to consistently work.

- Jack

Re: esp32 WiFi does not work with battery power

Posted: Tue Feb 06, 2024 1:58 pm
by liaifat85
Please check the battery voltage with a multimeter. Maybe it's not sufficient.

Re: esp32 WiFi does not work with battery power

Posted: Thu Feb 08, 2024 12:06 pm
by JoeSensoric
And the LDO should provide at least 500 mA of maximum current.