Your Farmbot Weather Station runs on four power sources. All the batteries you need are included in the kit. The Farmbot Monitor has its own independent power source.
When it's time to replace any of them, stick to the recommended battery types below — cheap or wrong-spec batteries are the most common cause of weather stations dropping out.
About the batteries
1. Main Power Source
Solar panel and built-in super capacitor (inside the Weather Station)
This is the main power source. The solar panel on top of the weather station charges a built-in super capacitor during the day. The super capacitor stores enough power to keep the station running through the night.
Nothing to do here — it works automatically as long as the solar panel gets sun.
2. Backup Power Source
CR123A lithium battery (inside the Weather Station)
If the super capacitor runs low — for example, after several cloudy days — the weather station automatically switches to a backup 3V CR123A lithium battery.
You'll need: 1 × CR123A 3V lithium battery (non-rechargeable)
Recommended: Davis 3V Lithium Battery, or any good-quality 3V CR123A lithium from a trusted brand (Energizer, Duracell, Panasonic).
3. Wireless Envoy Power Source
AA lithium batteries
The Wireless Envoy (pictured) is located inside the Davis Interface Kit (white box). It receives the signal from your weather station and sends the data to your Farmbot Monitor.
You'll need: 3 × AA lithium batteries
Recommended: Energizer Ultimate Lithium AA (lithium lasts much longer than alkaline, especially in hot or cold weather).
4. Power Extender Power Source
D-cell batteries
The Power Extender is the black "power brick" that plugs into the Wireless Envoy. It dramatically extends how long the Envoy runs between battery changes.
You'll need: 4 × D-cell batteries (alkaline or lithium), capacity 15Ah (15,000 mAh) or higher.
Recommended:
A note on the Farmbot Monitor: Your Farmbot Monitor uses a proprietary battery pack, which should last several years. If your monitor is struggling to hold charge, please contact customer service to organise a replacement.
How long do the batteries last?
Battery life depends on which battery you're asking about. Here's a rough guide.
Battery | Typical life |
Wireless Envoy (AA lithium only) | 3–4 months |
Wireless Envoy (with Power Extender fitted) | Up to 6 months |
Actual battery life will vary depending on battery quality/capacity and the temperatures the weather station is exposed to.
Getting low battery alerts
You can receive low battery alerts for both the Weather Station's Wireless Envoy and the Farmbot Monitor.
Example of Weather Station Low Battery:
