SB002: Power options when creating new sessions

30 March 2020

Problem

Power level setting on session screen explanation.

Solution

The session creation screen has 3 different options for setting power levels on the SmartShepherd pods.  This functionality was added for version 5.9.0 of the app.

Setting different power levels on the SmartShepherd pods can reduce the battery consumption of the pods and improve their performance in marginal battery conditions.

POWERLEVEL_MAX (original)

This is the default setting and has been used for all SmartShepherd sessions by customers up until now.  Battery life on this setting should be 10 working days (5 sessions) on a fresh battery.  The pods will be detected by other pods at a distance of greater than 20 metres.  It has been determined that this is effective in service but no longer required.  You can continue to use this power setting.

POWERLEVEL_MEDIUM (recommended)

This is the new recommended power setting for the SmartShepherd pods.  This power setting reduces the power consumption of the pods by up to 60% without compromising the performance of the system.  The pods will be detected up to 10 metres away from other pods.

POWERLEVEL_MIN (experimental)

This power setting drops the transmission strength of the pod down to a very minimal level - it is designed for animals in very close proximity or to ensure that particular animals do not record interactions with other animals more than 2 metres away.  It is not recommended to use this power setting unless advised by SmartShepherd.