Rednexing, a North Carolina based startup, is preparing to launch a Crowd Supply campaign for PowerTortoise IoT, an ESP32-based development board designed for ultra-low-power operation. Built to run on standard AA batteries for up to eight years, this device is perfect for monitoring temperature and humidity in hard-to-reach areas like attics, crawlspaces, and storage spaces where wired power isn't an option. The board comes preloaded with ESPHome firmware, enabling seamless integration with Home Assistant without requiring a separate gateway. Thanks to its Wi-Fi connectivity and over-the-air updates, users can easily maintain and expand its functionality.
The PowerTortoise IoT is designed for versatility, supporting a wide range of sensors and peripherals through its onboard screw terminals and I2C-compatible headers. It features the high-accuracy AHT10 sensor for temperature and humidity monitoring, and its low-power design ensures efficiency even when peripherals are attached. A unique sleep disconnect feature helps extend battery life, making the board ideal for long-term deployments. Depending on the battery type and sleep duration, it can operate for years while transmitting data via MQTT at hourly intervals.
Beyond environmental sensing, the PowerTortoise IoT can connect to various external modules, from current sensors to door and window triggers. Most GPIO pins are available for custom applications, allowing it to function as a general-purpose ESP32 development board. With a compact form factor and durable battery holder, it can be placed anywhere without additional mounting hardware. Power-saving modes allow connected sensors to be turned off during sleep, preserving energy without compromising functionality. As an open-source project, PowerTortoise IoT provides full access to its schematics, firmware, and design files, ensuring transparency and flexibility for developers. All source files, including the board layout, software, and bill of materials, are available on GitHub, allowing users to modify and customise the device to meet their specific needs.
