Ultra Low Power Timer or Wireless Switch for 2-Month Animal Collar Release

The discussion addresses the challenge of designing an ultra low power timer or wireless switch for an animal collar that activates a release mechanism after approximately two months. The main constraint is minimizing battery drain to reduce weight, as typical wireless receivers require 4-8 mA continuous current, which is impractical for multi-month deployments. The preferred solution is a simple, standalone countdown timer with low current consumption and timing accuracy within a few days. Suggestions include using a low-power microcontroller such as a PIC with sleep modes and internal RC oscillators or an external real-time clock for improved accuracy. A 32 kHz watch crystal oscillator is recommended for long-term timing stability with minimal power consumption. Battery choice, specifically lithium polymer (L-poly), is important for longevity and weight considerations. It is also noted that companies like Microchip and National Semiconductor offer suitable microcontrollers and may provide technical support or preprogrammed samples for research applications. The solution should be compact, lightweight, and independent from the main telemetry system, activating a single switch after the countdown period with minimal current draw during the wait time.
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