# PiicoDev RTC RV3028 power life **URL:** \ **Category:** Product Questions\ **Created:** [6 November 2024 08:08 UTC](https://forum.core-electronics.com.au/t/piicodev-rtc-rv3028-power-life/21165 "2024-11-06T08:08:37Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 4\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![Prithul271176](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/ecd19e/32.png) [@Prithul271176](https://forum.core-electronics.com.au/u/Prithul271176)\ **Post date:** [6 November 2024 08:08 UTC](https://forum.core-electronics.com.au/t/piicodev-rtc-rv3028-power-life/21165/1 "2024-11-06T08:08:37Z")
Hi, I am using the said RTC module for a project. Since it does not have a battery requirement due to installed supercapacitor, I was wondering if someone has tested this module. I know the product page says it can last for up to a week, but I’m interested in knowing if someone has experimentally tested claimed for reliability. Would you suggest I go for another RV3028 with battery if I want to make this project low maintenance (for if I cannot charge the RTC for minutes before use in the future)? Regards, PC ---
**Author:** ![Zach](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex028/user_avatar/forum.core-electronics.com.au/zach/32/10899_2.png) [@Zach](https://forum.core-electronics.com.au/u/Zach)\ **Post date:** [8 November 2024 00:35 UTC](https://forum.core-electronics.com.au/t/piicodev-rtc-rv3028-power-life/21165/2 "2024-11-08T00:35:43Z")
Hi @Prithul271176, I am not entirely sure if the module has been empirically tested, though I would assume it was tested before release multiple years ago. The supercapacitor can provide power for a length of time, but that time is based on a couple of factors, namely: 1. Vcc (the cap will charge to Vcc-0.3V, due to an internal Schottky diode) 2. Minimum supply voltage. which for this device is in the range of 0.9V-1.2V 3. Current consumption of the device. It is designed to be low current, hence the long-lasting backup power. Regarding your question about using another RTC, what exactly is the project used for? This RTC isn’t necessarily intended for use without a battery, it just has the capability to run without one as a backup. In order to run for a week from the supercapacitor, the device must be connected to an external power source for approximately 1hr. The board has access to an external interrupt that activates when it switches to backup power. You may be able to create a system to determine if the device is on backup. For example, activate an LED (possibly blinking very slowly and dimly to reduce power consumption) when the device switches to backup, thus notifying you that the battery must be switched. Curious to hear more about this! ---
**Author:** ![Prithul271176](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/ecd19e/32.png) [@Prithul271176](https://forum.core-electronics.com.au/u/Prithul271176)\ **Post date:** [8 November 2024 01:52 UTC](https://forum.core-electronics.com.au/t/piicodev-rtc-rv3028-power-life/21165/3 "2024-11-08T01:52:36Z")
Hi @Zach, thanks for your inputs! > [@Zach](#): > > what exactly is the project used for? I just want an external RTC module to put a timestamp on images and saves them when clicked. > [@Zach](#): > > the device must be connected to an external power source for approximately 1hr. This is super useful, thanks for letting me know! I was only debating whether I should keep things simple and use a button-cell based RTC instead, so I don’t have to worry about charging the supercapacitor-based module Regards, PC ---
**Author:** ![Zach](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex028/user_avatar/forum.core-electronics.com.au/zach/32/10899_2.png) [@Zach](https://forum.core-electronics.com.au/u/Zach)\ **Post date:** [8 November 2024 02:08 UTC](https://forum.core-electronics.com.au/t/piicodev-rtc-rv3028-power-life/21165/4 "2024-11-08T02:08:18Z")
Hi @Prithul271176, Sounds like a cool project! I think a button battery RTC will likely do you just fine, we have quite a few good options in this category: > **[Adafruit DS3231 Precision RTC Breakout](https://core-electronics.com.au/adafruit-ds3231-precision-rtc-breakout.html)** > > The datasheet for the DS3231 explains that this part is an "Extremely Accurate I²C-Integrated RTC/TCXO/Crystal". And, hey, it does exactly what it says on the tin!... > **[Adafruit PCF8523 Real Time Clock Assembled Breakout Board](https://core-electronics.com.au/adafruit-pcf8523-real-time-clock-assembled-breakout-board.html)** > > This is a great battery-backed real time clock (RTC) that allows your microcontroller project to keep track of time even if it is reprogrammed, or if the power is... > **[RTC Board DS1302](https://core-electronics.com.au/rtc-board-ds1302.html)** > > Real-Time Clock Counts Seconds, Minutes, Hours, Date of the Month, Month, Day of the Week, and Year with Leap-Year Compensation Valid Up to 2100 > **[Gravity: I2C DS1307 RTC Module](https://core-electronics.com.au/real-time-clock-module-ds1307-v1-1.html)** > > The DS1307 Real Time Clock developed by one of our designers: Waiman. The module comes fully assembled and pre-programmed with the current time (ok, so it's our current time - MST). > **[DS3231 Precision RTC FeatherWing - RTC Add-on For Feather Boards](https://core-electronics.com.au/ds3231-precision-rtc-featherwing-rtc-add-on-for-feather-boards.html)** > > A Feather board without ambition is a Feather board without FeatherWings! This is the DS3231 Precision RTC FeatherWing: it adds an extremely accurate I2C-integrated... The above options cover a wide range of functionality/price/etc. Wishing you luck with your project!