Heltec Automation Automation Wireless Stick ESP32-S3 v3 LoRaWAN BLE Dev Board w/ OLED

First, install the ESP32 board support via the Arduino Boards Manager. Then, add the Heltec Automation ESP32 and LoRa libraries through the Library Manager. Select 'Heltec Automation Wireless Stick (ESP32-S3)' as your board, connect via USB-C, and choose the correct COM port. You can now upload standard Arduino sketches or use the provided LoRaWAN example code, ensuring you configure the correct LoRa frequency band (433 or 510MHz) in your sketch's pin definitions and LoRa initialization function.

The board includes an IPEX (U.FL) connector for the SX1262 LoRa chip. Carefully attach a compatible IPEX-to-SMA pigtail cable or a glued rod antenna with an IPEX plug. Ensure the connection is secure but do not use excessive force. In your software (Arduino or ESP-IDF), configure the RF switch control pins (e.g., `RADIO_TCX_ON`, `RADIO_RX_ON`) to enable the external antenna path and disable the onboard RF path for LoRa. Always match the antenna's frequency (433MHz or 510MHz) to your configured LoRa region for optimal SWR and range performance.

Use a multimeter in series with the battery or the 3.7V input to measure current. Utilize the ESP32-S3's deep sleep modes via the `esp_deep_sleep_start()` function, which can reduce current to microamps. For the SX1262, ensure it is put into sleep mode using the appropriate LoRa library commands. The integrated BMS manages charging but does not control load. To maximize battery life, minimize active radio time, increase sleep intervals, and power peripherals only when needed. The OLED display is a significant consumer; turn it off when not required for data presentation.