Charging and Powering Your Allo Devices and Repeaters
How to charge Allo client devices and repeaters via USB-C, what battery life to expect, and steps to take when a device will not power on.
Keeping your Allo hardware charged is one of the most important things you can do before any exercise or emergency deployment. A flat battery means no communication — and in an off-grid scenario, there is no fallback. This page explains how to charge client devices, how long the battery lasts under different conditions, how to power repeaters, and what to do if a device refuses to turn on.
Charging a Client Device
Client devices charge via the USB-C port on the bottom edge. You can charge using any standard USB-C charger, a reliable power bank, a laptop USB port, or an adapter supplied or approved by Allo.
Obtain a USB-C cable and power source
Use a standard USB-C cable and a reliable charger — a wall adapter, laptop, or power bank all work. Avoid damaged cables or unknown low-quality chargers.
Connect the cable to the device
Insert the USB-C connector into the port on the bottom of the Allo client device. A secure connection means the connector sits flush without wobbling.
Connect to your power source
Plug the other end of the cable into your charger or power bank and switch on the power source if needed.
Confirm charging has started
The device display wakes briefly and shows a charging indicator. You can press the wake button at any time to check the current battery level on the status screen.
Use the device while charging if needed
The device remains fully operational while connected to USB-C power. During long deployments — at a command post or emergency support point — keep it plugged in to extend runtime indefinitely.
Disconnect when fully charged
Once the battery indicator shows full charge, disconnect the cable.
Charge all client devices the evening before an exercise or deployment. A full charge check is part of a sound pre-exercise routine.
Battery Life Expectations
Battery life varies depending on how heavily the device is used, how strong the radio signal is, the ambient temperature, and the age of the battery. The figures below give a practical guide for planning:
| Usage scenario | Expected battery life |
|---|---|
| Stand-by / low traffic | Up to 72 hours |
| Normal use | Approximately 36 hours |
| Intensive use (frequent messages, active mesh) | Approximately 8 hours |
| Continuous USB-C power | Unlimited while power is connected |
Factors that reduce battery life:
- Frequent message sending and receiving
- Weak radio signal (the device works harder to maintain mesh connectivity)
- Low ambient temperature
- Older battery cells
- Display brightness and activity
- Active Bluetooth connection to a phone
If you expect a deployment to last more than a few hours without access to charging, carry a power bank. Connecting the device to USB-C during the deployment removes battery life as a limiting factor entirely.
Powering Repeaters
Repeaters are typically powered from a continuous USB-C supply rather than relying on a battery alone, because they need to stay online throughout the entire deployment.
Suitable power sources for repeaters:
- Mains USB-C wall adapter (most reliable for indoor fixed deployments)
- High-capacity power bank (suitable for short exercises or temporary outdoor posts)
- PoE-to-USB-C adapter where Power over Ethernet infrastructure is available
- Solar-powered variant (see below)
A repeater that loses power drops out of the mesh immediately. Any client devices that relied on it for range will lose connectivity until it comes back online. Always use a stable, uninterrupted power source for repeaters in operational deployments.
Solar-Powered Repeater
Allo offers a solar-powered repeater variant for outdoor or off-grid deployments where mains power is not available.
The solar repeater is ideal for rooftop positions, field stations, open-air incident areas, or any location where running a cable is impractical. The integrated solar panel keeps the battery charged during daylight hours, enabling continuous operation without manual intervention. For deployments that run into the night or during prolonged overcast conditions, ensure the battery is fully charged before positioning the unit.
When to choose the solar variant:
- Fixed outdoor positions during multi-day exercises or crisis operations
- Rooftop repeater installations without nearby mains power
- Remote or rural areas far from electrical infrastructure
- Any deployment where cabling a power source is unsafe or impractical
Contact your organisation's administrator to request the solar repeater variant for your deployment.
Pre-Deployment Power Checks
Carry out these checks before any exercise or operational deployment:
Check client device battery
Press the wake button to view the display and confirm the battery level is at or near full. Charge the night before if needed.
Verify repeater power supply
Confirm each repeater is connected to a reliable power source and that its power indicator is on before the deployment begins.
Pack a power bank
Carry a power bank for longer deployments. Connecting a device to USB-C during the deployment removes battery life as a limiting factor.
Test the full connection
After charging, power on the device, pair it with the app, and send a test message to confirm everything is working before going live.
If a Device Will Not Power On
If pressing the power button does not start the device, work through these checks in order:
- Check the battery — connect the device to a known-good USB-C charger and wait at least five minutes. A completely flat battery may take a moment before it responds.
- Try a different cable or charger — a faulty USB-C cable is a common culprit. Swap to a different cable and charger to rule this out.
- Check the USB-C port — inspect the port for visible damage, bent pins, or debris. Do not insert metal objects to clean it.
- Press the power button firmly — the button requires a definite short press, not a long hold. Try again with a clear, brief press.
- Allow a charging period — if the battery is deeply discharged, the device may need 15–30 minutes of charging before it is able to power on.
- Check for physical damage — if the housing is deformed, the battery appears swollen, or there is visible damage from a drop or liquid exposure, do not attempt to charge or use the device. Contact your administrator.
Do not attempt to charge a device with a visibly swollen battery or deformed housing. Do not use damaged USB-C cables. If you suspect battery damage, keep the device away from flammable materials and report it to your administrator immediately.
Storage and Long-Term Care
If you are storing client devices for an extended period between exercises:
- Store at a partial charge rather than fully flat or fully charged.
- Keep devices in a dry location at room temperature, away from direct sunlight.
- Charge stored devices every few months to prevent deep discharge.
- Check that the antenna is undamaged and properly attached before returning devices to service.
- Run a full power-on and connection test before the next exercise or deployment.