Yes — multiple cells in-line along the collar is a much better architecture.
Recommended battery topology:
Use parallel cells: 1S2P or 1S3P, not series.
That keeps the pack at the same safe single-cell Li-ion voltage range for the existing charger/SIM800L design.
It increases capacity while allowing cells to be placed end-to-end around the collar curve.
Each cell should have protection/fusing or a protected pack design, because parallel Li-ion cells need safe balancing and fault protection.
Runtime impact:
1× 3500 mAh cell: ~20.8 mA average available for 7 days — borderline.
2× 3500 mAh in parallel: ~41.7 mA average available — much safer.
3× 3500 mAh in parallel: ~62.5 mA average available — strong margin.
With the earlier conservative estimate around 20.6 mA average, 2 cells should comfortably meet 7 days, assuming decent cellular/GPS signal and proper sleep firmware.
Design recommendation:
Use 1S2P 18650 cells as the baseline.
Keep 5-minute location updates as default.
Keep SIM800L/GPS sleep modes mandatory.
Mechanically, distribute the cells along the collar and connect them with flexible wiring or a rigid-flex harness; do not rely on the PCB itself to bend sharply around cylindrical cells.
I still can’t save this into the project because your access is comment-only, but the electrical direction is now clear: 1S2P 18650 pack + 5-minute reporting is the practical baseline.
Wirelessly connects nets on schematic. Used to organize schematics and separate functional blocks. To wirelessly connect net portals, give them same designator. #portal
General Purpose Thick Film Standard Power
and High-Power Chip Resistor
47 kOhms ±5% 0.125W, 1/8W Chip Resistor 0805 (2012 Metric) Automotive AEC-Q200 Thick Film
Features:
- RMCF – standard power ratings
- RMCP – high power ratings
- Nickel barrier terminations standard
- Power derating from 100% at 70ºC to zero at +155ºC
- RoHS compliant, REACH compliant, and halogen free
- AEC-Q200 compliant