I can’t really speak to the difference between ESPs and nRFs - I haven’t played with ESP mesh networking enough to compare them. The nRFs just get used because I already have libraries that I use and enough chips on hand. (I would imagine the ESP at this point is superior in every regard? It just has such an ecosystem around it.)

For powering projects, it depends - most projects I do can be plugged into a laptop or into the wall - I have a programmable light array that is the main project I do with the kids. For other portable projects, I might use 18650s, might use coin cells, might just use AAs. This is a big topic and I’ve been meaning to write this up in detail.

Thanks for the questions! Sorry it took me until now to respond.

How often do you want to send/receive data? I experimented with a Wemos D1 Mini and a pack of 4 rechargeable NiMH batteries (LiPo batteries seem like playing with fire, literally). In deep sleep the power consumption is very low, I measured something close to the 20uA from the spec sheet.

Yeah from what I've seen you can desolder the status LED to lower the current even more. With the ESP32's you can use the lower power processor as well.

I want to automate my blinds, which is kinda annoying as that means ~6 different, "high up" spots in high visibility areas, and obvious motors mean "high power" (compared to micro amps).

I'm really not sure how to approach this one yet...

Don't you have to run power to the blinds to run the motor to move them up and down anyway?

You assume the blinds are power to begin with.

The parent comment is talking about adding motors to their existing blinds.

I'm saying: the power consumtion of an LED seems minimal compared to the power consumption of the motor to move them up and down.