A method enables communication with downhole tools during a “flow off” condition by energizing at least one sensor and a controller using a local power source only after flow of drilling fluid has been reduced below the threshold flow rate value. Thereafter, the method involves generating the at least one predetermined pattern into the wellbore, detecting the at least one predetermined pattern using the at least one sensor and the controller, and transmitting a signal using the controller in response to the detected at least one predetermined pattern.