Powering the Proto Board

ReiserificK

Hello everyone, I am using a Proto Board USB and I am running a lot of sensors and a steering servo off the Vin, which happens to be a 9 volt battery.· I don't think this is a particularly viable solution, and I am wondering if anybody has any suggestions from their own experiences.· I am running a CMUcam2+, several PING))) sensors, a GPS and a servo to steer an autonomous truck.· I would appreciate any ideas about powering this setup.

Thanks in advance

Leon

A small 12V gel cell and buck converter giving 9V? Six AA NiMH cells?

Leon

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Amateur radio callsign: G1HSM
Suzuki SV1000S motorcycle

tellurian

I am a big LiPo fan! Two LiPos (Lithium Polymer) in series will give you 8.4v to 6V through the life of the charge (i.e. fully charged = 8.4v, discharged = 6.0v, They stay at 7.2 v for the majority of the time). I use them to drive 4 DC motors, a couple of servos, a bunch of sensors (IR, Ultrasonic, Nordic RF), LCD, motor controller, etc. all controlled by a Propeller. LiPos are very light but have very high charge density and basically don't self discharge (well extremely slowly). They come in various capacities, I use 2500 maHr ones (4, 2 for the motors, 2 for the electronics). I've been using LiPos for years for all sorts of things. There are safety concerns, but only common sense stuff. They are safe and ultra reliable, just don't give them to kids and ONLY use a LiPo charger.

tellurian

JasonDorie

I use LiPo batteries as well, however they have to be treated with respect. They can catch fire if punctured or mis-charged. Treat them like fuel and you'll never have a problem.

Jason