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Battery pack for a protoboard? — Parallax Forums

Battery pack for a protoboard?

gmillergmiller Posts: 4
edited 2010-10-25 12:15 in Propeller 1
I just picked up a protoboard USB and the accessory kit. I'll be using it as a project for my "Intro to ECE" lab (basically, demonstrating that I can solder something with at least 10 parts together, which is where the accessory kit comes in). I have one of the Parallax 7.5v AC adapters, but due to lab safety rules, it'd be a lot easier if I power it from a battery pack.

Any suggestions for a battery pack that could be acquired locally (from a Radio Shack or Electronics Express, for example)? Rechargeable or not rechargeable is fine, since I just need something for a one shot demonstration while not plugged in.

Comments

  • kwinnkwinn Posts: 8,697
    edited 2010-10-23 17:22
    Any 7.2V hobby/rc battery pack should work as would any 6 cell AA battery pack.
  • gmillergmiller Posts: 4
    edited 2010-10-23 17:26
    kwinn wrote: »
    Any 7.2V hobby/rc battery pack should work as would any 6 cell AA battery pack.

    So the physical connector and everything are standard? I'm pretty new to all this.
  • jaegjaeg Posts: 156
    edited 2010-10-23 17:36
    You will need to get a barrel plug to attach to plug into the protoboard. Radio shack has them I'm not sure what size the protoboard's jack is though.
  • kwinnkwinn Posts: 8,697
    edited 2010-10-23 17:45
    I believe the barrel plug is 5mm.
  • hover1hover1 Posts: 1,929
    edited 2010-10-23 17:48
    You could get the Radio Shack DC Power plug:

    http://www.radioshack.com/search/index.jsp?kwCatId=&kw=274-1569&origkw=274-1569&sr=1

    It's a 5.5mm barrel with a 2.1mm female center opening.

    Jim
  • gmillergmiller Posts: 4
    edited 2010-10-23 17:49
    Thanks, guys. You're very quick to help a noob/student figure out his requirements. :)
  • hover1hover1 Posts: 1,929
    edited 2010-10-23 17:52
    If you can also find this in you Radio Shack store:

    http://www.radioshack.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2919620

    GRAB IT!

    I got one and soldered the above connector on it, (none of the supplied ones fit). It runs my Propeller and BS2 boards for days! They are blowing them out for $4.97!

    Jim
  • Cluso99Cluso99 Posts: 18,069
    edited 2010-10-23 18:00
    If you plan to use AA batteries, then use 4x AA = 6V. Do not use 6 x AA = 9V as you will dissipate any extra in heat. A 7.2V LiPo battery and charger is also ideal and has much more capacity. These are available for radio control hobbies such as www.hobbycity.com or www.hobbyking.com (same company). They are cheap and you can also get a cheap charger too. Also buy a connector to go to the battery so you can purchase a 2.1mm barrel plug and solder it on to use with the ProtoBoard (Available from Radio Shack or equivalent). We use centre positive.
  • hover1hover1 Posts: 1,929
    edited 2010-10-23 18:07
    Thanks Ray for mentioning the center positive. That's a small detail that should not be left out! :)

    +1 for LiPo's.

    Jim
  • gmillergmiller Posts: 4
    edited 2010-10-24 01:18
    Thanks again for the help, guys. RS was out of the Lenmars, but I should be set now with a 4xAA battery holder and plug.
  • Brian RileyBrian Riley Posts: 626
    edited 2010-10-24 09:43
    hover1 wrote: »
    You could get the Radio Shack DC Power plug:

    http://www.radioshack.com/search/index.jsp?kwCatId=&kw=274-1569&origkw=274-1569&sr=1

    It's a 5.5mm barrel with a 2.1mm female center opening.

    Jim

    Radio Shack refers to the 2.1x5.5mm connector as type "M" and they usually have a ring with a sample of each connector available for you to try out.

    cheers ... BBR
  • sylvie369sylvie369 Posts: 1,622
    edited 2010-10-24 11:11
    I've been powering one from a Radio Shack R/C rechargable 7.2 V 2000 mA-Hr NiCad pack to which I attached a barrel connector. Works great.
  • kwinnkwinn Posts: 8,697
    edited 2010-10-24 11:42
    When I suggested a 6 cell AA holder I should have specified it would be for 6 rechargable NiCd batteries since they are readily available and inexpensive.
  • blittledblittled Posts: 681
    edited 2010-10-24 12:41
    Thanks for the info on the Lenmar batteries. My local Radio Shack didn't have it but I picked up the last 2 from a Radio Shack in a neighboring town (in NW Pennsylvania). I noticed the "G" size adapter in the Lenmar kit fits the barrel connector but I haven't got the battery charged yet to try it out.
  • GranzGranz Posts: 179
    edited 2010-10-25 12:15
    Bean has had 5-cell battery packs for sale at the last two UPENEs. I believe that they were only $0.25 each last August. Using 5 rechargeable AA cells will give you 6VDC, just about right for the Prop Protoboard.

    He may still have some available. If not, I could probably be persuaded to send one to you - PM me, if Bean doesn't have any more.

    Art
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