Batteries

Portable and mobile projects ultimately require mobile power supplies. This generally means a battery of some kind, although with the attendant concerns of regulation, control, replacement, and charging.

We typically try to develop projects as much as possible using reliable bench and wall power supplies, but system perform differently on batteries, so systematic testing using batteries becomes essential.

Battery Holders and NiMH Cells

We stock several types of holders for AA and AAA size battery cells along with rechargable NiMH batteries. This have a rated cell voltage of 1.2V.

In progress: add more specific detail.

Some of our stock:

  1. Amazon Basics Rechargeable AA NiMH Batteries, 2000 mAh, 1.2V

  2. Tenergy TN438 16 Bay Battery Charger for AAA and AA Rechargeable Batterie

9V Batteries

We stock a limited supply of rechargable 9V cells and 9V battery connectors. These are sometimes useful for components which require a higher operating voltage, but have significantly lower energy capacity than individual cells and so are not especially recommended for systems with motors or servos.

A 9V battery can directly power an Arduino, but will incur significant energy loss in the linear 5V regulator. Please consider using one of the switching step-down regulators for more efficiency.

LiPo Packs

The lab used to stock several kinds of small LiPo battery packs and chargers. In general, these have safety risks regarding charging and puncture and are now discouraged.

Please note that some specific Adafruit microcontrollers include LiPo charging support. We do not normally use or provide these devices, but you may wish to consult Adafruit products and tutorials for easy-to-use LiPo options.

USB Power Banks (5V)

One of easiest ways to provide logic power to an Arduino or Raspberry Pi Pico is via a USB power bank, however, the lab does not normally provide these.

12V Batteries

We have a limited supply of rechargeable 12V batteries. These are capable of significant energy delivery and useful for portable systems involving stepper motors, 12V gearmotors, or 12V LED systems.

12V/5V Lithium Ion Battery Pack

The first style is a self-contained Lithion-Ion power bank marketed for using with cameras and telescopes. The devices are fully packaged and relatively small so they can potentially be used in mobile or wearable devices. The outputs use regular USB and barrel plugs so these are relatively safe to use.

These come with a barrel plug Y-cable to connect a charger, battery, and an output load. Please return the cable with the battery.

These come with a specific charger which looks just like a wall-wart. Please keep the charger with the battery and do not return it to the regular power supply bins.

If the charger is missing it appears a regulated 12V supply will work.

We have a limited supply of the following:

  1. TalentCell Rechargeable 6000 mAh 12V/5V Lithium Ion Battery Pack

  2. Talentcell Rechargeable 3000 mAh 12V/5V Lithium ion Battery Pack

12V LiFePO4

The second style is a Lithium Iron Phosphate Battery (LiFePO4) normally marketed for use in solar power systems. Given the weight, this is more likely useful for portable rather than mobile systems. These require use of a specific charger, and some care to avoid short-circuits when wiring and handling.

We have several in stock which are rated at 10 Ah:

These must be charged using the designated charger:

The battery terminals can connect with a F2 female crimp terminal: