Re: [LUG] Battery power for Pi etc

[Ben Whorwood <ml-devcornlinuxgrp@xxxxxxxxxx>]

I use a similar setup for using 12v lead acid batteries from phone 
systems as "power banks" at festivals and such for charging devices 
using their USB chargers.

You'll need...

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Motorcycle12V-120W-Car-Motorbike-Boat-Tractor-Cigarette-Lighter-Power-Socket-New-/350864583010?hash=item51b128a962

(Other variations exist (such as crocodile clips for connecting to the 
battery), this is just the first one I found similar to the one I have.)

And then a standard cigarette lighter to USB charger (check the specs 
for amps you require and that the 12v socket is capable of supplying 
enough power for it):

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Micro-Mini-Car-Cigarette-Lighter-to-USB-Charger-Adapter-for-MP3-/251478257627?hash=item3a8d45afdb

With double+ USB adaptors (ones that have two or more USB sockets), test 
before charging using both USB sockets as they have been known to melt!

This creates quite a nice future proofed setup as most things charge 
from USB these days.

Depending on the type of battery used it can be set up as a UPS with 
trickle charging into the battery as required.

Another cheap option for RPi UPS (mileage may vary):

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qev1E7bqNjA

On 04/09/15 14:12, Tom wrote:
> Just wondering if anyone knows of a cheap (or DIY Pic job??) Car 
> Battery to 5v Pi/USB sort of UPS arrangement?
> Google is not my friend today....
> Tom te tom te tom


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