Running RPi off Batteries

Question

I'm new to using RPi. Can I run RPi with batteries? If so, how would the circuit be? Do I need a regulator?
I tried using AA connected in series, but still won't work. I also apparently overheated and killed it after connecting too many Batteries (voltages).
Please help.

Cheers!

hugohu · Answer

Oh my. Short answer: in theory yes but in reality not really. You need for a 4B, 3A @5V. You probably killed it with 9V or more. You will need a high level of precision to keep it at 5V, 3A< and then the batteries will run out quickly. Try a USB battery bank instead, they last longer(4B needs 3A, most are 1-2A), and it has USB output so it outputs 5V. I might not get a notification from your reply so if you do reply, please tag me!

rsc · Answer

The 5VDC Vishay Buck Regulator EV board will power a Raspberry Pi system with batteries, although it is a bit expensive. Vishay Synchronous Buck Regulator EV Board - Review Scott

Sean_Miller · Answer

I get 3 hours powering a PI, display, amplifier, and infrared light with these two components: Amazon.com: DCDC Converter, DROK Step Down Voltage Regulator Module DC 4.5-40V 36V 24V to 1.25-37V 12V 9V 5V 3V Variable Buck Converter Adjustable Electronic Power Supply Volt Reducer Transformer Stabilizer Board: Industrial & Scientific Amazon.com: HRB 4S 14.8v 3300mAh 60C Lipo Battery Pack with T Plug for RC Helicopter Airplane Boat Quadcopter: Toys & Games

feiticeir0 · Answer

It's hard to power the PI with batteries. 5V is not hard, but the amps are overkilll.

I have the pijuice with the 6v solar panel and it works good while the battery is with charge. Unless you live in a very very sunny area and have a very good solar panel, this won't work very well.

I've seen people with 12v car batteries with large solar panels to be able to run the PI only with solar energy - and it works - but probably is too much work for your needs.

I've run successfully a PI with a 10.000 and 20.000 power bank for more several days, but the power will run out unless you're constantly charging the power bank...

koudelad · Answer

Hi, have a look at this shield with a Li-ion battery: https://uk.pi-supply.com/products/pijuice-standard I would also suggest reading some electronics basics about voltage, current etc. before killing electronics.

koudelad · Answer

Good point, I use LM25576 evaluation board to power a Pi from 12 V lead acid battery (and continuously charge the battery by an external charger). The only thing I modified are the two voltage divider resistors, so I set the output voltage to 5.15 V (as most of the Pi supplies use 5.1 V or similar to cover the wiring loses).

hugohu · Answer

Is important to note that only the 5V output variant does so! But the board, is quite nice, but it's full of the good stuff- you don't get 6 layer boards cheaply.