Exploring alternate methods for providing DC power to Raspberry Pi

Pin header is cool, I've done it. I like to use 7.4V or 11.1V LiPos, and an adjustable buck power supply, fed into a diode , then to the Pi header pins.

The buck PS can be adjusted for 5V + whatever voltage drop you get across the blocking diode. 

I tend to overdo the battery size mA hr, if you just want to make it thru the track once , a baby size lipo, maybe  wire qty 2 150mAhr 3.7 V in series would do the trick. 

  https://www.etechnophiles.com/rpi-zero-2w-board-layout-pinout-specs-price/

The DC-DC converter chip doesnt seem to have  significant transient protections built in. 

robogary said:

Pin header is cool

how did you do this, what kind of jumper wires did you use, one pin or 2? a Pi 4 can draw 3A, so the connector should be suitable for that. 

The Chinese jumper wires from my junk box are certainly not.

In the past, if larger gauge wire was used, I would solder the wire to a 2.54 pin. You can crimp it but it can make a mess of the insulation on the wire depending on how thick it is. I then heat shrink to protect the pin. It has worked for me and since I don't have another solution, I will use it again.. This will be the first power connection I have done using this method. I have always managed to make the PS work. This project doesn't afford me a PS.

these connectors are 1A per pin, so with two 5V input pins you have 2A max.

I would propose to buy an official raspberry pi 4 power supply, cut the wire with the cable and throw away the power supply.

They are really cheap, price is comparable to a bare cable:

Buy Now

I was thinking the same. But colporteur wrote in the first post that there's no room for the USB connector in his design.

ok, you are right, forgot about that, I was more thinking for a solution for my own project 

On the other hand he is not using a Pi 4, so in that case it could work with proper pin headers and wiring.

much appreciate the input just the same.

Found these adapter cables on Amazon, sez 16 AWG, I have my doubts on that .....but here is a link to have a look https://www.amazon.com/Jienk-Terminal-Connector-Extension-Screwdriver/dp/B096RQNN8C/ref=sr_1_3?crid=1R8PJRO6AT2FN&keywords=Screw%2BTerminal%2BBlock%2BConnector%2Bto%2BUSB%2BC&qid=1649344174&s=electronics&sprefix=screw%2Bterminal%2Bblock%2Bconnector%2Bto%2Busb%2Bc%2Celectronics%2C132&sr=1-3&th=1

Another option to backfeeding GPIO with 5V. 

Looks interesting, much appreciated. I have been doing some reading about power supplies and their impacts on Pi4s. 16gauge is a step up from the typical 18 found in some power supplies. I have added it to an Amazon wish list for the next time I place an order.

The RPI4 uses the USB-C connector, the link is for that adapter. The RPi 3 uses a micro USB.   https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07PJYVH12/ref=ox_sc_act_title_2?smid=A3MDC9KUHU6B27&psc=1

There are a variety of these adapters depending on the USB type. 

I'm starting to really like the idea of powering a project this way. It makes it easy to unplug the upstream battery, interlocking & buck power supply, and plug in the AC power supply when doing the project development & debugging.   

Looks great indeed, 16 AWG is 1.3 mm diameter, in this case 5 of them in the cable plus insulation, so I guess the cable diameter should be around 8 mm ???? From the image I don't think it is the case. So I share your doubts.

But worth giving it a try.

It can be a real pain to power Pi 4 once requirements deviate even slightly from what the official charger offers : (

For that cable I think it's likely they are specifying 16 AWG for the connector screw-holes, not the attached wire. Still, if the length is short, maybe that could be ok. I had problems with this Anker charger and  what I believe is a good cable, but happened to be long. I swapped out the cable for a cheaper shorter cable (this one), 0.9m length) and now at least the Pi 4 isn't unexpectedly crashing! I've not subjected it to a lot of load though. I like that the charger has figure-8 mains cable.

It can be a real pain to power Pi 4 once requirements deviate even slightly from what the official charger offers : (

For that cable I think it's likely they are specifying 16 AWG for the connector screw-holes, not the attached wire. Still, if the length is short, maybe that could be ok. I had problems with this Anker charger and  what I believe is a good cable, but happened to be long. I swapped out the cable for a cheaper shorter cable (this one), 0.9m length) and now at least the Pi 4 isn't unexpectedly crashing! I've not subjected it to a lot of load though. I like that the charger has figure-8 mains cable.