Battery Quesion

Using Arduino General Electronics
#1

HI there, I'm building a LED art project. Using the pro mini. This project in nature needs to be portable and powered via a battery.

Equipment and Specs

*LED / Shift register array, (5V, average current draw 750mA) *pro Mini 5V *DC/DC converter (Buck) 6.5 - 24V in / 5V, 3.5A(max) continuous out

I was originally thinking that I'd use a 9V battery but realized the mAh ratings are quite low and I'd like it to run for at least an hour. Any Ideas? Bonus points for finding a rechargeable battery.

I Googled for awhile but found few prospects. Thanks

~Scott

#2

http://www.sparkfun.com/products/10470

http://www.sparkfun.com/products/10500

#3

I'd google for Li-ion batteries and matching chargers. A camcorder or power tool battery should be suitable. Or you could go for a sealed lead-acid battery if the weight is not a problem.

#4

retrolefty: http://www.sparkfun.com/products/10470

The above will do nicely! Thanks!

I just checked out camcorder batteries, but they were a bit too pricey. Space is at a premium. Thanks for the input!

~Scott

#5

A batch of NiMH AA cells and a battery holder? 8 cells would give 10V at 2000mAh

#6

I don't want to be a smart guy, but just in case you are not used to LiPo baterries some advice

  1. Never discharge it below 3,1 V per cell (below 3V it will be detroyed)
  2. If you wantt the battery to last long, don't discrge it below 75% of the capacity. 3, Always charge it with a balancer
  3. never charge it unattended

Just an advice

#7

And

  1. Always charge away from combustible materials in a ceramic dish...
#8