This sounds like one of those 'let me Google that for you' questions which I am loath to ask, however I cannot seem to find this information in the expanded datasheet PDF. What is the part number for the onboard pin header housing for connecting the cables from an external LiPo battery? It is not for accommodating a JST-PH as I had seen suggested elsewhere and which is a common terminator on LiPo batteries (I had one on hand to try from JST PH 2-Pin Cable - Female Connector 100mm : ID 261 : $0.75 : Adafruit Industries, Unique & fun DIY electronics and kits).
Also, in the data/pinout sheet, the example has a 3.7 V LiPo attached with only two wires, whereas the connector on the board can accommodate three wires, with the central wire being for temperature monitoring. Is my understanding correct in that if the battery comes with two wires, you can use two because the regulatory circuit monitoring the temperature during charging is inside the battery pack, whereas if the battery comes with three wires, you must use all three?
On the subject of LiPo Battery connectors. Has anyone found a 3.7V battery for sale that uses this type of connector? My initial searches did not turn up much.
My first thought was to buy a LiPo battery without any connections and just solder on the compatible crimped connection myself. This seems like it opens up a minefield of battery nuance though. After purchasing a single-cell GlobTek 3.7 V, 3000 mAh battery, I was perplexed that it came with six cables; two for the positive terminal, two for the negative cable and two for the temperature monitoring circuit. This is definitely a single-cell battery, so the only thing I can think of is that the 'two-wire configuration' is to increase the amount of current that can be drawn from the battery. You might ask why are larger AWG wires not used? It might (just possibly) be because these connectors have become semi-standardized and there is little desire for physically larger connectors.
I think with the severe fire risk stemming from incorrect usage of these batteries, I will probably not be attempting modifying existing battery connections without seeking more opinions. After all, it's not worth 'portentially' destroying this Arduino in the meantime when I can be content just powering it from my computer.
