I'm setting up an autonomous vehicle and I'm using a (4500mAh,MaxCurrent 135A, 3Cell) LiPo battery. I want to power my arduino with this battery. I'm sure it requires more than a resistor to step down the voltage/current to source my arduino board. I've tinkered with some LM regulators in the past but not for sure on how to build a workable circuit that will keep noise at a minimum and provide a clean level of voltage/current to source my board. Any ideas out there on how to attempt this and/or links to other peoples circuits that have worked out great for them?
A 3S lipo voltage fully charged is about 12.6V (regardless of mAh rating). Also, lipo batteries are not rated by amps (135A) .
They are rated by "C" (ie: 20C,30C,35C,40C,45C, 50C etc. etc.).
" 135A " = 135A/4.5A = 30C
12.6V is too high for the ext dc power barrel jack input.
The following dc to dc converter can take 12.6V in and be adjusted for 7.5V out (ideal for barrel jack input )
http://www.ebay.com/itm/New-DC-DC-LM2596-Step-Down-Adjustable-Power-Supply-Module-Converter-DC-1-3V-35V-/380755874794?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item58a6d193ea
Don't I need to calculate the Max Amp to make sure that it is above the motor max amp specs?
(mAh * C ) / 1000 = Max Amp of Battery
Thanks for the link.
You post did NOT say anything about any motor.
You statement was :
I want to power my arduino with this battery
To me , an arduino is an arduino, not a motor. If your question is NOT about powering an ARDUINO as stated in YOUR question and is in fact a question about motors and batteries or such, please RESTATE YOUR QUESTION CORRECTLY.
I follow you. I've always used a bread board for most applications and in this case obviously I won't be able to do this. Do you recommend a specific power rail where I can attach my battery to. I'm sure this is just a simple copper/metal rail or wire splitter but would like clarification on this. I'll need to come off the battery to the arduino board but still have a power bus to connect the ESC/Motor to. I guess the motor connects to the ESC but i'll still have to connect the ESC to the actual battery for the full charge.
If you are looking to design a setup that allows you to charge the battery without having to physically unplug it from the ESC then you need to find a heavy duty power relay that runs off 12V so you can drive it from the battery
You need a SPDT
COMMON ===> battery
N.O. =====> charger
N.C =====> ESC
relay OFF
BATTERY => ESC
relay ON
BATTERY => CHARGER