Question about portable neopixels and battery draw.

General project help for Adafruit customers

Moderators: adafruit_support_bill, adafruit

Please be positive and constructive with your questions and comments.
Locked
User avatar
RosyRoseman
 
Posts: 1
Joined: Wed Jul 13, 2016 4:46 pm

Question about portable neopixels and battery draw.

Post by RosyRoseman »

Im looking to build a lit up longboard similar to some projects done by other people, but I realize now that the strips I ordered are 60 pixels per strip, plus some small other pieces that came out to a total of 136 neopixels. According the überguide, that would need about 3A to draw from. What kind of powersource should I look for that can supply 5v with a 3A draw? Ideally something not to heavy or bulky as this is for a longboard. Any suggestions or ideas would be appreciated, Thanks!

User avatar
adafruit_support_mike
 
Posts: 67446
Joined: Thu Feb 11, 2010 2:51 pm

Re: Question about portable neopixels and battery draw.

Post by adafruit_support_mike »

Your best bet would be to get a 7.4v LiPo pack and drop the voltage with this:

https://www.adafruit.com/products/1385

Step-down converters are more efficient than step-up converters, and they convert the excess voltage into more current. 1000mA of 7.4v power will convert to about 1400mA of 5v power.

We don't happen to carry 7.4v LiPos, but they're popular for drones and other RC vehicles. You should be able to find one in a hobby shop near you, and you can definitely find them online.

Locked
Please be positive and constructive with your questions and comments.

Return to “General Project help”