Introduction: RASPBERRY PI FREE STYLE POWERING (RPI POWER SUPPLY HACK)

By THE ALPHABET PROJECT
About: electronics, software, ....

This is a tutorial that enables you to power your Raspberry PI2 / Raspberry PI B+ form any power sources that supplies voltage between 6.5V up to 20V and current >1A.

I used as power source the 19V wall adapter from one old BENQ notebook.

This hack is useful also in configuration where gel-Lead(Pb) rechargeable batteries are used as power supply.

Time needed:

  • between 15 to 30 minutes

Skills required:

  • soldering

Step 1: Gathering Parts and Tools

Parts:

  • 1pcs. x g-SPS 5V version switching power supply
  • 1pcs. x 2.1mm/2.5mm barrel power jack (choose one that fits with your wall adapter) or see "Barrel jack alternative" and g-SPS reference later
  • 1pcs. x 3 pins standard 0.1"/2.54mm row-header 90 degrees or straight
  • connecting wires x2

Tools:

  • soldering iron
  • small pliers / clip

Step 2: Soldering the Connectors

Remove the central pin from the pin-header using the pliers or the clip.

Solder the pin-header (see the two pictures).

Solder the barrel connector (optional, see "Barrel jack alternative" in next step).

Check for short-circuits.

Step 3: Wire the Boards Together

Connect the wires as shown in the header picture.

You are ready. Enjoy!

DO NOT REVERSE THE POLARITY! DO NOT MAKE SHORT CIRCUITS!

WARNING: THIS POWERING CONFIGURATION BYPASS THE RPI BUILT IN POWERING PROTECTION!

Barrel jack alternative:

  • you can use 2pin standard 0.1"(2.54 mm) soldered to the +Vext and GND pads, as input power source connector. See details on g-SPS reference bellow.

References:


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You may like to read my other RPI related instructables: