LilyPad Power Supply 5V AAA

SKU: FA1033-4
Power Source

2 x AAA Batteries (Batteries not included)
Output Voltage (Nominal)

Approx. 3V to 3.3V (depending on battery type/charge)
Output Connection

Sew Tabs (+ and -)
Current Output

Limited by the AAA battery capabilities
Dimensions

Approx. 50mm x 19mm (2" x 0.75")
Compatibility

Best suited for 3.3V LilyPad Microcontrollers
LilyPad Power Supply 5V AAA

The LilyPad Power Supply 5V AAA is a simple, sewable battery holder and power management board designed for use in e-textile projects. This specific variant is designed to hold two standard AAA batteries, providing a reliable power source for your LilyPad-compatible microcontrollers and components.
It offers a straightforward way to integrate a common, easily replaceable power source into wearable projects, suitable for both educational settings and individual users looking for a temporary or simple power solution.
Description
The LilyPad Power Supply AAA holder offers an alternative power source to the typical rechargeable LiPo batteries used in most e-textile projects. By utilizing two readily available AAA batteries, this holder provides a nominal output voltage of approximately 3V to 3.3V (when using standard alkaline or NiMH AAA batteries), which is a perfect match for 3.3V LilyPad systems running at 8MHz.
This board simplifies power integration by featuring two large “sew tabs” labeled with ‘+’ and ‘−’ (GND) indicators. These tabs are designed to be connected using conductive thread, eliminating the need for bulky wires or complex soldering within your fabric projects.
The minimalist design ensures a low profile that sits relatively flat within fabric or batting. Note that this specific board is a simple holder and does not include advanced features like voltage regulation (like the LiPower boards) or USB charging capabilities. The voltage provided will fluctuate slightly as the batteries drain, but it remains a simple, accessible way to power basic LilyPad circuits that can tolerate slight voltage variations. It is a cost-effective, durable solution for quick prototypes and simple, temporary installations.
Features
  • AAA Battery Compatibility: Designed to hold two standard AAA batteries (Alkaline, NiMH, or Lithium).
  • Simple Power Output: Provides a direct voltage output from the two batteries (approx. 3V to 3.3V nominal).
  • Sewable Design: Features large “sew tabs” for easy, secure integration into fabric using conductive thread.
  • Low Profile: Minimalist design ensures the holder sits relatively flat in soft circuits.
  • Clear Labeling: Tabs are clearly labeled with ‘+’ (Power) and ‘-‘ (Ground) for simple wiring.
  • Durable Construction: Built with the typical robust LilyPad design suitable for repeated use.
Usage
The LilyPad Power Supply AAA holder is used as a simple and accessible power source for e-textile projects:
  1. Educational/Beginner Projects: Provides an easy-to-use power source for students learning e-textiles, as AAA batteries are common and simple to replace.
  2. Simple LED Circuits: Powers basic circuits requiring only a few LilyPad LEDs.
  3. Temporary Installations/Costumes: Ideal for costumes or temporary displays where the power source needs to be quick to swap out.
  4. Prototyping: Used for initial prototyping where battery charging infrastructure isn’t immediately available.
Q: Does this holder regulate the voltage to exactly 5V or 3.3V?

No, this is a simple battery holder. The output voltage is the direct voltage provided by the two AAA batteries, which typically starts around 3.2V (for NiMH rechargeable) or 3V (for Alkaline) and slowly drops as the batteries drain. It is best used with 3.3V systems that can tolerate this slight fluctuation.

Q: Can I use a single AAA battery in this holder?

No, the holder is wired in series internally and requires both batteries to be inserted correctly to complete the circuit and provide power.

Q: Can I use rechargeable LiPo batteries in this holder?

No, you should only use standard AAA batteries (Alkaline, NiMH, or Lithium Primary). The voltage characteristics of LiPo batteries are different and incompatible with this simple holder design. For LiPo batteries, use the LilyPad LiPower board.

Q: Is there an on/off switch on this holder?

No, this is a very basic holder. You would need to add an external LilyPad Switch component to your circuit using conductive thread to turn the power on and off easily.

Q: Is this product washable?

Yes, the board itself is hand-washable, provided the batteries are removed first and the board is allowed to dry completely before any batteries are reinserted.

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