Revised Powerblock with a 4 realy module
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I picked up my first revised Powerblock, and will be using it with a rasperberry pi 3. I would also like to use a 4 relay module board as well, but I am confused how to use both the powerblock & the relay module together. The relay module requires one of the Pi's 5V gpio pins to operate. Normally I use GPIO 2 or 4 for this. Since the powerblock uses gpio pin 1 - 12 I am wondering how I can also use the relay module. Is it possible to use the 5 volt out breakouts on the powerblock board for the relay, and if so would I hook the VCC 5 volt wire from the relay to the powerblock 5volt + breakout? Also, the relay also require a groung gpio on the PI. There are several more ground pins on the pi, but if I am using the powerblock for the 5v + do I need to hook the ground from the relay to the powerblock 5 volt - on the powerblock, or just use one of the pi's gpio grounds..
I am building a game arcade with my boys (grade school age), and would like to use the relay to power up some buttons LED's, and a couple small fans. I would also like to use the powerblock for ease of use for turning on the pi (and off).
Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. I am a total newb at this, and this project is our proto type to learn how to get retropi up and running. Once we figure this out we would like to upgrade to a full size cabinet.
Thank You for any help you can offer.
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Let me revise my question a little. I am using the revised powerblock, and I need access to 5V power pin for in PI. Can I solder a male header pin onto the powerblock 5 Volt out positive pin to gain access to the power pin?
Thanks!
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You can mark this solved. I traced the circuit board wiring from the gpio connector block, and determined that both 5V gpios on the PI go to the 5volt positive out on the revised powerblock board. I soldered on a pair of male header to the board in the 5volt out + & - holes. Tested, and it works great. Problem solved.
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Sorry that I did not answer in time. I am glad that you figured it out yourself! The "5V out" pins are exactly meant for applications like yours :-)
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