Does the Powerblock work with the rPi3 okay?

thedon

I'm pretty sure it does. I have one connected to a Pi3 that I'm building at the moment and it seems fine.

It certainly works with a power control switch (thanks to newbie help provided to me in this forum).
I haven't yet got my buttons and joysticks to work, but have only just started this bit of the project....

thedon

First few buttons and one joystick now working, it's definately compatible with pi3 - and is awesome!

GtBFilms

Thanks thedon, that's me ordered one now!

GtBFilms

That's it arrived and installed, and works like a dream with the Rpi3!

I used a illuminated latching switch with it, and it works really well. The only issue I have found is that shutting down from the menu system now results in an immediate reboot (because the latching switch is still in the ON positiion I guess). So to shut down I now HAVE to use the switch.

Not really a problem, as I fitted the powerswitch to make use of it, instead of the menu system.

hakan1708

@GtBFilms I am planning to use it with a switch like this. Do you think it will work?

powerbutton

GtBFilms

@hakan1708 Nice button! I like the fact it's metal and has a lit up ring, rather than the entire button.

Is it a latching/toggle button - i.e. you push it in and it locks in position ON, push it again to unlock and set it to OFF? If so, it will work with the Powerblock.

The other type of button is a momentary button, like a reset button on a PC, you press it in and it sends the ON signal while pressed, but when you stop pressing it it automatically jumps back out again (OFF). That type won't work with the current version of the Powerblock.

It's not clear from the photo whether your intended button is a latching or a momentary one.

Regarding the connections (LED + and - ) and two switch connections, it looks the exact same as the button I used (although mine isn't as nice looking)

GtBFilms

@hakan1708

P.S.
This is the button I used:
Http://www.gtbfilms.co.uk/misc_photos/cable_with_labels.jpg
Http://www.gtbfilms.co.uk/misc_photos/led_latch_button.jpg

This is it in action:
Http://www.gtbfilms.co.uk/misc_photos/powerswitch.mp4

hakan1708

@GtBFilms Wow. Very nice arcade machine. I lost the video that showed the switch :( I'll let you know as soon as I find it. Thanks a lot.

hakan1708

@GtBFilms I just ordered my powerblock too :) For the switch button, I think I am going to use something like the one in the project. I like the old school switch. For the light I'll drill a small hole on the side of my arcade machine and glue it inside.

Concat

Figured I'd hijack this thread for a second instead of starting a new topic...

Where do you get the nylon posts for mounting the powerblock? Or are they not needed...?

GtBFilms

Hi Concat,

I didn't use any nylon posts to mount my PowerBlock. it just plugs onto the first 2x6 pins on the Pi's GPIO header. That's all that's supporting it.

http://www.gtbfilms.co.uk/misc_photos/powerblock_on_rpi.jpg

You can see from that photo that it's not supported at the right hand side, although now you've mentioned it, I'm wondering if perhaps I should!

It seems pretty secure anyway, I've not had any issues.

hakan1708

@GtBFilms I got my powerblock yesterday and I set it up. Works perfect. :)