Using Power Switch Without Controlblock MicroUSB
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Hello all,
I added a micro USBpanel mount to my NES project. For some reason this cable extension reduces the power coming into the Pi. However, if I plug it straight into the Pi and not into the ControlBlock, I get adequate power, but the power button functionality fails to work. Is there anyway to make the power button work while the cable i mentioned above is plugged into the Pi instead of the ControlBlock?
Thanks!
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The ControlBlock , as well as the PowerBlock, has a microcontroller that detects the status of the power switch and controls the circuitry of the power supplied to pi. If power is provided using the pi's microUSB, thereby bypassing the microcontroller in the ControlBlock, then you loose the functionality of the power switch button. The best solution I found is to use a power supply that provides more than enough Current to the ContolBlock, the Pi, and what ever USB peripheral that will be powered in the future. I use a +5V, 4A power supply inside an NES console and I do not have to worry about inadequate power.
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What power supply are you using specifically? I tried using my OnePlus 3 power brick (which was 5v 4A I believe, and I still get inadequate power)
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OnePlus3 power bricks are meant to provide quick charging capability to portable devices and are not meant to continuously power an Rpi. Overtime the voltage and current capability of the power brick will deteriorate. A dedicated power supply adapter should be used. I attached mine internally in the NES case with the Rpi. The supply I am using has model number: GE0241DA-0540 by I.T.E Power Supply which is +5V, 4A.
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@ortsac Thanks for you response. It's been very helpful. I couldn't find your model, however I assume it is not Micro USB, as the others I saw don't seem to have it. Did you use an adapter of some sort? Just to clarify, as long as I have a 5v 4a micro USB power supply, I can run it through the panel mount (the micro usb extension I have) and should still be fine, and it isn't the extension cable reducing power in any manner?
EDIT: I'm sorry if these are idiotic questions. I know virtually nothing about how this stuff works...still learning.
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The power has a barrel type connection. I modified it using an old microUSB cable, I cut the original barrel connector and splice a the microUSB cable on it. Unless there is a short between the +5V and GND on your cable it should not drop power with a 5V, 4A power supply. The official power supply for RPi 2 or 3 provides 5V, 3.5A and I have not heard of anyone having problem with them.
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@ortsac Ah! That makes sense! I believe my issue, then, is that I need a proper power supply. I assumed incorrectly that a 5V 4A phone charger would work, but I guess not. So far the best power supply I've used on it was the Surface 3 charger. It seems stable most of the time, but when I get to intensive tasks, I get the yellow lightning bolt. That's only like 2.5A or something like that. Will look into a better power supply, thanks!
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Hi there, I also have a NES project and everything works perfectly with the Powerblock. However I prefer having both power cable and HDMI cable on the back side of the case. Is there a way I can plug straight into the pi, without losing the power switch functionality of the powerblock?
All help is appreciated.
Thanks! -
@ezra84 Like I said before, if you plug directly into the pi, there is no way for the Powerblock or the ControlBlock to switch power off/on. Your Pi will always be on, unless you unplug micro-USB from the adapter.
If power is supplied through the PowerBlock, the microcontroller senses the switch to determine whether power is being turned on or off. The power to the pi is supplied by the PowerBlock through the GPIO pins and not through the micro-USB of the Pi. Simply put, if you bypass the PowerBlock or ControBlock, you loose functionality of the On/Off switch. -
@ortsac thanks for your answer. I understand and will try to find a way positioning the cable differently, or just live with it :)
Regards.
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