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    Please do not post a support request without first reading and following the advice in https://retropie.org.uk/forum/topic/3/read-this-first

    Retropie in my Mazda-- Low voltage problem

    Scheduled Pinned Locked Moved Help and Support
    12v to usbautocarlow voltage
    19 Posts 8 Posters 2.2k Views
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    • lostlessL
      lostless @Maskedsquirrels
      last edited by

      @maskedsquirrels run roms from usb. Then all your saves and games will be on the usb stick that can easily move back and forth.

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      • S
        steptoe
        last edited by

        I know there are twin USB power cables for external hard drives, so after a few minutes digging found this. It shows they are out there, and a lot cheaper than that power supply

        https://www.startech.com/uk/Cables/USB-2.0/Micro/3foot-USB-Y-Cable-for-External-Hard-Drive-Dual-USB-A-to-Micro-B~USB2HAUBY3

        After more digging, found this that claims to supply 3A

        https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/MINI-USB-Ports-12V-36V-Car-Vehicle-Power-Charger-Adapter-for-GPS-Dashcam/302759831387?hash=item467de4675b:g:9AAAAOSw0GNbFcaO

        and this one that claims to supply 5V at 5A

        https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Buck-Converter-12V-24V-to-5V-5A-Cigarette-Lighter-To-USB-Car-Power-Adapter-Black/182854901652?hash=item2a93005f94:m:mzqujtqQasFzDtk0W6QmteQ

        M 1 Reply Last reply Reply Quote 0
        • M
          Maskedsquirrels @steptoe
          last edited by

          @lostless - thanks I might go this route

          @steptoe - thank you for all the links, I like the double power supply that may just work.

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          • B
            Bluescreen
            last edited by Bluescreen

            Pi3b+ need 5,1 volts. standart usb charger only have 5 volts.
            i have with 5 volts the same problem. 5.1 volt 2 amps works

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            • G
              grant2258 Banned
              last edited by grant2258

              i got a 2.4 amp charger for the car from b&m that should be enough to run the pi with a decent usb cable the cheap ones loose too much current

              lostlessL 1 Reply Last reply Reply Quote 0
              • lostlessL
                lostless @grant2258
                last edited by

                @grant2258 Also shorter the cable better. I can run a pi3 off a external USB battery, but using a short 6 in cable, otherwise i get the dreaded low voltage warning.

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                • G
                  grant2258 Banned
                  last edited by

                  well longer cables should be fine that why some are cheaper than others.

                  lostlessL 1 Reply Last reply Reply Quote 0
                  • lostlessL
                    lostless @grant2258
                    last edited by

                    @grant2258 wire has resistance. the longer the cable, the greater the voltage drop. for charging a battery, not a big deal, but for a pi that requires the full 5V, it can cause issues. the official pi power supply cables are at least twice as thick than what i usually see in a standard charging usb cable.

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                    • G
                      grant2258 Banned @lostless
                      last edited by grant2258

                      exactly anything 1m and below should be fine if its using the right awg wire the budget ones are far too thin. https://www.engineeringtoolbox.com/wire-gauges-d_419.html

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                      • DaistaarD
                        Daistaar
                        last edited by Daistaar

                        I recommend you get a Power adapter capable of outputting 5V at 3 amps. It's had my Pi running without power issues, although i should mention that I've got nothing plugged into the USB ports (...on the Raspberry Pi) that would draw additional power. I'll post the items I used if we're allowed. If linking is frowned upon, I'll delete them or a Mod can remove them. Note that I AM using the USB ports on the 3-socket car adapter to power other devices. I'm charging my cheap-o Shanwan PS3 Dualshock 3 Controllers through the socket with the 5V, 1amp ports but nothing goes in the Pi USB ports. It should also be noted that I had this setup with a NESPi+ case before switching and kept getting the low power icon. It still worked but the icon drove me crazy. Case swap made that go away and it didn't matter since the Pi is hidden under the passenger front seat.

                        Smarza case (Great Airflow and stays below 43 degrees in the car)
                        Choetech Car adapter (it says the USB-C port outputs 5V at 3amps)
                        3-Socket 12V Splitter To connect peripherals and add kill switch to Pi.
                        Generic HDMI Splitter Because 2 headrests...
                        3-input HDMI Switcher (replacing as I now realize I'll need a remote for when it's tucked away)

                        I'll include images of the madness I've made and hopefully it's not too far off from your Mazda setup.

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                        • DaistaarD
                          Daistaar
                          last edited by Daistaar

                          Here is the 3 Socket adapter with Power running through the ChoeTech adapter.
                          0_1532716766075_3port.jpg
                          Car Charger to supply enough power to Pi without bolt issues
                          0_1532716847609_USBC.jpg

                          Running to Pi 3B+ with a generic braided USB-C to MicroUSB cable
                          0_1532716905385_3bp.jpg

                          HDMI out from Pi to an HDMI Switcher (additionally a Firestick is there but removed to minimize confusion)
                          0_1532717093761_switcher.jpg

                          HDMI Switcher to HDMI Splitter...
                          0_1532717133497_splitter.jpg

                          And Lastly.... HDMI Splitter to Car Headrests (Sending them back as they aren't comfortable; Awesome monitors, lousy headrests)
                          0_1532717187857_ES.jpg

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                          • DaistaarD
                            Daistaar
                            last edited by Daistaar

                            Look Ma... No Lightning Bolt!

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