Power Bank option
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So recently I have been playing with a handheld setup. It's very basic and currently only a 7" official LCD, case and pi. I wanted to make it completely handheld and not reliant on socket power.
I purchased a TNTOR 5000 mAh Power Bank, only 6mm in width. It outputs at 5v and 2A. It was bought from Amazon for £15. It weighs just over 100grams.
I've tested it using SNES Mario kart and N64 Mario kart and it works a treat. No dreaded power drop symbol or issues with stuttering. I haven't ran it all the way from full charge to empty yet but when I do I will update this thread. I also use a Bluetooth controller and nothing else is connected via USB so I don't know how it would handle USB controllers but again I will test and update.
I suspect it'll probably only last about an hour at full charge, it is only 5000mAh after all, but that's probably as much as I'd play it on the go.
Just incase anyone was looking for a powerbank option for a handheld build.
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@goobatroopa so I have tested it today with Mario 64 and got just shy of four hours game time out of it. That's running the 7" screen and supporting a Bluetooth controller. I don't think that's too bad. Certainly a lot better than I expected.
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Can it properly power the load during charging?
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@ViktorK Even if It could,better do not do it. It will reduce the lifespan of the powerbank.
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@Shaddonai said in Power Bank option:
rK Even if It could,better do not do it. It will reduce the lifespan of the powerbank.
Why not? Even mobile phones properly works during charging without any noticeable battery degradation.
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@ViktorK said in Power Bank option:
@Shaddonai said in Power Bank option:
rK Even if It could,better do not do it. It will reduce the lifespan of the powerbank.
Why not? Even mobile phones properly works during charging without any noticeable battery degradation.
I'm not sure why you would? The reason I use mine is so I don't have to plug it in.
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@goobatroopa simple scenario - if you want to play, but your battery is low.
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@ViktorK said in Power Bank option:
@goobatroopa simple scenario - if you want to play, but your battery is low.
But if you're near a power source, then why wouldn't you just power it that way? Charge the bank and use the source. That way the bank doesn't take a year to charge and no longer term loss in charge.
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@goobatroopa That being said I could see a scenario when your deep into gameplay and the battery is about to die. Would you be able to swap from battery power to mains power without first shutting down the console?
I was wondering if you could use a USB hub to support multiple charging sources? that way the power bank could be plugged into the first USB port and when the battery is low you plug in a USB cable from the mains into the second USB port and power down the power bank?
Something like this:
https://www.amazon.co.uk/MakerSpot-Accessories-Charging-Extension-Raspberry/dp/B075ZKJ76L/ -
@goobatroopa hm, okay. But what about circuit?
Or you will have to plug and disconnect power connectors? -
@ViktorK I see what you mean now. You want a permanent battery source that can be charged on the fly. I'm not sure this would be appropriate for that, however I haven't tested it to see. I'll have a go and let you know.
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