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    Pi won't power on when using PowerBlock. (faulty PowerBlock!?)

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    ControlBlock, PowerBlock & Co.
    powerblock faulty not booting no power pi 3 b+
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    • B
      BrotherEstapol
      last edited by BrotherEstapol

      Hello!

      First off:

      Pi Model: 3B+
      Power Supply used: Unitek 7 port Powered USB 2.0 hub (only PowerBlock USB micro & USB keyboard plugged into Hub)
      RetroPie Version Used: v4.4
      Built From: Pre made SD Image on RetroPie website [retropie-4.4-rpi2_rpi3.img.gz] on 64gb SD card
      USB Devices connected: USB hub to Pi. Keyboard and PowerBlock USB micro to USB hub.
      Controller used: USB keyboard.
      Guide used: https://blog.petrockblock.com/2017/08/17/tutorial-powerblock-retropie/

      So, my issue is that the Pi does not power on when I have it plugged into the PowerBlock.

      The PowerBlock doesn't have a switch plugged in, but does have an LED.
      As soon as it receives power, the red LED on the Pi blinks once, then nothing happens. The LED plugged into the PowerBlock never lights up.
      When I use the Pi's USB micro port instead, it powers on fine, but the PowerBlock does nothing. From what I've read, it should start boot looping cause I don't have a switch connected? Again, the LED plugged into the PowerBlock does not light up.
      Also of note, I'm using HDMI and WiFi; no SSL. (I can try SSL later via Ethernet if required, just can't at the moment)

      I have also tried unplugging all USB devices and the HDMI cable and seeing if it boots, but again it just flashes red once and that's it.

      I have also tried with a reliable USB charger I was using before the hub, and get the same results.

      This my first attempt at using the PowerBlock with my Pi, so I'm guessing it's DOA? Or am I missing something?

      Sorry if I've missed anything, but I could really use some help!

      Thanks in advance!

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      • P
        petrockblog Global Moderator
        last edited by petrockblog

        Can you try and use, for example, a jumper wire or toggle switch to connect it with the switch pins? It could just happen that your PowerBlock stays off without any connection to the switch pins.

        B 1 Reply Last reply Reply Quote 1
        • B
          BrotherEstapol @petrockblog
          last edited by

          @petrockblog THANK YOU! THAT WORKED!!

          I used an old motherboard jumper on the power switch pins and now it boots!

          Such a relief! Guess I should have had a switch ready for testing...

          Thanks again! :D

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          • H
            hhromic
            last edited by

            From: https://blog.petrockblock.com/powerblock-raspberry-pi-power-switch/

            bd36f6ce-eb6a-4a71-bfa3-60e918fde773-image.png

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