Here’s a little prototype I’ve been working on which adds a simple battery backpack to the Raspberry Pi Zero.
DESIGN
So as you can see, this little thing fits within the footprint of the Pi Zero, and it turns the Zero into a pocketable computer you could use for different local wifi and bluetooth applications.
It takes two AAA batteries, and depending on the quality of the batteries you get, you can expect 2-3 hours runtime. I chose AAA over lipo batteries, firstly because of the simplicity of the circuit, but also for the cheaper price, the size, and easy availability of the parts needed.
To use the device, you simply screw the battery backpack onto the Pi Zero. The contacts automatically make a solid connection to the 5v and Ground testpads underneath the computer board. You then add your batteries, and switch it on. Easy
The kind of applications I had in mind for this was for powering things like a pocket piratebox, or some other kind of temporary access point / captive portal.
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