Nano Biscotte Help

[BenPass]

Hi there folks, I am new to this forum, and I am lost. Anyway, what I'm trying to find out is if you HAVE to use a 18650 cell with the Biscotte board. I know that's what is recommended, but is it necessary?

I am used to wiring up stunt builds, and tend to use two 14500 cells in my builds. Anyway, what I'm planning for my build is a RGB LED module, BuckPuck (1000mA), switch (the simpler and smaller the better), and possibly the Biscotte board. If I can use the two 14500 cells, wonderful, because I already have a battery pack/speaker combo. If I HAVE to use the 18650 cell, then I do have a battery pack, but I'll need to order a speaker, so somehow salvage the one I have on the other pack. Like I said, I'm totally lost and could really use the help.

Thanks in advance for any help.

Ben

[Caine Drathul]

As long as it it's 3.7V the board is good to go. It cannot take 7.4V so that is out of the question. Just use a dummy cell and you can use your current setup. It just won't have very long run times compared to an 18650. Although I don't see a point of using a buckpuck. Most of us who use a N.B. wouldn't use one.

[Xevious]

I assume you're going to use the two 14500 in parallel. Just wire everything up to the NB -- the buckpuck is superfluous.

[Silver Serpent]

Buckpuck requires over 5v to run. The NB takes 3.4v - 5.5v. There are very few power options that let you run both of those without some fairly complicated wiring schemes.

I'd go with a resistor.

As for the batteries, I agree with Caine. Pop a li-ion and a dummy cell in your battery holder and you'll be good to go. If you're feeling adventurous, you could rewire the battery holder so that the batteries are parallel instead of in series. You could then use two li-ions for double the runtime.

[Darth Obi Don]

Hi guys ,I' new too.
How do you rewire the battery holder for parallel operation?

[Silver Serpent]

A normal battery pack is wired in series. The black wire connects to the first battery's negative terminal. The first battery's positive terminal connects to the second battery's negative terminal. The second batteries positive terminal connects to the red wire.


To rewire it as a parallel setup, you will need to modify the pack as follows:

Both batteries' negative terminals connect to each other and also to the black wire. Both batteries' positive terminals connect to each other and also to the red wire.

[BenPass]

Alright thanks for the help folks! I tend to use the BuckPuck so I can use QDs on my LEDs, but if you say that such a thing isn't necessary, then that's definitely good to know. I wasn't planning to wire the batteries up in parallel, simply because I'm not sure about how to do it. I would gladly use the 18650 cell, but I'm in Canada and the main site says that they don't ship Li-Ions internationally. That, and I'm not sure if my current charger would support the 18650 cell.

[bruzer79]

Sorry to resurrect this thread - found it via search. I'll be receiving a NB tomorrow and I want to put it in a saber that originally came with 6v (4xAAA) installed. I imagine it'll be easiest to get a 18650, but patience isn't a trait I have in abundance, so I'm trying to make it work with what I have readily available. Here's my plan:

6v (Source) - 5v (running the board at 5v is my goal) / 2A = put a .5 ohm/2watt resistor between the battery pack and the NB. Should work right? I wont fry it like that. Alternatively, I could use a buckpuck, but I dunno if I wanna go that route.

Is that right?

[Silver Serpent]

Use 4 NiMH batteries for a 4.8v pack, or use 3 alkalines for 4.5v. If you're dead set on using the 6v pack of alkalines, then I'd get a 5v regulator from Radio Shack and wire that in instead of the resistor.

FYI, AAA alkalines don't have a great runtime with a high powered LED. If you're sticking with alkalines, switch to AA if you can.

[bruzer79]

Honestly, the runtime isnt a huge deal for me. Its temporary until I can order\ receive a few more parts. I'll check into the regulator. Hopefully they (or my local Fry's) has something in stock. For educational purposes, why is a regulator more appropriate to use in this instance?

Edit: Just realized I already have some nimh around the house from an old RC car.. problem solved. Now I wait for the mail to run so I can get my NB. Thanks.