Choosing the Right Battery

Oct 13, 2025 by wbrum.org 19 views

Introduction

In today's world of portable technology, it's not uncommon to see devices like laptops, tablets, and smartphones that can be easily carried around. However, when it comes to single-board computers like the Raspberry Pi, portability can be a challenge. In this article, we'll explore how to run a Raspberry Pi and a 7" screen off a battery, making it a truly portable device.

What You Need

Before we dive into the details, let's take a look at the components we'll be using:

Raspberry Pi 3: A popular single-board computer that's perfect for a wide range of projects.
Raspberry Pi 7" Touchscreen Display: A compact and high-resolution display that's designed specifically for the Raspberry Pi.
Raspberry Pi 7" Touchscreen Display Case: A protective case that houses the display and provides a sturdy base for our portable device.

Choosing the Right Battery

When it comes to powering our Raspberry Pi and 7" screen, we need a battery that can provide enough power to run both devices for an extended period. Let's take a look at some of the factors we need to consider:

Capacity: We need a battery with a high capacity to ensure that our device can run for several hours on a single charge.
Voltage: The Raspberry Pi requires a 5V power supply, so we need a battery that can provide this voltage.
Current: We also need to consider the current requirements of our devices. The Raspberry Pi typically draws around 1.5A, while the 7" screen draws around 1A.

Battery Options

There are several battery options available that can power our Raspberry Pi and 7" screen. Here are a few options to consider:

Lithium-ion batteries: These batteries are popular for their high capacity, long lifespan, and low self-discharge rate.
Lead-acid batteries: These batteries are a more affordable option, but they have a shorter lifespan and higher self-discharge rate.
Nickel-cadmium batteries: These batteries are another option, but they contain toxic materials and are not as environmentally friendly.

Powering the Raspberry Pi

Now that we've chosen our battery, let's take a look at how to power the Raspberry Pi. We'll need to use a power management board to regulate the voltage and current output of the battery. Here are a few options to consider:

Raspberry Pi Power Management Board: This board is specifically designed for the Raspberry Pi and provides a regulated 5V power supply.
Generic Power Management Board: There are many generic power management boards available that can be used to power the Raspberry Pi.

Powering the 7" Screen

In addition to powering the Raspberry Pi, we also need to power the 7" screen. We can use a separate power supply for the screen, or we can use a single power supply that can power both devices. Here are a few options to consider:

Separate Power Supply: We can use a separate power supply for the 7" screen, which can be connected to the Raspberry Pi's power management board.
Single Power Supply: We can use a single power supply that can power both the Raspberry Pi and the 7" screen.

Assembling the Portable Device

Now that we've chosen our battery and power management board, let's take a look at how to assemble the portable device. Here are the steps to follow:

Connect the battery to the power management board: Connect the positive and negative terminals of the battery to the power management board.
Connect the power management board to the Raspberry Pi: Connect the power management board to the Raspberry Pi's power input.
Connect the 7" screen to the Raspberry Pi: Connect the 7" screen to the Raspberry Pi's display output.
Assemble the device: Assemble the device by attaching the 7" screen to the Raspberry Pi's case.

Testing the Portable Device

Once we've assembled the portable device, let's take a look at how to test it. Here are the steps to follow:

Charge the battery: Charge the battery to ensure that it's fully charged.
Turn on the device: Turn on the device and ensure that both the Raspberry Pi and the 7" screen are working properly.
Test the device: Test the device by running various applications and checking the battery life.

Conclusion

In this article, we've explored how to run a Raspberry Pi and a 7" screen off a battery, making it a truly portable device. We've discussed the components we need, including the Raspberry Pi, 7" screen, and battery, as well as the power management board and power supply. We've also walked through the steps to assemble the portable device and test it. With this knowledge, you can create your own portable Raspberry Pi device that's perfect for a wide range of projects.

Tips and Variations

Here are a few tips and variations to consider:

Use a rechargeable battery: Use a rechargeable battery to reduce waste and save money.
Add a solar panel: Add a solar panel to charge the battery during the day.
Use a different display: Use a different display, such as a 10" or 12" screen, to increase the device's portability.
Add a keyboard and mouse: Add a keyboard and mouse to make the device more user-friendly.

Common Issues and Solutions

Here are a few common issues and solutions to consider:

Battery not charging: Check the battery's terminals and ensure that they're clean and free of corrosion.
Device not turning on: Check the power management board and ensure that it's properly connected to the Raspberry Pi.
Screen not working: Check the 7" screen's display output and ensure that it's properly connected to the Raspberry Pi.

Conclusion

Q: What type of battery should I use for my Raspberry Pi and 7" screen?

A: You can use a lithium-ion battery, lead-acid battery, or nickel-cadmium battery to power your Raspberry Pi and 7" screen. However, lithium-ion batteries are the most popular choice due to their high capacity, long lifespan, and low self-discharge rate.

Q: How do I choose the right power management board for my Raspberry Pi?

A: You can choose a Raspberry Pi power management board or a generic power management board that can regulate the voltage and current output of the battery. Make sure to choose a board that can handle the power requirements of your Raspberry Pi and 7" screen.

Q: Can I use a single power supply to power both the Raspberry Pi and the 7" screen?

A: Yes, you can use a single power supply to power both the Raspberry Pi and the 7" screen. However, make sure to choose a power supply that can handle the combined power requirements of both devices.

Q: How do I assemble the portable device?

A: To assemble the portable device, follow these steps:

Connect the battery to the power management board.
Connect the power management board to the Raspberry Pi's power input.
Connect the 7" screen to the Raspberry Pi's display output.
Assemble the device by attaching the 7" screen to the Raspberry Pi's case.

Q: How do I test the portable device?

A: To test the portable device, follow these steps:

Charge the battery to ensure that it's fully charged.
Turn on the device and ensure that both the Raspberry Pi and the 7" screen are working properly.
Test the device by running various applications and checking the battery life.

Q: What are some common issues that I may encounter when running a Raspberry Pi and 7" screen off a battery?

A: Some common issues that you may encounter when running a Raspberry Pi and 7" screen off a battery include:

Battery not charging
Device not turning on
Screen not working

Q: How do I troubleshoot these issues?

A: To troubleshoot these issues, follow these steps:

Check the battery's terminals and ensure that they're clean and free of corrosion.
Check the power management board and ensure that it's properly connected to the Raspberry Pi.
Check the 7" screen's display output and ensure that it's properly connected to the Raspberry Pi.

Q: Can I add a solar panel to charge the battery during the day?

A: Yes, you can add a solar panel to charge the battery during the day. This can be a great way to extend the battery life and make the device more sustainable.

Q: Can I use a different display, such as a 10" or 12" screen, to increase the device's portability?

A: Yes, you can use a different display, such as a 10" or 12" screen, to increase the device's portability. However, make sure to choose a display that is compatible with the Raspberry Pi and can handle the power requirements of the device.

Q: Can I add a keyboard and mouse to make the device more user-friendly?

A: Yes, you can add a keyboard and mouse to make the device more user-friendly. This can be a great way to make the device more accessible and easier to use.

Conclusion

In conclusion, running a Raspberry Pi and 7" screen off a battery is a great way to create a portable device that's perfect for a wide range of projects. With the right components and a little bit of know-how, you can create your own portable Raspberry Pi device that's sure to impress.