Electronic – arduino – Add a rechargeable LiPo to Arduino micro project

arduinobattery-charginglipousb device

I'm somewhat confused by the various options, hoping someone can clarify which breakout board I need. I want to build a prop that drives a bunch of Neopixel sticks. It should:

  • have a rechargeable battery
  • work with an Arduino micro
  • be able to charge over USB when plugged in to a computer
  • be able to get new firmware over the same USB cable
  • be able to drive the LEDs directly off the battery and not just through the Arduino voltage regulator (there may be lots of them).

Am I correct that I could do all that with this LiPo battery charger?

Are there other options that would be better?

Best Answer

Here is a product that fits the bill: Lipo Rider Pro

I'm using the older generation (not Pro) and it does work great. USB in for charging a 3.7V LiPo cell, and passes through data with a 5V feed to USB out (buck converter from LiPo or your USB power). It also has a connector for a solar panel to charge with, though I don't use it. And it even has an ON-OFF switch for the battery. The linked page claims 1A power out.

This way you can plug your PC to the LiPo Rider, it charges the battery and you can use the COM port with the Arduino if needed. Disconnect the PC, and it powers from the battery.

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