Hey everyone! I'm diving into a little project with an ESP8266-based board, but I'm more of a software person and not super familiar with hardware. The datasheet for my board mentions the operating voltage should be around 3.3V, which I get, but I'm confused about the current part. It states the operating current is averaging 80 mA, but the power supply should provide 500 mA or more. So, I'm not sure what battery would fit these requirements. I'd like something rechargeable, and I'm also wondering if I need a power controller for it. I've had some bad experiences with batteries in the past, so I want to be careful about this. Any advice? Also, where's the best place to buy components? I found Digikey but I'm open to other suggestions! Thanks a bunch!
4 Answers
Honestly, it comes down to what kind of power you need and for how long. Think about if your project is just for fun or something more serious that you might be spending money on. Also, check how much space you have—whether you need a compact setup or can afford a more complex one with a charging board. I personally use 18650 batteries since I have a bunch lying around; just adapt your design based on what you have.
Nine volts can work too! Just tap into the 3V rail on your ESP8266, and you’ll be good.
Hey! It really depends on your ESP8266 board. If it has a USB 5V option for programming, it likely has a built-in voltage regulator to convert that down to 3.3V, so you could use a 5V power bank. Just a heads up: the 500mA figure you see is typically for external devices like motors or displays; the ESP8266 itself won't need that much. Most lithium-ion batteries that are around 3.7V should work fine, but remember you'll need a charging circuit and possibly some battery management features. That’s why power banks come in handy!
True! And if you want something more stable, LiFePO4 could be a good option too, but the charging circuits aren’t as common as the lithium-ion types.
DigiKey is solid, but don’t forget about Newark and Mouser! They’re great too, although shipping can be a bummer. If you’re looking for fast delivery, Amazon is your friend! And don’t overlook Sparkfun—they’ve got a lot of cool stuff, although they're a bit pricier because they're here in the States.
Just make sure you double-check the current requirements, as you don't want to overdraw!