[Lab] So my EL wire board still resets (when using batteries)

[Richard Guy Briggs]

On Thu, Nov 03, 2011 at 07:49:28PM -0400, Michael Ayukawa wrote:
> Seems odd that you are getting a POR (power on reset) at 4.8V.  Well within the USB low voltage spec.
> Do you have a voltage meter?  Maybe you have a bad cell or a cold joint somewhere.  Older NiCd or NiMH can
> develop some dendritic micro-shorts.  Various ways of burning these out. Here is one way:
> http://hackaday.com/2008/11/27/zap-new-life-into-ni-cads/
> 
> Personally, I just used a generous overvoltage for a second.

Or some other brief current surge source...  I've seen video tutorials
suggesting using arc welders.  A friend in high school used to just use
an A/C power cord plugged into the wall.  These can be quite dangerous
if you don't fully understand what you are doing.

I built a jig with a 2000uF capacitor charged to 40V and put the battery
in a holder, then discharged the capacitor through the battery with a
10 amp pushbutton switch.  This is safe due to the secured battery,
enclosed switch and limited stored charge in the capacitor.


I think I would try Trevyn's decoupling capacitor tricks first.  I might
even try using an oscilloscope to see if you can catch a dip in the
power line that is the culprit...

> On 2011-11-03, at 6:10 PM, Martin Villemaire wrote:
> > I got home last night from the lab all excited to finally be able to light up my EL wire through my "el sequencer" board. However when I plugged my battery pack in instead of the USB, the board started resetting again. 
> > 
> > I am using 4x AA rechargeable batteries rated 1.2V/2000mAh, so in theory I am giving this 4.8V of power (I think the USB is giving it 5V?). The batteries are fully charged. 
> > 
> > Any idea what I would need to get the board to not reset when using batteries? 6x AA @ 1.2V? 8x? Or maybe my problem is something else entirely... argh...
> > 
> > Any help would be appreciated! 

	slainte mhath, RGB

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