Which Battery Pack for the PICAXE 8 Pin Proto Kit? (9 volt?)
I just received the PICAXE 8 Pin Proto Kit from Sparkfun (yay) and it comes with what looks like a 9v battery snap clip but the datasheet says that I cannot use a 9v battery. The text states:
"ONLY USE A 4.5V or 5V battery pack, not a 9V PP3 battery, as the power supply."
So what kind of a 4.5v or 5v battery packs uses the snap type connectors?
On a similar note, I wonder how many people have burned out their PixAxe chips because they didn't read the instructions fully and just pluged in a 9 volt batter. :)
You can buy battery holders
You can buy battery holders with the snap attached. Most hobby stores sell them including the usual suspects - Digikey, Jameco and Mouser. You have a choice of 3 AA or 4 AA size holders. If you are going to use rechargeables, I would suggest go with the 4AA holder since they are 1.2v and not 1.5v unlike standard AA batteries. For standard batteries go with the 3 pack holder.
I noticed that none of the battery holders in Sparkfun are snap terminated, but most other stores do carry them.
@ Wed, 2008-07-09 23:55
battery options
The starter pack comes with a battery holder, I think a 3 cell(3.6-4.5)depending on the type of battery(nimh, nicad,alkaline) you use.
Since you have to build the proto board, why not just put a 2 pin connector on their for the type of battery back you will be using.
Radio shack has little 4 cell holders with a on/off switch so you don't have to pull the plug every time.
This is something similar to what I use, though the one I have has a switch and is compeltely sealed but the connector works great for this small proto board.
http://www.sparkfun.com/commerce/product_info.php?products_id=8159
@ Sun, 2008-06-01 09:32
Q: "So what kind of a 4.5v
Q: "So what kind of a 4.5v or 5v battery packs uses the snap type connectors?"
A: Any & every.. almost :)
I think it is actually the 9V battery that is the odd one out - as I understand it, it is a standard connector, also used by this batery.
The packs costs next to nothing, and I recomend buying bulk. Reason; They are (the ones you should get) made in thermoplastic plastic with "press-stud terminator".. Meaning that the battery holder itself acts as a fuse when (not if) you make short-cuts.
Any and every robot-shop sells them.
/ Fritsl