Hi All
My first post here, I shall try to be concise.
I am making a Porta-Pi Arcade. I have a Pi3, PiHat LCD (both powered by a single micro USB), LED lights and USB Amp are also attached to a couple of Rpi PowerPack V1.2's
http://www.raspberrypiwiki.com/index.php/RPI_Lithium_Battery_Expansion_Board_SKU:435230Please refer to the attached, crude schematic.
Currently, 1 battery runs the Pi w LCD Hat, the other intended to run all peripherals (LEDs/USB Amp etc).
The LCD draws 5V from the Pi. Although the LCD has a dedicated micro USB charge- it makes no difference to power consumption when used or not (apparently) since its all drawn from the Pi. Which is fine I guess. The Pi/LCD run great with everything connected and runs on battery for 3-4 hours. Presumably, the 2nd battery isn't being drained/used as much, so would be great to incorporate a cleverer way of maximizing battery usage. I suppose I could swap out which battery is used each time, but not exactly ideal. I realize there are probably better ways of doing this, but I am on a budget and love using the things I already have to hand.
I need help with the following:
1) To tap into the battery power switches - reconnect them to a single On/Off Rocker switch. The switches have 6 legs each and the rocker is a standard 2 pin. I'm sure there's help somewhere online already for that, but its a part of this overall issue.
2) To somehow 'trick' the battery circuit packs into allowing me to play the system whilst charging? - board limitations only allow for these batteries to power an alone Pi3, via SSH whilst in charge mode (The PMU kicks in- It will power up and run, but the Pi-Hat LCD requires too much power, so I get a lightning bolt - its still playable but indicates an issue and I fear for the batteries lives.
3) Redraw a schematic I can follow to recreate what I want using the same or additional parts - not opposed to buying a PowerBlock from here:
http://www.retrobuiltgames.com/diy-kits-shop/arcade-parts/power-block-pcb/ but I'm sure I can do what I need with what I have. I am not interested in barrel Jacks. I like the Micro USB idea and have all the parts I need. I will happily resolder, or modify the boards as required - if any solution is even possible.
Hope you can help.
Thanks in advance!