# Battery options for running LEDS **URL:** \ **Category:** Adafruit\ **Created:** [21 May 2018 04:25 UTC](https://forum.core-electronics.com.au/t/battery-options-for-running-leds/2722 "2018-05-21T04:25:14Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 6\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![Andrew51014](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/ecd19e/32.png) [@Andrew51014](https://forum.core-electronics.com.au/u/Andrew51014)\ **Post date:** [21 May 2018 04:25 UTC](https://forum.core-electronics.com.au/t/battery-options-for-running-leds/2722/1 "2018-05-21T04:25:14Z")
Hi all, in my most recent order I ordered a set of the Adafruit LEDS, which are great. My problem is I need a way of powering them via a battery. Ideally the battery would have enough power to have them on, intermittently, over a 4 hour period (~ 2200 maH). Are you able to recommend a battery that could power them like this? I’ve tried a USB power bank, which works for a short period then turns off - I assume because the need a draw of current to remain on( but I could be wrong). Cheers, Andrew. ---
**Author:** ![Stephen](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex028/user_avatar/forum.core-electronics.com.au/stephen/32/1599_2.png) [@Stephen](https://forum.core-electronics.com.au/u/Stephen)\ **Post date:** [21 May 2018 06:57 UTC](https://forum.core-electronics.com.au/t/battery-options-for-running-leds/2722/2 "2018-05-21T06:57:32Z")
Hi Andrew, I think your right about the USB power bank, they may be too smart for their own good sometimes. Try this: > **[Polymer Lithium Ion Battery (LiPo) 3.7V 2400mAh](https://core-electronics.com.au/polymer-lithium-ion-battery-2400mah.html)** > > Welcome to the awesomeness that is LiPo batteries. Polymer Lithium Ion batteries offer superior energy density with this 2400mAh battery being on 6mm in height! or this: > **[Polymer Lithium Ion Battery (LiPo) 3.7V 4400mAh](https://core-electronics.com.au/polymer-lithium-ion-battery-4400mah.html)** > > This Lithium Polymer Ion based battery is a slim, lightweight battery that is perfect for a portable project! LIPO chemistry is the highest energy density chemistry around and due to that, you get nominal 3.7V at 4400mAh! You’ll need a charger: > **[Lithium Battery Charger](https://core-electronics.com.au/lithium-battery-charger.html)** > > If you need to charge LiPo batteries, this simple charger will do just that, and do it fast! The Lithium Battery Charger can charge 3.7V LiPo battery at a rate of 500mA per hour. and a way to connect it to the LEDs, this is great because it has a built in switch: > **[Switched JST-PH 2-Pin SMT Right Angle Breakout Board](https://core-electronics.com.au/switched-jst-ph-2-pin-smt-right-angle-breakout-board.html)** > > This switched JST connector is the best way to quickly prototype with Adafruit's LiPoly batteries. Adafruit paired a genuine JST connector with a slide switch that can do up .. read more Hope that gets you started in the right direction. Be sure to share your finished project in the projects section of our forum! ---
**Author:** ![Andrew51014](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/ecd19e/32.png) [@Andrew51014](https://forum.core-electronics.com.au/u/Andrew51014)\ **Post date:** [21 May 2018 11:32 UTC](https://forum.core-electronics.com.au/t/battery-options-for-running-leds/2722/3 "2018-05-21T11:32:17Z")
Thanks Steve I’ve checked those options out - do you have an opinion on the 3.7v verse the 5V recommendations in the documentation? _Adafruit have a 5V/2A supply that should be able to drive 1 meter, a 5V 4A that can do a couple meters, and a 5V/10A supply that can drive up to 10 meters (depending on use) You must use a 5V DC power supply to power these strips, do not use higher than 6V or you can destroy the entire strip_ ---
**Author:** ![Stephen](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex028/user_avatar/forum.core-electronics.com.au/stephen/32/1599_2.png) [@Stephen](https://forum.core-electronics.com.au/u/Stephen)\ **Post date:** [22 May 2018 01:27 UTC](https://forum.core-electronics.com.au/t/battery-options-for-running-leds/2722/4 "2018-05-22T01:27:07Z")
Andrew, It really depends on the specific length of LEDs, the type of LEDs, the type of microcontroller you are using etc. Most NeoPixels will run fine on 3.7. These batteries and power supply are not suitable for 10A draw. Please refer to the [NeoPixel powering guide](https://learn.adafruit.com/adafruit-neopixel-uberguide/powering-neopixels). You can use less voltage, the lights just won’t be quite as bright. You should never EXCEED 5v when powering your NeoPixels. You could use a boost converter to step up your voltage from a 3.7V liPo to 5V, but you will use up the battery faster and lose some efficiency. I hope that helps! ---
**Author:** ![Andrew51014](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/ecd19e/32.png) [@Andrew51014](https://forum.core-electronics.com.au/u/Andrew51014)\ **Post date:** [22 May 2018 01:31 UTC](https://forum.core-electronics.com.au/t/battery-options-for-running-leds/2722/5 "2018-05-22T01:31:20Z")
Thanks Stephen, that’s great. For this stage of the project the brightness isn’t super critical, i’ll give the LiPo combination a crack. Cheers, Andrew ---
**Author:** ![Stephen](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex028/user_avatar/forum.core-electronics.com.au/stephen/32/1599_2.png) [@Stephen](https://forum.core-electronics.com.au/u/Stephen)\ **Post date:** [22 May 2018 01:38 UTC](https://forum.core-electronics.com.au/t/battery-options-for-running-leds/2722/6 "2018-05-22T01:38:43Z")
If you are powering about one meter of LED’s you can use a micro-controller that has a JST connector on it and power your LEDs by the VCC pin on the board. I’ve done this with the Adafruit Trinket, Trinket pro, Flora, and Circuit Playground Express with no issues. You will still need an external charger, unless you go with the Trinket Pro and Power backpack > **[Adafruit Pro Trinket - 3V 12MHz](https://core-electronics.com.au/adafruit-pro-trinket-3v-12mhz.html)** > > Trinket's got a big sister in town - the Pro Trinket 3V! Pro Trinket combines everything you love about Trinket with the familiarity of the core Arduino chip, the .. read more > **[Adafruit Pro Trinket LiIon/LiPoly Backpack Add-On](https://core-electronics.com.au/adafruit-pro-trinket-liion-lipoly-backpack-add-on.html)** > > If you have a Pro Trinket you probably know it's the perfect little size for a portable project. This LiPoly backpack makes it really easy to do! Instead of wiring .. read more