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Power Source: Dual 18650 Battery Shield

For deployments in remote locations without external power, the IoT Toolkit uses a Dual 18650 Lithium Battery Shield. This module provides stable 3.3V and 5V power rails directly from rechargeable lithium cells.

Dual 18650 Battery Shield

[!CAUTION] Polarity Warning: These modules rarely have reverse polarity protection. Inserting a battery backward will permanently damage the shield and potentially cause a fire hazard. Always match the + and - markings on the PCB with your batteries.

Specifications

Parameter Value
Battery Type 18650 Li-ion (3.7V nominal)
Output Voltages 5V (USB-A & Pins) and 3.3V (Pins)
5V Current Up to 2.2A (3A peak)
3.3V Current Up to 1A
Charging Port Micro-USB / USB-C (5V Input)
Protection Over-charge, Over-discharge, Over-current

Key Features

  • Integrated Charging: Charge your 18650 cells directly through the onboard USB port without removing them.
  • Dual Outputs: Simultaneously power the ESP32 (via 5V or 3.3V) and external peripherals like high-power sensors or 5V displays.
  • Status LEDs: Onboard indicators show battery charge level and charging status.
  • Power Switch: Includes a physical toggle switch to turn the entire system on or off without disconnecting wires.

Wiring to ESP32

To power your ESP32 from the shield:

  1. Connect the 5V pin of the shield to the VIN pin of the ESP32.
  2. Connect the GND pin of the shield to the GND pin of the ESP32.
  3. Alternatively, you can use a USB cable from the shield's USB-A port to the ESP32's USB port.

[!TIP] Use high-quality 18650 cells (e.g., Panasonic, Samsung, LG) to ensure maximum runtime and safety during long-term field deployment.

Next Steps