Right.Small servos, one on its own may only take 500-600 mA, but depending on the robot configuration, let's say a 4-wheeled robot, you would use 4 servos which would exceed the 1.6 amps the Rpi 5 makes available to its USB ports. A 2-wheeled robot with a caster wheel or something to stabilize could work and put you under the 1.6 amps limit, but you would still exceed the 600 mA or whatever the Rpi 5 makes available to its USB ports if you don't supply 5V 5A to the boardWhat are you plugging into the USB ports that requires such high current to be available?
You already said that you didn't want separate supplies, but you probably should. Not least because if your servos draw too much current then the Pi will brown out.
I was also going to suggest the power tool battery approach. You'll have to be a little bit careful as they can deliver a very large current if you make a mistake. You also have to keep an eye on the voltage as not all battery packs have built-in low-voltage cutout (although if they do, you'll have to be careful that power is not abruptly cut and make your Pi sad).
I'd suggest you look at your local DIY store for cheap own-brand battery packs and charger just for this application. Acquire or make an adapter to break out the power connection. Add a fuse. Add a buck converter to provide 5V to the Pi. You won't need 5A, but you can if you want. Add a second buck converter (and maybe second fuse) to power the servos. 5V is fine, but some are rated at 6V. Your servo control signal ought to work as there will be a common ground due to the buck converters sharing the same battery supply.
Statistics: Posted by ame — Thu Jan 09, 2025 8:23 pm
