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PowerBoost 1000vs500 question

Posted: Mon May 09, 2016 6:07 am
by yves1984
Hi There

My near shop has the PowerBoost 500 on Stock.
On this project will all use the PowerBoost 1000, but my question is:
will it also work with the PowerBoost 500 and not with the 1000er?

for me is it easyer and i can order it right now :D
thx for help

Re: PowerBoost 1000vs500 question

Posted: Mon May 09, 2016 6:11 am
by Fleder
IIRC, the 500 can not be charged while using it at the same time, for instance.
If you are talking about the Charger and not the Basic version.
If you dont need the 1A battery charger, smart load-sharing, or 1A iOS resistors, check out the Powerboost 500C

Re: PowerBoost 1000vs500 question

Posted: Mon May 09, 2016 6:16 am
by Popcorn
Apparently the reason the 1000C was chosen over the 500C is because the draw of the RPI0 was about 500ma when powered on, which gave no headroom when in charging mode. So if you were to be running the PI and trying to charge it at the same time, the power to the batteries would be underpowered and could cause problems. So, it was advisable to stay in the safely rated solution of the 1000C. However, IF you never plan on playing while plugged in, and only charging when the unit is off, then the 500C should theoretically work. Let's just hope the battery doesn't blow up :P, or more realistically, die on you from being undercharged.

Hope that helps.

Re: PowerBoost 1000vs500 question

Posted: Mon May 09, 2016 6:21 am
by yves1984
okay thx for info

so i must search again for the 1000C in switzerland :D

Re: PowerBoost 1000vs500 question

Posted: Mon May 09, 2016 7:28 am
by Popcorn

Re: PowerBoost 1000vs500 question

Posted: Mon May 09, 2016 11:21 am
by Robvp
I have a similar power question but don't want to make a redundant new thread.

I have a 2800mah external battery laying around and noticed it can power the pi and has it's own charging circuit. Could this be used in lieu of the powerboost or is it potentially hazardous in the long run?

Re: PowerBoost 1000vs500 question

Posted: Mon May 09, 2016 7:24 pm
by crispy_tofu
You probably would be able to do this, as the Powerboost is essentially a charger/boost converter. :)