Powering USB controller from 3.7V

[Dawilson123]

Hi,

I've got a query for a new build.

I'm intending to power a USB Xbox controller from the pi zero, which itself will be powered from a 3.7V 1350mAh lipo battery. I.e. will the controller work with only 3.7V?

The rumble packs have been removed so its only the controller buttons and circuitry left which should be (to my mind anyway) relatively low power.

Basically I want to know whether I need a step up converter to step up the 3.7V to 5V to power the USB controller or whether I can get away with not having to do this.

I know from my mintypi build that the pi zero can be powered from 3.7V.

Thanks in advance for your help.

[Dawilson123]

To answer my own question, I tested it and yes, you need a 3.7 to 5V step up.

[Helder]

Odd since the controller works off of 2 AA batteries which at best is 3v and lower, so maybe you wired it wrong or the controller has a boost circuit.

[Dawilson123]

Odd since the controller works off of 2 AA batteries which at best is 3v and lower, so maybe you wired it wrong or the controller has a boost circuit.

Ah, I better check the wiring! Thanks for the info.

Also this is a USB repo controller, not a genuine Nintendo controller. Sorry, should have made that clear in my OP.

It's this actual one...

https://rover.ebay.com/rover/0/0/0?mpre ... 2909359906

Not sure if that makes a difference (it would usually be powered through the USB and not batteries).

[Helder]

Nintenedo? you mean Xbox. That is the wired version and it might require 5v but to be honest not sure since the wireless one is likely running at lower voltages than 5v unless it is boosting it but I don't know unless I actually see the pcb but not worth the effort since you are using the wired model.

Got pictures of the pcb before you modded it? looking to see what components are on it.

[Dawilson123]

Nintenedo? you mean Xbox. That is the wired version and it might require 5v but to be honest not sure since the wireless one is likely running at lower voltages than 5v unless it is boosting it but I don't know unless I actually see the pcb but not worth the effort since you are using the wired model.

Got pictures of the pcb before you modded it? looking to see what components are on it.

Oops, it's an Xbox not Nintendo. Unfortunately, I could only find a photo of the back side of the pcb which won't be much use!

[Dawilson123]

I can't find the exact same pcb from a Google search however this one is close (ignore the scribbles).

https://www.flickr.com/photos/10078215@N07/2083880535

Mine just doesn't have the port at the bottom of the controller.