Powering a LilyPad Project
Schematic
Datasheet (EG1390 Switch)
E-Sewing BasicsProduct Overview
Sure, your flashing, chip-tune-playing T-shirt is cool at the party... but at some point, you need to turn it off. Instead of pulling the battery out or wiring a separate in-line switch, this LilyPad Coin Cell Battery Holder solves the problem directly at the power source! This simple board securely holds a standard 20mm coin cell battery (not included) and features an integrated slide switch to control power to your wearable electronics.
Convenient Power Control
Managing power in wearable projects is often an afterthought and can lead to drained batteries and complicated wiring layouts. We've solved that by upgrading this battery holder with a small DPDT slide switch installed directly in-line with the power output. Because it uses the exact same switch found on the standalone LilyPad Slide Switch board, it provides a tactile click that's difficult to accidentally toggle on or off while moving or wearing your garment. The metal battery housing has also been strengthened to keep your CR2032 battery from accidentally popping out.
Sewable E-Textile Design
LilyPad is a wearable e-textile technology developed by Leah Buechley and cooperatively designed by Leah and SparkFun. To ensure these components integrate seamlessly into your wardrobe (no pun intended), this LilyPad battery holder relies on some specific hardware choices:
- Sewable Tabs: The LilyPad Coin Cell Battery Holder features four large, conductive connecting pads that allow you to stitch them directly into fabric using conductive thread.
- Low-Profile Build: At just over the size of a U.S. quarter dollar, this board lays perfectly flat against or inside of your garments.
- Washable Hardware: Built to survive real-world use, your finished clothing can be carefully washed without ruining the electronics. Just remove the battery first. Alright?
We get it. Adding a power switch to the LilyPad Coin Cell Battery Holder sounds like a no-brainer to power your wearable electronics, but you'd be surprised how often it's an afterthought. Since the battery housing and power switch are combined into a single board, you'll not only simplify your circuit design but also save battery life and make your interactive clothing much easier to manage!
