#LifeHack: If you need to open or close a coin cell compartment meant to be opened with a coin but don't have one handy or don't want too touch one, just use an USB-C plug. Fits well.

#USBC #CoinCell #CoinDriver #Coin

New video! Replacing the rechargeable lithium cell on my Blizzard 1230 MK IV Amiga 1200 accelerator card.

YouTube: https://youtu.be/-sdXLAXbpfQ
PeerTube: https://makertube.net/w/qLLGtqax621LFSzxFgZj1Q

#Amiga #A1200 #Amiga1200 #Commodore #Blizzard1230 #Phase5 #Battery #CoinCell #RealTimeClock #Accelerator #RetroComputing #VintageComputing

Duracell now has (I assume) the same chemical Nintendo uses on Switch cartridges on their coin-cell batteries. Surprised they didn't do it sooner, but you know it costs more money.

#Duracell #Nintendo #Switch #NintendoSwitch #CoinCell #battery

LED Ring Brings the Bling

#ledhacks #wearablehacks #coincell #leds #ring #smdled #hackaday

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hackaday.com/2023/11/28/led-ri…

So, let's inaugurate the transfer from @[email protected] with a photo of the dusty #mainboard of the FLYER #ibmcompatible portable where I desoldered the dead CR2430 #coincell and put an holder for a CR2032.

Just because I wanted some #retrocomputing in my new timeline!

Careful Cuts Lets Logger Last a Year On A Coin Cell

Coin cells are great for backup power for things like real-time clocks, or even for powering incredibly small mechanical devices like watches. But for something like a data logger, running on a standard microcontroller, most people would reach for a lithium cell of some sort. Not so with this build, though, which squeezes every joule of energy from a coin cell in order to run a data logger for a full year.

Won't be needing that anymore.

Most of the design and engineering required to improve the efficiency of the data logger involve standard practices for low-power devices such as shutting off unnecessary components and putting the device to sleep when not actively running, but this build goes far beyond that. The Vcc pin on the RTC was clipped which disables some of its internal logic but still keeps its basic functionality intact.

All of the voltage regulators were removed or disabled in favor of custom circuitry that doesn't waste as much energy. The status and power LEDs were removed where possible, and the entire data logger is equipped with custom energy-efficient code as well.

If you're starting a low-power project, even one that isn't a datalogger, it's worth checking out this build to see just how far you can go if you're willing to hack at a PCB with cutting tools and a soldering iron. As to why this data logger needed such a low power requirement, it turns out it's part of a kit being used in classrooms and using a coin cell brought the price of the entire unit down tremendously. Even if you have lithium cells on hand, though, it's still worthwhile to check out the low power modes of your microcontroller.

Thanks to [Adrian] for the tip!

#microcontrollers #battery #clock #coincell #datalogger #ds3231 #efficiency #energy #microcontroller #power #rtc