Powering the GPy and Pytrack from a Vehicle

[Paddy]

Hello,

I'm considering using the Gpy and Pytrack in a vehicle monitoring application. This requires the modules to be powered from 10 to 30 volts. If possible I would like to use the pycom IP67 case. Are there any obvious solutions ?

Cheers.

Paddy

[boff]

Could you use a battery and inductively charge the battery?

[robert-hh]

@jmarcelino Yes, I was thinking of that. But using an IP67 case implies an appropriate way of passing the cable. And that is more cumbersome with an USB cable. There are solutions for that, and by chance I have an IP67 USB plug in my drawer, and there are IP67 cable inlets which you can split, so you pass through cables with a connector.
And, by mentioning IP67 and the voltage range, I had the imagination of a more robust runtime environment, some cars, some trucks. So robust cables & as few external connectors as possible is it.
So many options .........

[jmarcelino]

@paddy
Maybe I’m missing something but I just use a good quality USB phone car charger.

Quality ones will handle 8-30V volts. This for example https://www.amazon.co.uk/Charger-RAVPower-Charging-Protection-Smartphones-Black/dp/B00Q2GFP4M?psc=1&SubscriptionId=AKIAILSHYYTFIVPWUY6Q&tag=duckduckgo-ipad-uk-21&linkCode=xm2&camp=2025&creative=165953&creativeASIN=B00Q2GFP4M

Many modern cars have USB ports as well, just connect the Pytrack there.

[robert-hh]

@paddy You need a regulator in between which reduces the incoming 10 to 30 volts down to 3.5 to 5.5 Volts which you then can feed into Vin. I personally like to use modules from Pololu. An appropriate step-down model would be Pololu D24V10F5, supplying 5V/1A at an input range of 5.5 to 36V.

[gregcope]

Do you want constant power in which case a really efficient regulator is probably best, or do you want low quiesent (standby/off) power in which case one that can be switched is probably better.