LilyPad Basics: Powering Your Project

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Contributors: Gella
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Power Options: Coin Cell Batteries

The LilyPad system includes boards that hold a single 3V CR2032 coin cell battery. These batteries are typically single use, but some rechargeable coin cell batteries may work in the holders.

Coin Cell Battery - 20mm (CR2032)

Coin Cell Battery - 20mm (CR2032)

PRT-00338
$2.10

The LilyPad product line includes a standalone battery holder with a switch that can be connected to a customized project, as well as built into the LilyMini board, and available in some ProtoSnap products. SparkFun also carries a non-LilyPad coin cell battery holder without sew tabs for projects that need a small footprint or for users who want to solder.

LilyPad Coin Cell Battery Holder - Switched - 20mm

LilyPad Coin Cell Battery Holder - Switched - 20mm

DEV-13883
$2.10
13
Coin Cell Battery Holder - 20mm (Sewable)

Coin Cell Battery Holder - 20mm (Sewable)

DEV-08822
$1.50
4
LilyPad LilyMini ProtoSnap

LilyPad LilyMini ProtoSnap

DEV-14063
$17.50
4

LilyTwinkle ProtoSnap

DEV-11590
1 Retired

Battery Safety and Care

This section will cover tips for safe handling and use of coin cell batteries for your projects.

Storage

  • Do not transport or store a coin cell battery with metal objects, such as hairpins, necklaces, or any other conductive object or material. Do not store loose coin cell batteries together - they can make contact with each other and short circuit and discharge.

  • Keep or store the battery in a cool and dry place/environment while installed in a project or in storage. If you are not planning to use your project for a long time, remove the battery and store it separately.

Keep Away from Heat and Moisture

  • Keep your coin cell battery away from environments that will damage it. Do not immerse a coin cell battery in liquids. Remove the battery from your project if it needs to be washed.

  • Do not use or store the battery near any source of heat. To secure a battery to your project, use a specialty battery holder, sewn pouch, or place in a plastic enclosure. Never solder directly to a coin cell battery; if you need to solder one into a project, use a special battery holder or purchase a battery with solder tabs created for this purpose.

Inspect Battery Before Each Use

  • Short circuits or damage to coin cell batteries may not always be noticeable - check the battery for puffiness, heat, or other changes. If the battery looks damaged, remove immediately.

  • If the battery gives off an odor, generates heat, becomes discolored or deformed, or in any way appears abnormal during use, recharging, or storage, immediately remove it from your project or battery charger and stop using it. Make sure to dispose of your batteries properly - do not throw them in the trash! Contact your local e-waste disposal organization for details on how to discard batteries in your area.