Anyone found reliable 12v Raspberry Pi power options for boat use?
Way off topic, but if running signalK on a boat, have you found 12V power options that work well with a rpi4?
6 Replies
Hat Labs
SH-RPi (Sailor Hat for Raspberry Pi)
Introducing the Sailor Hat for Raspberry Pi Version 2, the ultimate power management solution for your single-board computer! With its three 20F super-capacitors, the Sailor Hat ensures that your Raspberry Pi stays safe even when power is turned off or cut unexpectedly. This feature not only prevents hard drive corrupt
I use MacArthur HAT with the option power module
My devices are mounted on a DIM rail system, so I found this DC-DC converter.
MEAN WELL DDR-30G-5 30W DIN Rail DC-DC Converter Input 9-36V DC to 5V DC 6A 30W meanwell Power Supply(12/24Vdc to 5Vdc)
https://a.aliexpress.com/_mMrtrkr
I’m also a happy user of Meanwell dc-dc power supplies mounted on DIN rail
I use a 12v to 5v step-down converter, something like this https://www.amazon.com/PlusRoc-Waterproof-Converter-Compatible-Raspberry/dp/B09DGDQ48H/
We day sail on our J/24 boat and don't have a permanent battery on board. I bought an EcoFLow River 2 which is 256Wh, weights ~4kg and has nice ergonomics to carry around (I charge it at home). It gives my 12V DC (connected from cigarette lighter) to power RPi, RPi 7in monitor, WiFi router, 7 port powered USB hub (AIS dongle, GPS, IMU, etc). I put a small fuse box just in case in between EcoFLow and my devices. Also, it gives me "instrument panel" (tiny LCD display) where I can see power consumption.
Edit: Answering your initial question - I use 12V powered USB hub which converts 12V-5V for RPi itself.