While FreeM is mostly designed to work with BlinkMs and MinMs, it can be made to work with MaxMs. FreeM cannot supply the power that MaxMs need (250mA and FreeM can only supply up to 100mA), but there are other ways. One way to do it is to power the FreeM from the MaxM’s built-in 5V power supply.
To do this, get a MaxM, a FreeM, a small scrap of wire, and a 12VDC power supply.
Remove the “pwrsel” jumper and wrap the small piece of wire around all three pins of the “pwrsel” jumper. Then plug the [...]
Make a long-lasting, rechargeable battery pack for your BlinkM MaxM, BlinkM, or BlinkM MinM using just pliers, no soldering!
BlinkMs are perfect for portable, stand-alone uses. There are many ways to hook a BlinkM to battery sources. Here’s one way that works for all BlinkMs.
BlinkM Battery Pack: Step 1: Get all the parts togetherParts are:
- BlinkM MaxM, BlinkM, or BlinkM MinM
- 4xAA battery holder with switch, like this Jameco one or Mouser one
- 4xAA NiMH batteries (not alkaline!)
- 2×8 IDC crimp connector (FCI 71600-308LF), from Digikey 609-3570-ND or Mouser 649-71600-308LF
Tools you’ll need: - pliers with wide jaws to crimp - cutters [...]