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Intermediate

Buck/Boost Power Pack

Create a single-cell power pack with a charged/protected battery path, fixed 5 V output, adjustable rail, display, and labelled limits.

Safety first, always.

ElectroLab AI teaches theory, low-voltage electronics, and planning concepts. Mains voltage, switchboards, fixed wiring, high-current systems, and legal electrical work must only be performed by licensed electricians where required.

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Portable Buck/Boost PackA protected single cell feeds fused switched rails, a fixed 5 V boost output, and an adjustable project output.B+B-OUT+ground busswitched +5 Vvariablevoltmeter18650protectedCHARGERB / OUTFUSE1-2 ASWITCHmainBOOST5.0 VADJUSTset railOUTportsUse one protected cell in a holder. Set outputs before connecting electronics.

Portable power module

Build a protected portable power pack with USB charging, fused battery output, and regulated rails for projects.

Bench time

3-5 hours

Typical parts

$35-$80 AUD

Power

Protected 1S lithium cell

You finish with

5 V and adjustable DC project power

Before the first wire

Know the build before you power it.

Use one protected 18650 cell in a holder. Do not solder to loose cells.

Use a charger/protection board made for one lithium-ion cell and its charge current.

Set regulator outputs before connecting any project electronics.

Fuse the battery output close to the protection board.

Bill of materials

7 parts groups to gather

Check every spec

QtyPartExact specWhat it doesInspect before use
1Protected 18650 cell and holder1S lithium-ionStores portable energy.No torn wrap, dent, rust, or loose holder spring.
1USB-C charger/protection boardB+/B-, OUT+/OUT-Charges and protects the cell.Protection version, not charge-only version.
1Fuse and switch1-2 A fuse plus SPST switchProtects and disconnects output.Fuse is close to OUT+.
15 V boost module1 A or higher peakPowers USB/logic projects.Output set to 5.0 V.
1Adjustable buck/boost moduleSettable low-voltage outputGives flexible project rail.Voltage range and current limit known.
1Voltmeter display1S battery or output voltmeterShows battery/output condition.Display supply range matches connection.
As neededOutput sockets and enclosureUSB, DC jack, or binding postsMakes rails usable.Rails are labelled and cannot short.

Build boundary

This is a single-cell protected lithium project. It does not cover multi-cell packs, spot welding, bare cells, fast charging, or powering unknown high-current equipment.

Part modules vary. Read the markings and datasheet for the exact board in front of you before applying power.