How to Use LilyPad Coin Cell Battery Holder - Switched: Examples, Pinouts, and Specs

The LilyPad Coin Cell Battery Holder is a small, lightweight battery holder specifically designed for powering sewable electronic projects. It is part of the LilyPad wearable electronics ecosystem, which is a set of sewable electronic pieces designed to help you build soft, interactive textiles. This battery holder is equipped with an on/off switch, making power management convenient and straightforward. It is commonly used in wearable projects, soft circuits, and educational activities where portability and flexibility are essential.

• Wearable electronics (e.g., clothing, accessories)
• Educational projects and workshops
• Prototyping for soft circuits
• Interactive textile and fabric-based projects

• Voltage: 3V (typical for a CR2032 coin cell battery)
• Battery Type: CR2032 coin cell
• Maximum Battery Capacity: 20mm coin cell diameter
• Switch: Slide switch for power control
• Dimensions: 23mm outer diameter
• Sewing Tabs: 1+ positive and 1- negative large sew tabs for conductive thread

1. Insert Battery: Open the battery holder and insert a CR2032 coin cell battery with the positive side facing up.
2. Sewing: Use conductive thread to sew the + tab to the positive points on your other LilyPad components and the - tab to the negative points.
3. Power Control: Use the slide switch to turn your project on and off. Ensure the switch is in the off position when inserting or removing the battery to avoid short circuits.

• Conductive Thread: Ensure that the conductive thread does not touch itself or other conductive parts of the circuit as this can create short circuits.
• Battery Orientation: Always insert the battery with the correct orientation to prevent damage to the holder and the circuit.
• Storage: When not in use, switch the power off to conserve battery life.
• Insulation: If the back of the battery holder will be in contact with conductive material, insulate it with tape or fabric to prevent shorts.

• Project Not Powering On: Check the battery orientation and ensure the switch is in the on position. Also, verify that the battery is not depleted.
• Intermittent Connections: Ensure that the conductive thread is securely sewn to the tabs and that there are no loose threads that could cause intermittent connections.

• Secure Sewing: Double-check all connections and reinforce any loose stitches with additional conductive thread.
• Battery Replacement: If the battery is depleted, replace it with a new CR2032 coin cell battery.
• Inspection: Regularly inspect the circuit for wear and tear, especially if the project is subject to frequent movement or bending.

Q: Can I wash my project with the LilyPad Coin Cell Battery Holder? A: Remove the battery before washing. Hand wash gently, avoiding heavy scrubbing on the electronic components. Do not machine wash.

Q: How long will the battery last? A: Battery life depends on the capacity of the CR2032 battery and the power consumption of your project. Typically, a CR2032 battery can last many hours or even days in low-power applications.

Q: Is the battery holder reusable? A: Yes, the battery holder is designed to be reusable. You can replace the battery as needed.

Q: Can I use a rechargeable coin cell battery with this holder? A: Yes, as long as the battery is the correct size (CR2032) and voltage (3V), it can be used with this holder.

// Example code to blink an LED using a LilyPad Coin Cell Battery Holder
// connected to a LilyPad Arduino UNO.

const int ledPin = 13; // LED connected to digital pin 13

void setup() {
  pinMode(ledPin, OUTPUT); // Set the LED pin as an output
}

void loop() {
  digitalWrite(ledPin, HIGH); // Turn the LED on
  delay(1000);                // Wait for 1 second
  digitalWrite(ledPin, LOW);  // Turn the LED off
  delay(1000);                // Wait for 1 second
}

Remember to switch on the LilyPad Coin Cell Battery Holder before running the code. The above code will blink an onboard LED on the Arduino UNO, which is a simple test to ensure that your power supply from the LilyPad Coin Cell Battery Holder is functioning correctly.