When you design your model car, you might want LED lights to blink or change colors. This makes it more playful. At the same time, you may also want to steer the car precisely. To make these effects happen, we need to properly combine the matching electronic components. However, facing many different power sources, you may find it difficult to decide.
How can you map your desired function requirements to power supply requirements? To answer this, we have launched the Power System Plan: Models Come Alive! Series. We hope this series helps you quickly find the right components, avoiding trial-and-error and wasted time.
In Part 1, we will discuss these two topics together.
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What parts make up a model’s power supply system?
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How can we combine the required devices based on your desired functions and applications?
What parts make up a model’s power supply system?
A model’s power supply system has a power source, connection components, control components, and devices (see the image below). These electronic components connect to each other, and each does its job.
Power source
A power source provides power to the devices in a circuit.
When picking a power source, choose the right type and specifications based on the devices’ voltage, current, and how they will be used.
You’ve probably seen these common power sources (see the image below):
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Connecting a USB-A or USB-C cable to a fast charger
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A battery holder or battery contact plates with dry batteries
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Different lithium batteries
Connection components
Connection components link power sources, control components, and devices together.
Receiver shields, slip rings, and distribution boards are common connection components in circuits (see the image below). Here is a good example to look at. Connect a battery holder to several motors or LED lights using wires and distribution boards. Then, add a switch to control them all.
On the Maker’s Supply store, you can get these common connection components.
Certain connection components fit just right for specific uses.
For example, a slip ring lets the connected part spin continuously (see the image below). At the same time, no tangled wires will bother you.
Source: MaKim, Rotating Light Display, MakerWorld, 2025. Retrieved on Dec. 31, 2025, MakerWorld
You may want to unplug and reconnect the components with ease. Then, try a magnetic connector XE003 (see the image below).
Source: MaKim, Snap lamp, MakerWorld, 2026. Retrieved on Jan. 14, 2026, MakerWorld
Control components
Control components turn the power source on and off or output control signals. They also adjust the voltage to manage device switching and power.
Switches and potentiometers are common examples (see the image below). Switches can turn motors on and off. Potentiometers are used to dim or brighten lights. The controller core is also a control component (see the image below).
Some of the control components have current limits. This means that we need to keep the working current below its maximum rated current. This aims to avoid damage to the control components. For example, we suggest keeping the current below 0.4A when using a potentiometer. Otherwise, it may cause the transistor to overheat, trigger protection, or cause damage.
On the Maker’s Supply store, you can get these common control components.
Devices
Devices transform power into other forms of energy and can enable specific functions within your model.
What we usually see includes LED lights, servo motors, motors, and fans (see the image below). For example, drive wheels or gears with motors, or light up the RC car lamps with LED lights.
How can we combine the required devices based on your desired functions and applications?
In 3D printing projects, we should choose devices based on the desired functions. Then, decide on the combination of the required parts based on the applications.
For example, to make a model move, use motors to drive gears and servo motors to steer wheels. To light RC car lamps, use LED lights (see the image below).
Maker’s Supply devices fall into these categories based on their power needs. We hope it makes it easy for you to pick the right one for different applications.
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Modular electronic modules
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Devices powered by built-in batteries
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Motors and LED light strips with built-in USB power cables
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Module kits
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LED light strips powered by a DC power supply
We suggest using these different types of devices separately. If combining them is required, we need to plan multiple power supply systems.
Modular electronic modules
An electronic component system includes electronic modular parts. These components have connectors and can be connected via wires.
For example, N20 motors, 030 micro DC motors, LED beads, LED light strips, fans, servo motors, and electric push rods.
These electronic components are the best pick for designing a small multi-function model. Combining these components with a 4-channel power distribution board (IA005) or a CyberBrick module can make many functions work (see the image below).
You may see these electronic components in various applications, like battery-powered moving models or USB-powered desktop setups.
Devices powered by built-in batteries
Devices with built-in batteries run on either built-in batteries or dry batteries.
For example, puck lights, thermohygrometers, candle lights, LED lights with magnetic switches, and waterproof LED lights (see the image below).
These devices are powered by the built-in batteries. Thus, we do not need to plan an extra power source for them. You can use these devices alone. Or freely combine them with any other devices.
Keep in mind that many of these devices are small and require button batteries (see the image below). When using these compact devices in products for kids, we suggest that adults handle the installation. And ensure the components are installed out of children’s reach.
Please keep the magnets used to control a magnetic control lamp in a safe place, or fix them in a location where children cannot reach them.
Motors and LED light strips with built-in USB power cables
For parts with built-in USB power cables, the USB plug is directly soldered to the part. The USB plug can not be removed.
Motors and LED light strips with built-in USB power cables include:
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TT reduction gear motors (see the image below)
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6500K white LED light strips (see the image below)
Some big models may have simple functions and be used at fixed places. For them, USB-powered motors and light strips are a good pick. You often see them in big models, like Marbelrun toy ornaments or the AMS riser.
Module kits
The module kits are large components. They are used to enable advanced functions.
They come from reliable products and have their own power supply systems. You can enable advanced features for 3D-printed models using these kits. With them, we can make models that bring more fun and interaction.
You can buy these well-selected kits from the Maker’s Supply store.
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Magnetic levitation kit ZC008 (left side of the image below)
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Lithophane LED backlight board kit KC009 & 010 (right side of the image below)
Source: Magnetic Levitation DIY Kit & Lithophane LED Backlight Board Kit Retrieved on Dec. 31, 2025, Bambu Store
Usually, matching batteries or power sources come with the kits. You will need separate power sources when combining with other devices.
LED light strips powered by a DC power supply
LED light strips powered by a DC power supply (see the image below) deliver higher power. They support longer light strips with more LEDs per meter. You can tune it to warm or cool.
They are ideal for high-brightness fill lights or photo light boxes.
The power needs of the LED strip change with its length. They require a 24V DC power source (see the image below). These light strips are ideal for installing inside printer enclosures. Or directly plug them into a wall outlet.
Examples
Let us walk through one case and match each function to the required devices.
When designing a moving model, we need motors or servo motors to drive wheels and gears. We need LED lights to light up the car lamps.
To build an RC car with all functions working, like Formula Vintage - CyberBrick, we need these parts.
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CyberBrick controller core and receiver shield x 1 pcs (as RC main controller)
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Angular servo motor x 1 pcs (steering control)
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Motor or speed servo motor x 1 pcs (drive to move forward)
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Several RGB LED beads (turn on the car lamps)
To make your design easier, we’ve listed the functions and required devices for each model in the table below.
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Retro Observatory - small desk setups
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360˚ Rotating Marble Run - Enclosed with Lights - big desk setups
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Formula Vintage - CyberBrick - CyberBrick RC car
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Remote Controlled Water Turret - composite RC model
Retro Observatory - small desk setups
Source: 邦德不喝可乐, Retro Observatory, MakerWorld, 2025. Retrieved on Dec. 31, 2025, MakerWorld
| Function | Device | PCS |
|---|---|---|
| Turn the wall lamp on | 4 White 3030 LED Board with SH1.0 Connector 5V - KB001 | 4 |
360˚ Rotating Marble Run - Enclosed with Lights - big desk setups
Source: MaKim, 360˚ Rotating Marble Run - Enclosed with Lights, MakerWorld, 2024. Retrieved on Dec. 31, 2025, MakerWorld
| Function | Device | PCS |
|---|---|---|
| Turn the light post on | COB LED Strip Light 300x1mm - KA009 | 1 |
| Rotate and lift the balls | N20 Single Shaft Worm Gear Motor 25rpm - LA008 | 1 |
Formula Vintage - CyberBrick - CyberBrick RC car
Source: Kocyns, Formula Vintage - CyberBrick, MakerWorld, 2025. Retrieved on Dec. 31, 2025, MakerWorld
| Function | Device | PCS |
|---|---|---|
| Remote control | Multi-Function Controller Core-XA003、Remote Control Receiver Shield-XA004 | 1 |
| Turn | 9g Servo motor 180° - PG001 | 1 |
| Move forward | 030 Micro DC Motor with SH1.0 - LA024 | 2 |
| Turn on the RGB tail light | WS2812 RGB LED - KB003 | 2 |
Remote Controlled Water Turret - composite RC model
Source: MaKim, Remote Controlled Water Turret, MakerWorld, 2025. Retrieved on Dec. 31, 2025, MakerWorld
| Function | Device | PCS |
|---|---|---|
| Remote control | Multi-Function Controller Core - XA003 | 1 |
| Shoot a water stream | Electric Water Spray Kit 01 - ZC004 | 1 |
| Adjust the water gun’s left/right movement | 9g Servo motor 360° - PG002 | 1 |
| Adjust the water gun’s up/down movement | 9g Servo motor 180° - PG001 | 1 |
| Press the trigger to shoot | 9g Servo motor 180° - PG001 | 1 |
| Turn on the front status light | WS2812 RGB LED - KB003 | 3 |
We have explored what parts make up a model’s power supply system and how to combine the required devices. We will share the power sources for various applications in the next article. Find out more next time!
These articles might help you as well — take a look!
Lithium Battery Case Design: You got this!
How to Design Screw Holes for 3D Printing?
If this guide sparked ideas or felt familiar, share your thoughts in the comments — let’s chat! Like and save if it helped.