In Part 1, we have learned what parts make up a model’s power supply system and how to combine the required devices. Welcome to Part 2. We will discuss the power sources for different applications. Let’s get started.
Which power sources work for different applications?
On the Maker’s Supply store, you have these power sources to choose from.
- USB power cables
- Battery holders for dry batteries
- Rechargeable lithium batteries
To help you easily pick the right one, we will look at the features and uses of power sources. We will also share some handy tips.
USB power cables: Suitable for fixed-position setups, such as desk setups
USB power cable works well with fixed items, such as table decorations.
Electronic devices can be powered by connecting them to a power source via a USB power cable (see the image below). This is a convenient power solution. Different types of USB connectors can supply 5V. But their maximum current varies depending on the connected interface standard.
For example, when you connect the USB-A Power Cable with PH2.0 Connector-IC001 power cable to a USB 2.0 port, it can deliver at least 500 mA. When you connect the USB-A Power Cable with PH2.0 Connector-IC001 power cable to a USB 3.0 port, it can supply at least 900 mA. Connecting it to a USB 3.2 port on a new laptop can deliver up to 1.5A.
The TYPE C Female Head to PH2.0 Power Supply Cable-XC009 power cable has a USB Type-C port. It usually provides a current between 1.5A and 3A. This is enough to power most of the models.
We suggest using a USB 3.0 port on a USB-A port to get enough power. Or go with the USB power cables and ports you already have.
Battery holder for dry batteries: Great for models requiring low power, easy to move, and easy battery access, like remote and miniature models.
A battery case has a case for dry batteries and a built-in power switch. Its cover can be secured by screws.
A dry battery case is a convenient and reliable power source. This technology is mature, safe, and reliable. It is easy to purchase and use dry batteries. Thus, they are commonly found in toys and household electronics.
A single dry battery usually provides 1.5 V. When you connect several dry batteries in series, they can deliver a higher voltage.
For the same type of dry battery, the bigger the size, the higher the capacity. You can find battery holder specifications (see the image below) on the Maker’s Supply product page.
The image below shows the common battery cases.
The battery case’s power output depends on the battery type used. Depending on the designs, batteries are either disposable or rechargeable. Let us take a look at it together.
Disposable batteries: carbon-zinc battery, alkaline battery, and lithium-iron phosphate battery
Carbon-zinc battery
Carbon-zinc batteries were the earliest type of disposable battery. They are inexpensive but offer limited capacity and current output.
The zinc casing wears out over time. This may cause the battery fluid to leak out.
Usually, carbon-zinc batteries are used in devices that require low power and are used occasionally, like infrared remote controls. An AAA battery’s output current is 15mA. An AA battery’s output current is 50mA. Due to its low current output, it is not suitable for models that need to run nonstop for hours. So, it is better not to use carbon-zinc batteries in most models.
Alkaline battery
Alkaline batteries are the most widely used type of dry battery. Compared with carbon-zinc batteries, they have higher capacity and stronger current output. Meanwhile, they are affordable.
Fresh AAA alkaline batteries usually deliver up to 1000 mA of current. After continuous use for 1 hour, the current drops to around 450 mA. This makes them great for small devices and models that do not need to run nonstop for hours, like desktop ornaments.
However, note that avoid over-discharging your battery. This helps stop battery fluid from leaking and damaging your device.
Lithium-iron disulfide battery
Lithium-iron disulfide batteries are considered the third generation of dry battery technology.
Compared with alkaline batteries, they work over a wider temperature range. They also have a higher capacity and output current. But they are more expensive.
Besides, they don’t leak fluid. This helps prevent damage to the device and reduces the risk of pollution when the battery runs low.
Rechargeable batteries: Nickel-metal hydride battery and rechargeable lithium battery
Nickel-metal hydride battery
Nickel-metal hydride batteries are the most common type of rechargeable dry battery.
Their capacity is similar to that of alkaline batteries. They can deliver a higher current and don’t leak fluid.
But a Nickel-metal hydride battery delivers 1.2V. This low voltage can slow down the electric motor connected to a distribution board. It can also make LED lights dimmer. A relatively low voltage may cause the CyberBrick remote control to stop working.
So, avoid using Nickel-metal hydride batteries in the CyberBrick remote controls.
Rechargeable lithium battery
Rechargeable lithium batteries are made from cylindrical lithium batteries by reducing the voltage.
They can provide a stable 1.5V supply and moderate current.
Compared with nickel-metal hydride batteries, rechargeable lithium batteries provide higher voltage and capacity. They work well with uses that require adequate voltage and current, like vibrating game controllers and RC remote controls.
To power a CyberBrick remote control with a battery holder and rechargeable batteries, rechargeable lithium batteries are a good choice.
Lithium battery: Suitable for models requiring high power and small batteries, like CyberBrick RC cars.
Li-ion battery
Compared with dry batteries, Li-ion batteries deliver higher capacity and current output.
They are ideal for devices that consume more power, like RC cars and large toy motors. You can see the common Li-ion batteries in the image below.
Lithium batteries are usually sold as battery packs. Inside, the cells are connected in series or parallel, with a protection circuit board and plugs attached.
When picking a Li-ion battery, check the specifications about battery size and nominal capacity.
Battery size
Li-ion battery size is expressed in 5 digits in the battery code (e.g., 18650).
The digits, in sequence, show its diameter, height, and shape. The last digit indicates the cylindrical shape. For example, 18650 means a battery with a diameter of 18mm, a height of 65mm, and a cylindrical shape. Similarly, 14500 means a cylindrical battery with a diameter of 14mm and a height of 50mm.
Nominal capacity
Nominal capacity describes how much charge it can deliver under set discharge conditions.
It is usually expressed in mAh. The higher the nominal capacity, the longer the runtime.
How to figure out whether the battery will last long enough? We need to calculate battery runtime.
It is easy to calculate the battery runtime. You can divide the battery’s nominal capacity by the actual discharge current (the total current of the devices). An 800 mAh battery at a 400 mA discharge lasts about 2 hours (800 mAh divided by 400 mA).
Then, compare the calculated battery runtime to the required runtime.
Please note this in practice: considering the battery chemistry, when the actual discharge current goes over the rated discharge current, the actual runtime is a bit shorter than the calculated runtime. Lower current gives a bit longer runtime.
Check the battery package or the product detail page on Maker’s Supply to find out Li-ion battery specifications. You can see the Li-ion battery specifications in the image below.
Lithium-polymer batteries
If you need a small, lightweight battery, the rechargeable power kit ZC003 is a good choice.
It provides a lithium-polymer battery (see the image below). The Rechargeable Power Kit also includes an integrated power switch.
The chemicals in lithium-polymer batteries are gel-like. Compared with Li-ion batteries, it has a higher discharge rate. It is easy to shape the gel-like battery fluid into different shapes and sizes. In theory, gel-like battery chemicals are safer. See the image below: the left side shows a lithium-polymer battery; the right side shows a Li-ion battery.
Compared with Li-ion batteries, lithium-polymer batteries have higher power and mass density but lower energy density. When the sizes are similar, lithium-polymer batteries are heavier. They have lower capacity but stronger discharge. Thus, lithium-polymer batteries are great for uses that need high power and high current. For example, FPV drones and fixed-wing model airplanes.
For models with limited space and low power needs, a small yet powerful lithium-polymer battery is an ideal choice. For example, the battery used in a lightweight wireless gaming mouse. The lithium-polymer battery in the rechargeable power kit Z003 is ideal for designs with tight spaces.
Examples
We selected the appropriate power sources for each model based on the power options above. Please see the table below.
- Retro Observatory - small desk setups
- 360˚ Rotating Marble Run - Enclosed with Lights - big desk setups
- Formula Vintage - CyberBrick - CyberBrick RC car
- 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
This power source is suitable for the function and the application below.
Power source: Lithium-polymer battery - Rechargeable Power Kit ZC003 x 1
| Function | Device | PCS | Application |
|---|---|---|---|
| Turn the wall lamp on | 4 White 3030-LED Board with SH1.0 Connector 5V-KB001 | 4 | Small size, low power, movable |
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
This power source and the control component are suitable for the functions and the application below.
Power source: USB-A Power Cable - IC001 x 1
| Function | Device | PCS | Application |
|---|---|---|---|
| Turn the light post on | COB LED Strip Light 300x1mm - KA009 | 1 | Small size, lower power, fixed position |
| Rotate and lift the balls | N20 Single Shaft Worm Gear Motor 25rpm - LA008 | 1 | Small size, lower power, fixed position |
Formula Vintage - CyberBrick - CyberBrick RC car
Source: Kocyns, Formula Vintage - CyberBrick, MakerWorld, 2025. Retrieved on Dec. 31, 2025, MakerWorld
This power source is suitable for the functions and the application below.
Power source: 2S14500 Li-ion Battery - PC003 x 1
| Function | Device | PCS | Application |
|---|---|---|---|
| Remote control | Multi-Function Controller Core - XA003 | 1 | High power, moves with the model |
| Turn | 9g Servo motor 180° - PG001 | 1 | High power, moves with the model |
| Go forward | 030 Micro DC Motor with SH1.0 - LA024 | 2 | High power, moves with the model |
| RGB tail light | WS2812 RGB LED - KB003 | 2 | High power, moves with the model |
Remote Controlled Water Turret - composite RC model
Source: MaKim, Remote Controlled Water Turret, MakerWorld, 2025. Retrieved on Dec. 31, 2025, MakerWorld
This power source is suitable for the functions and the application below.
Power source: 2S14500 Li-ion Battery - PC003 x 1
| Function | Device | PSC | Application |
|---|---|---|---|
| Remote control | Multi-Function Controller Core - XA003 | 1 | High power, moves with the model |
| Adjust the water gun’s left/right movement | 9g Servo motor 360° - PG002 | 1 | High power, moves with the model |
| Adjust the water gun’s up/down movement | 9g Servo motor 180° - PG001 | 1 | High power, moves with the model |
| Press the trigger to shoot | 9g Servo motor 180° - PG001 | 1 | High power, moves with the model |
| Status light | WS2812 RGB LED - KB003 | 3 | High power, moves with the model |
Power source: 18650 7.4V 2200mAh Li-ion Battery x 1
| Function | Device | PSC | Application |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shoot a water stream | Electric Water Spray Kit 01 - ZC004 | 1 | High power, moves with the model |
We have learned about power sources for different applications.
In the next article, we will discuss how to find out the specifications of devices and power sources. We will also cover how to choose a power source with a matching output capacity. See you next time!
These articles might help you as well — take a look!
Power System Plan: Models Come Alive! #1
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.
Recommended reading
[1] Chris Sporck, "USB Type-C Charging Connectors: Design, Optimization, and Interoperability,“ MonolithicPower, 2023