On/Off Switch

The PowerBoost 500C does not come with an on/off switch for the output, but its very easy to add one! Just grab a Breadboard friendly SPDT slide switch from the adafruit shop.

We will be turning the boost on/off via the ENABLE pin, so the switch does not have to carry any power, it is only signalling to the boost converter what to do. This means the switch can be small. Use any switch you like, if it is 0.1" spacing thats ideal. If your switch only has two pins instead of three, tie one pin to GND and the other pin to EN - when the switch is closed, the power will turn off

This tutorial assumes you are using a "break-before-make" switch. If you are not sure that your switch is "break-before-make" solder in ONLY the EN and GND pin, skipping the VBAT pin!

	The switch will go into the breakout header, and attach to VBAT EN and GND The switch is symmetric so as long as those three pins are attached to the switch you are good to go For mechanical strength, we soldered in all three pins. However, this only works for "break-before-make" type swtches! If you are not sure that your switch is "break-before-make" or if your switch has only two pins, solder in ONLY the EN and GND pin, skipping the VBAT pin!
	Clip either one of the outside pins with diagonal cutters
	Use kapton tape to keep it in place while you solder
	Before soldering, check that you have the right three pins!
	Solder in all three pins with any kind of solder making sure you have a good connection
	Yay! Check your work...
	Clip off the long pins with diagonal cutters
	When the switch is to the left, the 5V power will be on, you can tell because the blue LED is lit
	Slide to the right to turn it off.

This guide was first published on Jun 20, 2014. It was last updated on Jun 20, 2014. This page (On/Off Switch) was last updated on Aug 18, 2016.

On/Off Switch

Related Guides

OUT OF STOCK NOTIFICATION