K8-Pi Cape Power

[VistaLeaf]

I have a few questions about powering a K8-Pi cape separately from the Pi 3 B+.

The Pi will have its own power supply and be powered at all times. I would like to put the power supply (and thus the cape too) on a smart switch.

Question 1: will applying power to the cape when the Pi is already booted cause any problems?
Question 2: will removing power from the cape while it is attached to the Pi cause any problems?

I'll have schedules that mesh with the smart switch so power isn't added or removed while a playlist is running.

I'll be using this system year-round for permanent lights and I don't want the power supply running 24/7.

[k6ccc]

I'll be using this system year-round for permanent lights and I don't want the power supply running 24/7.

Can't help you on the separate power issue, but my standard question is why?  The total power consumption is miniscule, and electronics generally fail at power up.  Leave them running and in most cases, they will be happier.  The exception to that may be if heat is going to be a problem during the day.

BTW, I have run year round landscape lighting since 2011 and currently have two LOR AC controllers, three LOR DC controllers, a Falcon F4v3, and a Falcon Smart Receiver board that run 24 x 7 x 365.  The only thing that is not run during the off season is the dedicated show computer.  From early January until mid October, the landscape lighting is controlled by my domain controller / file server since it will be running year round anyway.  For Halloween & Christmas, I do have a dedicated show computer.

[dkulp]

As long as you REMOVE the "Power the Pi" jumper, then the power for the pixel connectors is completely separate from the power to the rest of the cape.   The grounds are tied, but the V+ is completely separate.  Thus, you can power the two up/down individually. 

[VistaLeaf]

As long as you REMOVE the "Power the Pi" jumper, then the power for the pixel connectors is completely separate from the power to the rest of the cape.  The grounds are tied, but the V+ is completely separate.  Thus, you can power the two up/down individually.

Thanks for your reply. This is very good news.

[VistaLeaf]

but my standard question is why?  The total power consumption is miniscule, and electronics generally fail at power up.  Leave them running and in most cases, they will be happier.  The exception to that may be if heat is going to be a problem during the day.

Yes, I think heat will be an issue for me here in Georgia. The box will be tucked away from direct sunlight but I still worry about heat build up.

Also, running equipment for 24 hours when it's only doing something useful for 4 of those hours is wasteful (both money and electricity). Who knows, I may change my mind on all this and go with the simpler solution. Testing is part of the fun.