How to Power Portable Projects with Boost and Buck Modules
Power a project from a battery with a boost module or a buck module. The MT3608 boost takes 2 to 24V in and gives 5 to 28V out at up to 2A. The XL4015 buck takes 4 to 38V in and drops it to 1.25 to 36V out at up to 5A. Add an XT60 set for the battery lead.
Quick facts
| Fact | Value |
|---|---|
| MT3608 boost | 2 to 24V in, 5 to 28V out, 2A, $8.61 5-pack |
| XL4015 buck | 4 to 38V in, 1.25 to 36V out, 5A, $7.41 2-pack |
| MT3608 efficiency | Up to 96%, 1.2 MHz, ripple under 100mV |
| XT60H set | 30A rated, 60A max, 0.5 mOhm, $11.87 |
| LiPo buzzer | 1S to 8S, plus or minus 0.01V, $4.85 |
| Wire | 14AWG 20 ft $15.99, 12AWG 20 ft $19.99 |
What does a boost converter do?
A boost converter raises a low DC input to a higher, adjustable output voltage.
The MT3608 takes 2V to 24V in and gives 5V to 28V out at up to 2A.
It converts at up to 96% efficiency with a 1.2 MHz switching frequency.
Output ripple stays under 100mV, and load regulation holds at plus or minus 0.5 percent.
The board measures 37.2 by 17.2 by 14.0 mm and weighs 5 g.
What does a buck converter do?
A buck converter drops a higher DC input to a lower, adjustable output voltage.
The XL4015 takes 4V to 38V in and gives 1.25V to 36V out at up to 5A.
It converts at up to 96% efficiency and uses screw terminals for input and output.
The 2-pack costs $7.41, so keep one spare in the parts box.
Use it to step a 12V or 24V supply down to 5V, 9V, or 12V.
Which module fits your battery?
Match the module input range to the pack voltage first.
A 2S LiPo pack reads 7.4V, a 3S pack reads 11.1V, and a 6S pack reads 22.2V.
The MT3608 takes 2V to 24V in, so it covers 1S through 6S packs.
The XL4015 takes 4V to 38V in, so it covers 2S through 8S packs.
Pick the boost when the load needs more volts than the pack gives.
How do XT60 connectors fit portable power?
XT60 connectors carry battery power to the module input.
The XT60H set lists a 30A rated current with a 60A maximum.
Contacts are gold-plated copper at 0.5 mOhm on DC 500V.
The housing runs -20C to +120C and lasts 1000 mating cycles.
The set suits 12AWG silicone wire and costs $11.87 for 10 pairs.
How do you watch battery voltage in the field?
A low voltage buzzer watches each cell while you fly or drive.
It plugs into the balance lead and covers 1S to 8S packs.
The alarm sounds at a 3.3V factory default, adjustable from 2.7V to 3.8V.
Voltage precision is plus or minus 0.01V across a 0.5V to 4.5V per-cell range.
The tester costs $4.85 and fits in a pocket.
What wire gauge feeds a boost or buck module?
Feed the module with wire that matches the input current.
The 14AWG silicone wire costs $15.99 for 20 ft and suits battery leads.
The 16AWG wire costs $14.99 for 20 ft and suits ESC and power wiring.
The PowerStream table lists 14AWG at 32A and 16AWG at 22A for chassis wiring.
Use 12AWG wire at $19.99 for 20 ft when the load draws over 30A.
How the options compare
| Module | Input | Output | Current | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MT3608, 5-pack | 2 to 24V | 5 to 28V | 2A | $8.61 |
| MT3608, 10-pack | 2 to 24V | 5 to 28V | 2A | From $12.27 |
| XL4015, 2-pack | 4 to 38V | 1.25 to 36V | 5A | $7.41 |
How do you set up a boost module?
- Connect the battery to the module input with an XT60 lead.
- Turn the onboard potentiometer to the output voltage you need.
- Check the output with a meter before you connect the load.
- Connect the load to the module output terminals.
- Plug the buzzer into the balance lead to watch cell voltage.
- Run the load for 1 minute and check the module for heat.
Parts that fit this guide
In-stock parts ship from the New York, USA warehouse in 1-2 business days. Prices below are the live store prices we verified on November 10, 2026.
MT3608 DC-DC Step Up Boost Converter Module, 2A Adjustable, 5-Pack / 10-Pack ($8.61)
MT3608 boost module at $8.61 for a 5-pack. It takes 2 to 24V in and gives 5 to 28V out at up to 2A, with up to 96% efficiency.
XL4015 5A DC-DC Step Down Buck Converter Module, 4-38V to 1.25-36V, 2-Pack ($7.41)
XL4015 buck module at $7.41 for a 2-pack. It takes 4 to 38V in and gives 1.25 to 36V out at up to 5A, with screw terminals.
XT60H Male + Female Connector Set with Sheath Housing, 10-Pair ($11.87)
XT60H connector set at $11.87 for 10 pairs. It lists 30A rated and 60A maximum with 0.5 mOhm gold-plated copper contacts.
LiPo Low Voltage Buzzer Alarm + Battery Voltage Indicator Tester, 1S-8S ($4.85)
LiPo buzzer at $4.85. It covers 1S to 8S packs with plus or minus 0.01V precision and an adjustable 2.7V to 3.8V alarm.
Shop the full range: Power Distribution and BECs at Quality RC Parts. See also: Related guide.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a boost and a buck module?
A boost module raises voltage, and a buck module lowers it. The MT3608 boost takes 2 to 24V in and gives 5 to 28V out. The XL4015 buck takes 4 to 38V in and gives 1.25 to 36V out.
How much current can the MT3608 boost module give?
It gives up to 2A at up to 96% efficiency. The 5-pack costs $8.61, and the 10-pack costs from $12.27.
What connector carries power to the module?
An XT60 connector. The XT60H set lists 30A rated and 60A maximum, and costs $11.87 for 10 pairs.
How do I know when the battery runs low?
Plug the $4.85 buzzer into the balance lead. It sounds the alarm when any cell drops below your set threshold, with a 3.3V factory default.
Sources
- Battery University: series and parallel battery configurations
- PowerStream wire size and ampacity table
- Adafruit guide to excellent soldering
Last updated: November 10, 2026.