@shawn. Yes you can power it with a battery. But it's best to not use the lights if you do so. The circuit itself uses very little power but the lights use quite a lot, enough to kill the battery somewhat quickly. There is a switch for the lights so that part is easy. To power the circuit with a battery you will have to get a battery clip with a power plug on the end. You can make your own or some people sell them. Make sure the power plug is negative ring. I hope that helps!