I can't figure out how to place these capacitors? (the two by the 5v regulator)
Any help would be appreciated.
Here is the big image: http://itp.nyu.edu/physcomp/uploads/arduinobb_07.jpg
Here is the "how-to": http://itp.nyu.edu/physcomp/Tutorials/ArduinoBreadboard
The negative of a polarized capacitor is going to be connected to ground. So the capacitor on the right is connected to the positive (red) and negative / GND (black) rails of the breadboard.
The one of the left shares the GND pin of the regulator which looks to be the middle pin. So the cap on the left will connect across the VIN and GND of the regulator.
Ok cool, thanks! But how come the capacitor goes from + to - in both cases? I don't see the reasoning, what is the purpose of doing that?
One provides de-coupling on the regulated 5v side, the other provides de-coupling on the unregulated side.
Hi Mike
Sometimes a picture is worth a 1000 words, check out
http://artengine.ca/~pflemming/flemmweb_current/schem/opamp_linear/7805.pdf
this should give you a good idea of the connections
I would also suggest adding a .1uF ceramic capacitor on the output pin to GND. This will sometimes prevent high frequency oscillation on the output voltage. It is reccommended on the spec sheets. I have only seen the oscillation once, but it caused me grief not having it, so I now just add it.
A ceramic capacitor has no + or - orientation.
Regards Bill
