Ok, so I am working on a project where I need to control many different stepper motors. I really need the whole system to be modular, so weight is a big issue. I am wondering if tiny button cell batteries could power the arduino nanos. The motors themselves are going to be receiving their own power through their drivers. I couldn't seem to find any information on how much current the nano pulls when running off external power supplies. Any help would be appreciated.
So far, I believe that on a 9V battery, the nano pulls around 25 mA during active operation...is this about right?
Also, I am new to the Arduino world, so I apologize if anything is unclear, or if these are basic questions.
MarcRyan:
The motors themselves are going to be receiving their own power through their drivers.
Evidently you already have a source of power that's (presumably) providing far more than the Arduino will need. Why don't you just power the Arduino from that via a suitable regulator/converter?
Use and filter the motor power. If the motor will run the arduino will run. More batteries means more complex, and the nano battery will always be dead...