Hey guys,
I'm new to the Arduino Uno and I wanted to find an external power source. I found out that I had a 2.1mm AC adapter for my external power supply. It's input is 100-240V~50-60Hz, and it's output is 12V - 1.5A. I was wondering if I can use this adapter for my Arduino Uno R3?
I didn't want to just guess and plug it in and maybe fry my Arduino board. Thank you! Model is WA-18Q12FU.
12 volts is at the high range of recommended voltage for an UNO, so it should work (recommended 7-12 volts, physical limits 6-20 volts). If you get a cord that outputs 7-8 volts, it will mean less energy is wasted by the Uno's external voltage converter that you plug the 2.1mm power cable into. I tend to use 1amp and 2.1amp USB charging ports meant for charging cell phones, and plug in a USB A male to USB B male cable into it and the Arduino.
MichaelMeissner:
.. If you get a cord that outputs 7-8 volts, it will mean less energy is wasted by the Uno's external voltage converter ..
read: with 7-8 volts there is less heat and less chance to burn your arduino.
Omnione:
Hey guys,I'm new to the Arduino Uno and I wanted to find an external power source. I found out that I had a 2.1mm AC adapter for my external power supply. It's input is 100-240V~50-60Hz, and it's output is 12V - 1.5A. I was wondering if I can use this adapter for my Arduino Uno R3?
I didn't want to just guess and plug it in and maybe fry my Arduino board. Thank you! Model is WA-18Q12FU.
It won't harm your arduino board electrically, however the socket connector on the arduino board is a 5.5/2.3mm type and your 2.1mm center pin most likely won't make good contact.
Lefty
alright thanks for the suggestion guys. I'll try and find a 7~9V adapter!
Omnione:
alright thanks for the suggestion guys. I'll try and find a 7~9V adapter!
I tend to like the universal adapters that can target different voltage levels, and have several different plugs, so if I need power to a device, I usually have the right voltage and plug (as opposed to having a drawer full of cords with a specific plug and voltage). For example, a quick search on ebay for universal adapter, buy-it-now, USA seller showed several cords, including: http://www.ebay.com/itm/7-Way-Universal-AC-DC-Adapter-/111064129599?pt=Multipurpose_AC_to_DC_Adapters&hash=item19dbf0203f.
You can also get them from places like Radio Shack, such as: http://www.radioshack.com/product/index.jsp?productId=11343870 (note, with this device, you would need to get the 2.1mm adaptaplug.
MichaelMeissner:
You can also get them from places like Radio Shack, such as: http://www.radioshack.com/product/index.jsp?productId=11343870 (note, with this device, you would need to get the 2.1mm adaptaplug.
I had gone to Radio Shack just to post a link you could get it at a brick & mortar store (in the USA) rather than having to wait for ebay. Normally the Shack's prices are on the high side, but evidently they are having a clearance on this item right now. Normally they sell just the adapter cable for $20. It is a real nice price to pick up an adapter cable that includes a battery for $10 (if you can find a store that has stock available).
I have some projects that needed batteries at 6, 9 or 12 volts, so I picked up two devices last night. Because it was a clearance item, I needed to go to 3 different local stores to get both devices. Radio Shack gives you a free device plug when you buy the power adapter at the same time. The correct device plug for the Arduino is the Adaptit "M". You want to plug in the device plug so that the center pin is positive (line up '+' symbol to the flat area on the cable). When I posted the link yesterday, you could still order it online. This morning however, it is no longer available for online ordering.
If I do build my projects, I probably will want to get less bulky batteries (depending on how long I need power for), but it convenient to have something to do use during the prototype stage. I could also imagine using for devices that are normally plugged into the wall, but you want to keep powered during power blackouts. I have powered an Arduino for 4-5 days from a 5000 mah cell phone charger running with no power conservation, so I figure the battery in the unit (1,200mAh at 14.8 volts) should last at least a day, probably 2. For the projects I typically want to do, I figure I probably need 12-16 hours of power before I can turn off the unit and recharge.
While the power brick is kind of bulky and heavy, it does work to power an Arduino with the voltage set to 7.5 volts. The power plug folds into the unit when you are traveling, but the cable is attached to the unit.
So thank you for the query, that caused me to look at the Shack. 
retrolefty:
It won't harm your arduino board electrically, however the socket connector on the arduino board is a 5.5/2.3mm type and your 2.1mm center pin most likely won't make good contact.Lefty
Ummm, according to http://arduino.cc/en/Main/ArduinoBoardUno the plug is 2.1mm:
External (non-USB) power can come either from an AC-to-DC adapter (wall-wart) or battery. The adapter can be connected by plugging a 2.1mm center-positive plug into the board's power jack. Leads from a battery can be inserted in the Gnd and Vin pin headers of the POWER connector.
MichaelMeissner:
retrolefty:
It won't harm your arduino board electrically, however the socket connector on the arduino board is a 5.5/2.3mm type and your 2.1mm center pin most likely won't make good contact.Lefty
Ummm, according to http://arduino.cc/en/Main/ArduinoBoardUno the plug is 2.1mm:
External (non-USB) power can come either from an AC-to-DC adapter (wall-wart) or battery. The adapter can be connected by plugging a 2.1mm center-positive plug into the board's power jack. Leads from a battery can be inserted in the Gnd and Vin pin headers of the POWER connector.
Your correct, I got the 2.1/2.3 center pin size backwards (again!) but the point is that there are two different center pin sizes available on 5.5mm DC connectors and just because it plugs in does not mean it's a correct mate.
Lefty