Arduino Nano destroyed / USB connection

Projects General Guidance
1

Hello!

I don't find any issues about my problem, so i create a new topic.
I have a strange problem with my arduino nanos.
I have a mac m1.
I plug my nano on it using the classical mac hdmi/usb adaptator.
Some seconds/minutes after, when not doing anything, a component of the card burn.

It is the capacitor near the usb port.

I burnt 4 cards like this. My first 3 cards was Elegoo cards.
The fourth is from another brand, but also not an official arduino.

Do you think it could come from the adaptator? Or maybe the cable?
These options seems weird but...

2

is it the official "classical mac hdmi/usb adaptator" from Apple or a knockoff?

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you could measure the voltage from the standard USB - I'd be surprise if it's not ~5V though

3

This is the official.
I don't know how measure the voltage but i will check.

4

one way (that is a useful hack and something to keep in a drawer) is to sacrifice a USB cable.
You cut one end and extract the cables (usually 4).

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You'll have GND, 5V and the two data lines. Usually Red would be 5V and black the GND.

➜ use a Voltmeter / Digital Multimeter and check that you actually get a stable 5V DC there between the red and black cable.

if you want to check if this has anything to do with the Mac or the adapter, plug your Arduino to a phone charger and see what happens.

5

I just have tried to briefly plug a new nano with the same cable on a phone charger.
No light... unplugged, then use another cable, and tadaaaa, light appeared.
Damn, how a simple cable can cause this ?! :thinking:

Thanks a lot for your help.
I keep your tip about how to measure voltage of the usb plug!

6

there are bad USB cables floating around. yours might be broken inside and have a short (the 5V wires touches the GND). This could also damage your Mac (but I think the hdmi/usb adaptator might include a protection for that, insulating your USB C port)...

7

Ok, noted!
I will take the habit to always plug on a standard usb charger any new material/cable.
I prefer to fried a phone charger than a usb port of my mac.

8

yeah ! although you usually need to plug the Arduino to the USB port to program your arduino... so best to invest in quality cables and recycle them if they show any sign of wear. Don't use anything like this :slight_smile:

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