Arduino not connecting - Plz help

Hiya! I've been having some trouble with my Arduino uno board.

First off I am using an Arduino uno board and have tried using both a Windows and Mac computer, and different cords.

Whenever I go to plug in my Arduino the computer makes the connecting noise the Arduino lights up and then it make a disconnect noise. I have used this board before and stuff has uploaded flawlessly with no problem.

I have the drivers installed, and I have tried using different ports on both computer. Do I need to get another board???

Thanks fo reading. Any Help is GREATLY appreciated.

When I have encountered this problem it is due to the USB socket on the PC being loose.

The problem is the USB plug sags when you let go of it and the electrical contacts inside disconnect.

Either try a different USB socket or try a bit of bluetack to prop the USB plug up or down.

I had a similar idea to boylesg, but since the problem occurs with multiple computers and multiple cables I suspect the USB socket on the Uno, not the computer.

What happens if you wiggle the USB plug around in the socket while it's connected? If it was a bad connection I would expect this to cause the connect/disconnect to happen multiple times.

pert:
I had a similar idea to boylesg, but since the problem occurs with multiple computers and multiple cables I suspect the USB socket on the Uno, not the computer.

What happens if you wiggle the USB plug around in the socket while it's connected? If it was a bad connection I would expect this to cause the connect/disconnect to happen multiple times.

I have replaced a USB socket on a mega before with one I removed from fried mega.

It's a bit difficult removing the solderbut you can do it with a bit of de-solder braid.

If you don't have that then the braided shielding from a coaxial cable works just as well.

Super quick replies thanks!
I've tried moving it around on the computer side but not on the Arduino side I'll try that.

Thanks again I'll keep you guys updated

Ok so.... it didn't do anything when I wiggled around the usb cable on the Arduino side either. And the soldering looks pretty good. Should I get another board? Or would that be a waste of money and not solve my problem?

robotistsintraining:
Ok so.... it didn't do anything when I wiggled around the usb cable on the Arduino side either. And the soldering looks pretty good. Should I get another board? Or would that be a waste of money and not solve my problem?

Have you plugged anything into any of the pin connectors on previous occasions?

If you put more than 5V into any of the pin connectors or if you try and drive a DC motor (for example) directly from a digital pin then both can 'fry' the board and render it useless other than for spare parts.

Look on ebay - the chinese sellers sell arduino clones very cheaply.

Arduino mega clones cost around $15, Arduin Uno clones cost around $8.

Ok I was powering two dc motors from the Arduino actually.
Thanks for the help! off to radio shack to get a new board.
:slight_smile:

robotistsintraining:
Ok I was powering two dc motors from the Arduino actually.
Thanks for the help! off to radio shack to get a new board.
:slight_smile:

NEVER try and run a DC motor directly from an Arduino.

You need to use a motor control shield that takes an independent power supply for the motors.