Hello everyone. Hopefully this is a good place for this topic. If not, I appologize in advance. So i built a project for something using an Arduino Uno. I'm controlling a servo using a Pot.
The sample program that's given in the arduino software works great. But what's happening is like the program times out after a while. And I have to start it again by hitting the reset button or unplugging it.
Does anyone know why this won't run and keep running?
My project is I made my own troll master to control the throttle on a kicker motor for my boat. The servo is mounted under the engine cover and the arduino is under the dash along with the pot being on the dash. Ideas on this problem of timing out?
Wild guess, you power it from a non-5V source and have the servo connected to the Arduino 5V? Is the regulator red hot by any change?
The onboard regulator isn't capable of delivering a significant amount of current. A small servo can draw 1A+ with ease which is way to much for the Arduino regulator.
I'm powering the arduino from the 12v source. I have a voltage regulator connected to the same 12v source that produces 5v. That 5v is where the power to the pot, and the power to the servo comes from. Pin 0 is the pot center pin ( I believe 0) and pin 9 is the servo signal. It works great until you leave it sit for a few minutes, then if you move the pot the servo won't move. I have to power it down and it will work fine agian.
You need to post the program you are using and a clear diagram showing how you have everything connected. A photo of a simple pencil drawing will be fine. Please do NOT use Fritzing.
Chemdawgds:
I'm powering the arduino from the 12v source. I have a voltage regulator connected to the same 12v source that produces 5v. That 5v is where the power to the pot, and the power to the servo comes from.
So is that regulator getting extremely hot and cutting out? It needs a reasonably sized heatsink if its
a linear regulator - a switch-mode buck converter would be a good choice, rated conservatively (like 2A or
so), as its load current will vary rapidly. A supply rated at 1A might supply a 1A stead load OK, but struggle
with an intermittent 1A load.