To start off, here are the specifications for my project:
-The Arduino controls multiple RGB LED strips, a servo, and an MP3 circuit (VS1053). The RGB's are controlled via some logic-level MOSFETs and a 12V lead-acid battery. The servo is controlled and powered directly by Arduino; any attempt to outsource the power to the 12V resulted in no movement whatsoever (presumably because the RGB's already suck up too much current).
And now, on to the problems:
-The servo 'jitters' in place, and no amount of capacitors or power supplies (see above) seems to fix this.
-The 12V cannot even power the Arduino (which has to be powered by a separate 9V).
-The most annoying problem by far; the MP3 circuit doesn't work if the Arduino is powered by battery (and I have no idea why this is). Too little current from the 9V?
Sounds like you know the root cause as it looks like you need an additional power supply...
The Arduino cannot power any of these devices. None at all.
Do not connect anything to the "Vcc" output of the Arduino. The servo will require 6V from some source; either its own battery, or a separate (preferably switchmode) regulator from the battery. It is quite implausible that a SLA battery will be insufficient to power this if it can successfully power the LED strips.
I cannot speak for the MP3 device - haven't done the research but suspect it should not be powered from the Arduino board.
The only other matter is that you have in fact, connected all the grounds from the various devices and power sources, together, preferably at one point on the Arduino pinout.
Well, it looks like I'll have to try the 12V on everything... Wish me luck!
With the appropriate regulators to supply the appropriate voltage to each part.
Hi, you are telling us all the things you are doing, but it would be nice if you can post a copy of your sketch, using # code tags, a picture of your project and a CAD or picture of hand drawn circuit diagram.
What experience of programming, electronics, building with electronics and ohms law do you have.
Hope to help, but you have all the information and we need it to give you reliable answers.
DO NOT power everything off 12V without regulator circuits because not everything will operate on 12V.
Do you know anything about ground or common negative circuits.
Please a circuit diagram ,if you don't have one, then STOP and draw one up so that you know where you are going.
The sketch, is it one you wrote or someone else that you have combined?
If you wrote it, did you write a section at a time to and get it working or just write it all at once and now need us to debug it for you?
Hope to help.
Tom..... 