Ok - I'm VERY new to electronics - so expect stupid. Here's my situation. I have a project using an ATTINY85. The ATTINY is driving 3 flickering LEDs. I've run into an issue where if I connect my power from a cheap adjustable power supply, or a 1amp 5v wall wart - the flickering LEDs start to stop or "skip" or flake out after several seconds. When I use an iPhone USB adapter (or breadboard with 3.3v/5v converter), it works fine for as long as it's plugged in.
So I'm left with the question - is this an issue with the power supply? I mean, the 5v is coming straight in to ATTINY VIN from the power supply (whichever one I've tested). I don't THINK the 5v wall wart is regulated...could that be the issue? I'm at a loss as to why it "works" with 2 sources and skips/flakes out with 2 others. The success/failures are consistent based on the power supply.
Any insight into this situation would be most helpful. Should I look for a "regulated" wall wart, is there any other type of spec I should look for in the wall wart?
Yes, those unregulated supplies are only at the right voltage when they are having the full current drawn from them, otherwise they put out more voltage than they say on the box.
Get yourself a digital volt meter, most thrift shops have them for under $15.00.
Do you mean a multi-meter (sorry, still new to circuits etc)? Got a friend that that has one I might borrow. But would you say a regulated 5v power supply should resolve the issue? If so, I'll just pick one up and be done with it. Let me know your thoughts - and thanks!!
You could also try adding a capacitor actross the 5V & GND pins, close to the chip. This would work as a mini battery when the voltage/current drops from the power supply.