I want to add fan control to one of my projects but I'm still finding my way around electronics so I thought I'd double check here to make sure I don't ruin my board.
I've attached a broad schematic of how my setup is connected at the moment.
The whole setup is powered by a 12V, 5A power supply, each motor (NEMA17, 1A) is controlled through a driver board.
I want to add fan to this system and control it with PWM via the analog pins on the CNC Shield v3. In my case, I was planning to use the A1 pin (and give up the Hold functionality).
Before I do that, I wanted to make sure it's ok to attach a two wire 5V fan to the setup without anything else in the middle. As far as I understand, the Arduino can handle 5V so one (or more) 5V fans shouldn't overload it, but like I said, I'm still a beginner so I might be wrong.
I wouldn't do that, the fan current exceeds the max for an Arduino pin. You will need to use an external mosfet, it is a simple circuit but you can get mosfet modules. Mosfet modules are generally for high current, but it doesn't matter if your fan draws less (apart from cost I guess).
Yes, that is fine, the fan is connected to 5V which is a power pin which is ok for this fan (60ma according to its spec). Of course , you don't get PWM control with this method.
Ideally if the fan had 3 wire with PWM, then it would be simpler.
