Could I have damaged my Arduino?

Hardware
1

I was having trouble getting some RFID sensors to connect. (Sometimes some would connect, sometimes they wouldn't). In my troubleshooting I used 5v power source on the RFID sensors. (There is a warning that these sensors could be damaged if 5v of power is used)

Seems like after that, even when I can get an RFID Sensor to connect in set up, they won't read any RFID cards or tags. This is a new phenomenon after struggling with the original problem for hours. Always IF they connect (which was my original problem), they would read the RFID cards and tags. I've tried half a dozen RFIDs (new ones that cannot be damaged from the 5V) and even when they connect, they can't seem to read anything. Could I have damaged the Arduino so they can no longer operate the sensor function of an RFID?

2

Yeah, maybe.

Want a less vague answer?

1 Like
3

Maybe not. I've been troubleshooting so long I cannot imagine any other answer than the Arduino is broken. I've replaced every part and wire a dozen times trying to figure out what is causing it. The only thing I haven't replaced yet is the arduino itself.

4

You'd be surprised how often a 'hardware failure' turns out to be nothing more than poor code. YMMV.

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5

Couldn't be code since there was no change in code before it started this behavior.

6

Do you have arduino board with built in Rfid "sensor function" or you are missing some important component in your description?
Post the hardware you have and how they are wired and powered.

7

It's an Arduino UNO R3. I can safely assume it has/had a sensor function since it was working and now isn't, right?

8

I got a new Arduino and it still doesn't work. So just a mystery I guess. I have no idea.

9

It doesn't and it never had.
Is it so hard to post what hardware you are using to read Rfid tags?

10

I am using Arduino UNO and the sensors are RFID-RC522 what other hardware specifications can I provide?. Now that I can't confirm the Arduino is damaged. I created a new topic that addresses the sensor issue directly Help with RFID Sensors

11

Is that so small detail that it wasn't worth to post, not even when clearly asked ?

12

Run one (or more) of the example programs found at File/examples.

My first test is always "Blink without delay" disconnect everything from the board and run this example.

13

Consider your statement and the previous statement regarding code. Something has changed OR it wasn't previously working but for some reason you thought it was.

You made the assumption that it wasn't the code, what code do you think is working? What library are you using and have you tried the example usually supplied with a library.
Have you run the I2C scanner code (also in examples) to verify the I2C is even connecting?

14

I go into this issue in more detail here: Help with RFID Sensors

The current theory is that the intermittent connection is due to incorrect voltage on the sensors inputs.

I assume all the code is working because I've used it for years now with this and other projects. It uses the library GitHub - miguelbalboa/rfid: Arduino RFID Library for MFRC522 I don't recall if I have run I2C scanner code in the past or not.