Custom Power Cable

So I posted this on the "Motors, Mechanics, and Power" with no luck. I wonder if this question is better suited for this forum. I have been trying to figure this out myself by looking at the arduino schematics, but apparently my electronics chops are not up to the task yet.


I am creating my own power cable and wanted to run my thoughts past everyone to make sure I am not missing anything.

I have an old HTC USB charger that I want to use (5V---1A). I need the cable to run about 10 feet so I am modifying the cable. I have already spliced in the longer run and am measuring 5.2 volts consistently. The question is how to connect it to the Arduino on the other end.

My initial thought is to splice a USB type B connector on the end and just plug into the USB connection on the Arduino. I have a barrel connector I can use as well. But from my reading, it appears that if you are using the barrel connector, or the Vin, you need at least 7V to have the board running at 5V.

I guess my main question is whether I should be concerned about the power consistency from the HTC charger and well as other potential concerns when running my own power through the Arduino's USB port. Does it have similar power conditioning hardware as the other power input or am I risking frying my board? I would think the HTC wall wart would be fairly well made.

Thanks for the help.

The USB connector should work. I've done something similar, but not with an Arduino. Or, you can connect to the 5V pin (and ground) and use a pair of [u]Molex connectors[/u] (or any other connector-pair of your choice).

Routing your +5vdc power via the USB connector is the best way to go as you will continue to be able to utilize the on-board auto-voltage selector function should you ever desire to plug an external +7 to +12 vdc into the arduino's external power connector at the same time. Your supply would also be protected from possible short circuits due the arduino's 500ma thermal-fuse that protects the USB power route.

Lefty

Thank you gentlemen, this information helped a lot. My cable is working great so far.