I have at least 3 versions of the Pro Mini, and have even designed PCBs that allow for the varying pinouts. Today I tried one (see attached photo) that has been in the parts box for a couple years. Works fine on 5 volts; exploded vigorously at 12V on the RAW input. Still works fine on 5V.
Is there a history of this?
Dr.Q
** attachment (JPG) failed security check. What?
The picture was too big in memory size.
Reduce it and repost.
Bob.
I doubt it. 157KB.
the cryptic message the bottom of the screen said it didn't pass the security test. I loaded a drawing just two days ago, no problems. So I don't think I'm putting a virus in the JPEG. Don't know.
Dr.Q
Does your pic still contain the EXIF info or similar ?
Anyway your original Q.
I always try stay away from voltage higher than 10 volts.
Forum is littered with posts about 12 volts killing a variety of boards.
It just makes any regulators work to the extreme limits.
Bob.
Thanks, Bob. I usually feed them with 9v, sometimes a little less, but I was just sitting here in the lab with a 12v supply at my elbow...
BTW, it wasn't the regulator. It was a 2-lead chip that looks like a surface mounted capacitor. It is right next to the +5/RST/GND pins. It looks electrolytic because it has a painted bar at one end.
I don't know about EXIF in the JPEG and obviously have no way to tell.
Dr.Q