Hi, I'm having issues with my arduino working after disconnecting it from my computer and using a 12v dc power adaptor. I have connected 6 high-torque servo motors and a 7 LED neopixel. Everything works fine when connected to my computer, but after successfully uploading and connecting my external power source, everything stops working. I have tried a couple times and it works sometimes with one motor connected but stops after a while. I have also connected a 9v battery which also does not work.
Also, I am using the Elegoo uno r3.
Where are the 6 high-torque servo motors getting their power from? If you're powering them from the 5V line on the Uno, you're asking the onboard 5V regulator to do way more than it was designed for and it's going to balk.
Yea I am... would you know why it works when connected to my computer then? I don't know much about the voltage capacities the Arduino has.
When you're powering it from USB, then 5V regulator is not in use. Though I'm amazed you didn't blow the polyfuse (or anything in your USB port) powering things that way.
12V in to 5V out is 7W of power dissipation if the regulator could deliver 1A of output (which a single servo could easily use on startup). That's burn your finger hot. But it can't deliver anywhere near that much, because it doesn't have a heatsink. So it goes into thermal shutdown (best case) or damages itself permanently.
Best bet: never use an Arduino as a power source for anything that draws a significant amount of current. Use a separate, dedicated supply.
Got it, thank you, do you have any suggestions for how I could fix this issue or something I could do alternatively? This is for a project that is, unfortunately, due tomorrow.
Due tomorrow? Your options are very limited.
If you've damaged the regulator on the Uno, you either need a spare Uno, or a spare regulator and SMD soldering skills.
And even then, you're still going to need a separate high current supply for the servos.
Alright, well thank you!
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