So I am making an Arduino pinball machine. I need to power two servos, 6 phototransistors, and like 10 leds. I have been searching around a bit and it is abundantly clear that I can’t power all that from the 5v Arduino pin. Thing is I am really confused the right way to do it otherwise.
Help would be appreciated!
Thanks
Also I would like to use analog pins to power each led so I can control them each individually.
I’m not even sure if I posted this right I just started
If you mean control every LED to have its own brightness or color, I recommend you look into using neopixels.
One pin in the Arduino.
You can get strips, rings, matrices and individual neopixels or so-called smart LEDs.
If all you other stuff also can run off 5 volts, just add up the total maximum anticipated current and get a plug-in power supply with plenty too much curretn capability.
Phone wall chargers are a reasonable choice, 2 Amps from a 10 watt model.
Or get a power supply brick that plugs into mains.
a7
You should not be powering anything from the 5V pin.
Use a power supply that is more than adequate for the entire system, with a 5V step down regulator to power the Arduino, via the 5V pin.
Looking good there, suoercooldude. Welcom to the fora.
a7
Ask moderator to move to move this to Electronics.
Lots of options on Amazon.
Power the Arduino and components with an external 5v power supply.
Do not plug the Arduino UNO USB cable in while powering the Arduino 5v pin.
With the leds I just meant a single color led turning it on and off useing code
Regular LEDs can be placed on output pins. If you use output one pin for each LED, you will have total control over oning them on and offing them off individually at will in you code.
But you may run short of pins.
Perhaps it is time for you to say what your larger goal is, and what kinda experience working in this area you being to the table over there. Points.
a7
I’m not sure how exactly to add all this up and get a power supply that would work. I’m kinda a noob where would you plug in that power supply anyways?
With the appropriate current limiting resistors in series.
Is it something that connects to the wall and a breadboard so you can pull power from the breadboard? Is that how that works
the 5V pin.
I suggest you spend some time looking at projects. Just so you have an overview.
We’re talking about the same 5v pin right? The one you can pull power from the Arduino to power small things like leds or one servo?
Yes, the same one. It's bidirectional.
How would plugging a power supply into that help? That was the inadequate power supply in the first place I’m just really confused
Because if you do, the Arduino doesn't have to supply any power.
So you’re saying that is how you would power the Arduino correct?
I’m looking to power servos and LEDs and just use a usb for the Arduino
Why the USB? Will this always remain connected to a PC? Or work stand alone?
Cause that’s literally the only thing I know how power I guess you just plug it into wall or computer and the Arduino is powered right? Then you need something else to power servos and LEDs and phototransistors cause the 5v pin can’t power all that