Hey,
I just wanted to ask a few questions before I did something stupid and fry my Arduino Uno. I'd like to make more of a stop light kind of thing, but it's a hassle being forced to be connected to the computer. I was thinking, and I got an idea.
Could I use my iPhone charger (output of 5v and input of 100-240v) to plug into my wall to power my Arduino after uploading the code from the computer?
Thanks for the help!
chummer1010:
Hey,I just wanted to ask a few questions before I did something stupid and fry my Arduino Uno. I'd like to make more of a stop light kind of thing, but it's a hassle being forced to be connected to the computer. I was thinking, and I got an idea.
Could I use my iPhone charger (output of 5v and input of 100-240v) to plug into my wall to power my Arduino after uploading the code from the computer?
Thanks for the help!
It is safe as long as you dont exceed the power supply current. Ive powered from usb charger and its safe.
Probably safe, but not necessarily a good idea. You need to check the voltage first, as it probably isn't 5v, and then check the maximum voltage that may be applied directly to the Arduino.
If you apply the charger directly to barrel jack, it might work, but it needs 7v for reliable operation. You will find out all about this when you add an LCD shield or some LEDs, and will probably conclude that a 9v wall wart was always a good idea. If the charger is no more than about 5.15v it should be OK if applied direct to the 5v pin. I have a shield that demands a separate 5v power supply. It is fine with an old tablet charger that is 5.15v
Nick_Pyner:
Probably safe, but not necessarily a good idea. You need to check the voltage first, as it probably isn't 5v, and then check the maximum voltage that may be applied directly to the Arduino.If you apply the charger directly to barrel jack, it might work, but it needs 7v for reliable operation. You will find out all about this when you add an LCD shield or some LEDs, and will probably conclude that a 9v wall wart was always a good idea. If the charger is no more than about 5.15v it should be OK if applied direct to the 5v pin. I have a shield that demands a separate 5v power supply. It is fine with an old tablet charger that is 5.15v
Okay, I'll try it out soon. I'm still afraid to, because if it doesn't, I don't have the money to get another Uno anytime soon.
If you are apprehensive about applying power direct to 5v, don't do it.
If you apply power to the barrel jack, you won't fry anything. That port is good for 12v or more. If you are just fiddling around with blink etc., it will be OK, indeed probably just as good or better than the USB port. In short, fine for little stuff while you save up $5 for a 9v wall wart!
It'll be fine if you plug your iPhone charger into your Arduino via the USB lead.
As long as ...
It's a real iPhone charger, and not one of the profuse pieces of garbage marketed on eBay and such.
That's the trick. 