So I ordered one of the new Nano Ardiunos after using my decimilla for several months now. I thought the breadboard feature would be very handy. I was under the impression the power output would be about the same. However, for test purposes I used the standard Serial_LCD code that comes with the arduino software, and while I could easily get it working on the decimilla, the nano would not power the LCD. Any ideas?
Hmm. How can you tell that the problem is the power supply on the Nano? What happens? Can you post pictures of your circuit?
Also, I don't think the Serial LCD code comes with the Arduino software; which code are you using?
Its the basic SparkFun LCD code that you can get to by going to Examples in the sketchbook option in the file menu. I can't take a photo right now since I don't have the circuit with me, but its basically is the RX from the Serial LCD to the TX port on the arduino, the 5V to 5V and ground to ground on both devices. The configuration works perfectly on my decimilla but not on the nano. I flashed the code to both devices and while both boards were running the same code, I used the TX stream from the nano and the 5V and GND from the decmilla and the text came through fine. But if I plugged in the 5V and GND to the nano, no backlight no text, nothing. Ill try and upload photos as soon as I can, but its a fairly simple circuit, and I've gone over the ports several times.
It's pretty easy to get the pins messed up on the Nano. Have a look at the manual (page2) and then double check your connections.
hmmm, well on a second glance of the schematic I think i did miss read the pins. I think I had the ground and 5V pin moved up by one because of the labels on board. I'll have to check this when I get back home. Thanks. I'll post again with the result.