# Nesso N1 - uses more power than USB port supplies **URL:** \ **Category:** Nesso N1\ **Created:** [September 29, 2026, 7:47pm UTC](https://forum.arduino.cc/t/nesso-n1-uses-more-power-than-usb-port-supplies/1461470 "2026-09-29T19:47:35Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 7\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![xfpd](https://dub1.discourse-cdn.com/arduino/user_avatar/forum.arduino.cc/xfpd/32/1120236_2.png) [@xfpd](https://forum.arduino.cc/u/xfpd)\ **Post date:** [September 29, 2026, 7:47pm UTC](https://forum.arduino.cc/t/nesso-n1-uses-more-power-than-usb-port-supplies/1461470/1 "2026-09-29T19:47:36Z")
When using Nesso N1 for extended periods, I must use an external power supply (USB charger) because Nesso N1 seems to consume more than my computer USB port provides. This limits the time for Serial interfacing. I say "seems to consume" because Nesso N1 might not be using USB power at all - as ".getChargeStatus()" says "No" when Nesso is connected to computer USB (Nesso battery charging is enabled in all of my sketches). Does Nesso have a "need more power" command, or would this be a computer-specific power allotment that my computer does not provide? My temporary solution is to "charge" when coding/compiling, then switch to computer USB when compiling/uploading. ---
**Author:** ![gilshultz](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/67e7ee/32.png) [@gilshultz](https://forum.arduino.cc/u/gilshultz)\ **Post date:** [September 29, 2026, 10:59pm UTC](https://forum.arduino.cc/t/nesso-n1-uses-more-power-than-usb-port-supplies/1461470/2 "2026-09-29T22:59:08Z")
> [@xfpd](#): > > I must use an external power supply (USB charger) because Nesso N1 seems to consume more than my computer USB port provides. I do not have one of these but was doing some reading and found this: Also you did not state if there was any additional hardware connected. The Nesso N1 documentation recommends a 5 V, 1 A USB power source to ensure proper operation and battery charging, especially during peak loads such as Wi-Fi, LoRa, or high display brightness. I would not assume that `getChargeStatus()` reporting "No" means the board is not being powered from USB. That appears to indicate the battery charging state, not whether USB power is present. I suspect that your computer's USB port may simply not be supplying sufficient current for the Nesso N1 to operate and charge the battery at the same time. Also try a known-good USB cable. A cable with excessive resistance can cause exactly this type of problem when the current increases. I suggest try a powered USB hub capable of supplying at least 5 V at 1 A per port. That would give you the USB data connection for the Serial Monitor and uploading while providing adequate power to the Nesso N1. It appears you need a USB data connection backed by an adequate 5 V supply. **NOTE:** This is only a SWAG (Scientific Wild Assuming Guess). ---
**Author:** ![xfpd](https://dub1.discourse-cdn.com/arduino/user_avatar/forum.arduino.cc/xfpd/32/1120236_2.png) [@xfpd](https://forum.arduino.cc/u/xfpd)\ **Post date:** [September 29, 2026, 11:13pm UTC](https://forum.arduino.cc/t/nesso-n1-uses-more-power-than-usb-port-supplies/1461470/3 "2026-09-29T23:13:33Z")
Thank you. > [@gilshultz](#): > > any additional hardware No additional hardware. > [@gilshultz](#): > > your computer's USB port may simply not be supplying sufficient current Yes, I agree. It's a non-expandable (mem, ssd) , portable, cheapest I could find. > [@gilshultz](#): > > known-good USB cable I have all my cables labeled (D)ata and (P)ower, and if a cable is ever suspect, I bin it. > [@gilshultz](#): > > powered USB hub This (reluctantly) might be the answer. I've used them, but sometimes computer applications do not see the peripheral through the hub. And, as with most connectors, they provide another failure point. I think I saw a "current measure" function in M5, so I will have a peek into that. I was hoping for a power setting buried deep in the Nesso/M5/GFX/luvyangfx chain. Thank you. ---
**Author:** ![gilshultz](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/67e7ee/32.png) [@gilshultz](https://forum.arduino.cc/u/gilshultz)\ **Post date:** [September 29, 2026, 11:17pm UTC](https://forum.arduino.cc/t/nesso-n1-uses-more-power-than-usb-port-supplies/1461470/4 "2026-09-29T23:17:21Z")
You are welcome. I have had cables test good but the wire is so small it will drop voltage between the USB hub and the Arduino. Try with a volt meter and it you go below 4.75 volts, down by 5%, definitely try a different one. If you have a scope monitor the drop across the USB power lead, with the charging circuit you may also have a noise problem. Good Luck! ---
**Author:** ![xfpd](https://dub1.discourse-cdn.com/arduino/user_avatar/forum.arduino.cc/xfpd/32/1120236_2.png) [@xfpd](https://forum.arduino.cc/u/xfpd)\ **Post date:** [September 29, 2026, 11:19pm UTC](https://forum.arduino.cc/t/nesso-n1-uses-more-power-than-usb-port-supplies/1461470/5 "2026-09-29T23:19:46Z")
> [@gilshultz](#): > > wire is so small it will drop voltage Okay... I will choose a physically larger data cable and push it down the hill again. \*but the same cable works to charge the battery on the USB charger... hmm. ---
**Author:** ![gilshultz](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/67e7ee/32.png) [@gilshultz](https://forum.arduino.cc/u/gilshultz)\ **Post date:** [September 30, 2026, 11:02pm UTC](https://forum.arduino.cc/t/nesso-n1-uses-more-power-than-usb-port-supplies/1461470/6 "2026-09-30T23:02:47Z")
Hopefully you are saying the conductors are larger, not the length or diameter of the cable. ---
**Author:** ![xfpd](https://dub1.discourse-cdn.com/arduino/user_avatar/forum.arduino.cc/xfpd/32/1120236_2.png) [@xfpd](https://forum.arduino.cc/u/xfpd)\ **Post date:** [September 30, 2026, 11:10pm UTC](https://forum.arduino.cc/t/nesso-n1-uses-more-power-than-usb-port-supplies/1461470/7 "2026-09-30T23:10:31Z")
> [@gilshultz](#): > > conductors are larger Yes. Larger diameter. I use six inch length cables for portability.