"Portable" Power Supplies for Vending Machine

Projects General Guidance
1

So, I have created a vending machine using Arduino. The system consists of an LCD, a keypad for input, a universal coin slot, and four servo motors with springs attached for rotation.

I am just a novice in using Arduino so I used Circuit.io and Tinkercad for my blueprint references. There are also no problems with the code.

I am currently using a 12v power supply using eight Double AA batteries (1.5v each) for the external power supply and I am also connecting it to the computer using the USB port to code.

Everything is working perfectly as if it's the final product when it's connected to the PC, however when I disconnect and only use the battery, the orange light in the Arduino dims a bit and the servo motors stutter instead of rotating fully. I know that the batteries are not lowbat yet because the coinslot is still on and used voltmeter, I only think it cannot supply everything.

Now, I think I need two power supplies, (1) the double AA batteries, and (2) any power supply that can be connected through USB. (as referenced by circuit.io)

I used a powerbank however it goes off after several and I don't know how to put resistors in it to prevent automatic shut down. Now, I am thinking of buying a 5v battery pack with USB cable compatibility to use for this project as the second power supply. As much as possible, it would be portable (not plugged in the wall)

Any thoughts on this? I have no problems with the code and wirings, just the power supply and this project is ready to go.

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2

Without looking too closely, I’d suggest your power strategy needs to be looked at.

Consider a car battery and 8xAA batteries. What’s the difference ?
(Not the colour)

You need to identify the power requirements of your project. Not just the ‘volts’ or ’amps’, but a combination of those.

Remember power = volts x amps.
The secret is hiding somewhere in there.

Also, you need to factor in the required runtime of the project to determine the capacity of the battery(s) or power supply.

3

Replace the AA cells with D cells.

4

Are powerbanks good as an alternative? When I used mine, it did work but only for 30 seconds.

Is there any workaround for this? I simply plugged it in the USB port of the Arduino.

EDIT. Also read some other posts about this because the powerbank automatically closes because of low power mode.

5

No. Too much current needed by your project. I like Post #3.

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