I'ma noob that's been playing around with my UNO for a month or so now . I'm all ready to move from beginner to intimidate projects. I just want to get a few things cleared up before I start ordering new toys.
Power:
In my research I gotten mixed views on power. Which of the following is your preferred method for powering my an arduino? Why? and can I also power 2 servos and maybe a sensor or two on the same power?
4x~1.2v AA rechargeable connected directly to 5v. This seems popular but I also saw people saying to go with 6x 1.2v AA.
9v to barrel power, I read that this method is very inefficient but its small,simple, and light.
Any other options? like cellphone batteries or battery packs?
Servos:
My research in continuous servos turned up Pololu - Continuous Rotation Servos. Kinda want ones that's already modified(atleast while Im learning) plus the weight to power radio is the best I've seen so far. My question is Why is the SpringRC more popular than the PowerHD? looking at the stats, The PowerHD is the better motor. Is there a more efficient motor out there?
last one, If i need to power 2x 4.8v-6v servos, do i need a second 4x AA pack?
4x~1.2v AA rechargeable connected directly to 5v. This seems popular but I also saw people saying to go with 6x 1.2v AA.
Connecting 4.8 volts to the 5V pin won't cause harm. Connecting 7.2 V will.
Connecting 7.2V to the barrel jack, so the power goes through the voltage regulator is a good idea. Connecting 4.8V upstream of the voltage regulator is a waste of time.
9v to barrel power, I read that this method is very inefficient but its small,simple, and light.
This will work.
Any other options? like cellphone batteries or battery packs?
Plenty.
But, what is the Arduino going to be doing? Is weight an issue? Is the ability of the power source to provide a lot of current a requirement?
If you are powering just the Arduino, then any of the options you list will work. If you are planning to power the servos, a GPS, a WiFi or GSM shield, dozens of LEDs, and a hydraulic excavator, your choices become a lot more limited.
Multipurpose for learning, mostly 2x or 4x 4.8-6v motors robots on a k'nex chassis. Maybe a few sensors. I'm leaning to the 2x 3.7v rechargeable option. Im assuring that I could power the barrel power for the arduino and the servos with this with a little soldering?
If using servos (and any kind of dc motor), then power source stability is an important matter.
When I use 4xAA batteries and servos (or dc motor) directly to Vcc, sometimes my Arduino freezes (crashes) and does nothing. The solution was using 6xAA connected to Vin (to voltage regulator). I use rechargable batteries, when they get low energy level arduino crashes again, but then I recharge and problem solved.
6xAA will be enough to 2 servos, but any other motor atached then I suggest adding another pack of batteries.
