Power Surge When USB Is Inserted

Other Hardware Motors, Mechanics, Power and CNC
1

Hello,

I am fairly new to the electronics scene, so I don't have the experience or knowledge yet to answer my questions and fix my problem.

I have an Arduino Uno R3 and I am trying to control a lot of inputs and outputs. I have three monetary switches as inputs, and I have 2 LEDs, an LCD, and a 180 degree servo motor that I am trying to use as outputs. After wiring all of the components to a solderless breadboard to what I thought and still think is the right set up, I typed out all of my code that I needed to give my circuit a test. When I went to plug in my Uno to my computer, I noticed that the mini LEDs on the arduino uno board would be lit for about a second but then immediately fade. My original thought was, "ok, the USB must not be providing enough power." So I hooked up a 9V battery and bridged my positives on each side of the bread board as well as the negatives on each side of my breadboard. When I plugged the USB back into my computer, everything flashed (including my computer screen) and my computer turned off. I'm pretty sure that I fried something on my board because I disconnected the 5V power wire and ground off the board so I can at least transfer my coding onto the board but now my computer will not recognize the serial port.

After Some research of the Arduino Forums, I have pretty much have accepted that I fried a component on my board and need a new one. Is this right to assume or is there a way to still use what I have?

also, if I do get another board, what board shall I get to make this not happen? (I was thinking the Mega). and How can I prevent this from happening again if the board capability itself is not the problem? (i.e. using more resistors, capacitors, diodes?)

PLEASE HELP

I greatly appreciate all of your responses.

2

royello99:
I have three monetary switches as inputs,

Where can I get some of these? Do they work in £s or $s - and €s would be fine also?

More seriously, unless you can draw a schematic showing how everything was connected it will be impossible to answer your question. A photo of a pencil drawing will be fine - but it must show all the connections clearly. A photo of your breadboard will NOT be good enough.

It sounds like you had a short circuit - but where ???

...R

3

Here are a few pictures of my set up. (sorry in advance for the mess.)
Anywhere with a short? I am kind of lost at this point.

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Here is the first picture.

IMG_6363.jpg
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here is picture 2

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here is picture 3

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picture 4.

Hopefully 1 of these 4 can help.

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royello99:
Here are a few pictures of my set up. (sorry in advance for the mess.)
Anywhere with a short? I am kind of lost at this point.

Didn't I say that photos would NOT be suitable?

Or was I just wearing out my fingers for nothing?

...R

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HA sorry I didnt see that but I will draw out my Schematic and upload it soon

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royello99:
HA sorry I didnt see that but I will draw out my Schematic and upload it soon

You know one of the things people hate round here is cross posting. This is the fourth thread you have started on the same subject! >:(

11

One observation - you mention a servo motor - you must not try to power a servo from
USB power, it is a really bad idea (and could prove expensive). Servos and motors need a
separate supply and a small servo can easily use 1A or so at start up and when moving.