I'm quite new to hardware and electronics so apologies in advance for my ignorance.
I'm building a portable RFID reader with an Arduino Nano Every.
The RFID reader runs on 12v. My idea is to use a battery pack with 8 AA batteries to power both the Nano through vIN and the reader. I've attached a simple schematic.
Will this work? Any suggested improvements?
what the RFID you use?
It’s a Chinese long range reader. It runs on 12v and the serial output is 5v.
Can you post a Link to the reader. Batteries sound fine but you will not get a stable voltage over time as the voltage will change with the state of charge and temperature. Your best bet may be to also add a SEPIC converter.
I've uploaded the spec for the reader, the documentation is not the best, but I've gotten everything to work.
PRT100 Spec.pdf (1.3 MB)
The reader will be used during pretty short periods of time, roughly 10-15 minutes.
Is it ok to run Vin straight from the battery pack, or should I add anything there?
The spec states from 11VDC to 13VDC. I would definitely recommend that you regulate it. You probably could make it work with out the regulation but you lose range from the batteries. If using primary cells you can drain them until completely exhausted using the SEPIC converter.
Thanks!
Could I use this module Velleman for Makers VMA404: DC-DC ADJUSTABLE VOLTAGE STEP DOWN MODULE LM2596S – Velleman – Wholesaler and developer of electronics to regulate the power? Or would you recommend any other converter?
It should work just fine.
Thanks!
The Nano Every is a 3.3V device IIRC, so I think you need a voltage divider on the RX line.
I'll try to remember that. 
No worries, it took me a while to figure it out as well when I was ordering my board 
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