pro mini 3.3 or 5 volt added analog voltage opportunity

Development Tools IDE 1.x
1

I have a project using a Pro Mini unit (3.3 or 5 volt) and my purchased Pro Mini has an added analog V output/input at the other end from the programmer... next to the G (GND) hole.

I tried hooking up and powering an output from it (a laser) the red wire and it works... the other black wire connected to the GND ... can I use this for a real output instead of using VCC... Is this really just another VCC anyway... ?

Am I making a mistake by doing this...?

That's my questions...

Thanks

2

You can use but there are limitations to be aware of.

First is it a 3.3 or a 5 V board as there are distinct differences ?
Is it a CLONE or a TRUE Arduino ?
Include a pic so we can see the pin you are talking about ?

There are limits in the current that can be drawn on most pins and lasers come in many guises so until you link to the EXACT one you are using I would have to say dont do it (yet)