Hello,
I bought a pro mini 5v @ 16mhz, but now I realize that I want one that can run on 3.7v lipo battery.
Without just buying a 3.3v model, is it possible for me to make my pro mini run at 8mhz (burn a new bootlaoder?) instead of 16, so it only needs 3.3v of power?
Thanks.
P.S.
I am well aware that I am not entirely sure what I am talking about. Any advice/knowledge is appreciated.
Sure you can convert the Pro Mini.
Change the regulator for a 3.3V one, the crystal to 8Mhz and burn a new bootloader.
So what does it mean to "change" the regulator and crystal? If I have to buy specific components online, I may as well just buy a 3.3v version of the Pro Mini. I'm not confident in my SMD soldering skills, so I guess I should just buy a 3.3v version...
Well, technically, it might be possible to just flash a new bootloader and fuse settings so the 328P runs on the internal 8MHz oscillator rather than the crystal. Then instead of changing out the regulator, you could bypass it and power the Mini directly from the LIPO at the Vcc pin.
However, the internal oscillator might need to be calibrated if you have critical timing functions. And while the 328P will operate just fine at 8 MHz anywhere within the 3-5V range, peripheral devices connected to it might need to communicate at 3.3V.
But you know, Mini clones are really cheap. Buying a new 3.3V 8MHz Pro Mini will be the easiest and lowest cost solution. And you can save the one you have now for future use. Just be sure that anything you connect to the Mini will operate at 3.3V, and doesn't require 5V. If you do need to use 5V peripheral devices, you can stick with the 5V Mini, and get a boost regulator module for a couple bucks to give you 5V from the LIPO. You might even find a combination charger and boost regulator module.
willybh:
So what does it mean to "change" the regulator and crystal? If I have to buy specific components online, I may as well just buy a 3.3v version of the Pro Mini. I'm not confident in my SMD soldering skills, so I guess I should just buy a 3.3v version...
Change == Replace.
And yes of course its a lot easier to just buy the proper one.
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