I want to run a project with an Arduino Pro Mini in my vehicle. I would like to use the DC from the vehicle to power the Arduino. The Pro Mini data sheet says I can connect the +12 VDC to the RAW input of the Arduino. Looking at the data sheet for the DC voltage regulator tells me the absolute max input voltage is 16 VDC. I do not think my vehicle would ever put more than about +14 VDC on the power lines, but my first attempt seems to have fried the Arduino board.
There are many different "Pro Mini" boards out there. I am hoping they all use the same regulator, but I guess that could be an issue.
Any ideas?
Thanks
What kind of loads are the Mini driving? You could also have exceeded the current capability.
Arduinos get hot enough with a 9v supply. I think it would be wise to give it a decent robust off-board 5v regulator. They are only a few dollars and it isn't as if you can't find the space for it, surely.
Thanks for the replies. I have run the board with similar loads in the house using 12v supply, but I do need to look and make sure it is really similar.
Agree that the best thing to do is probably add a 5v regulator, although I was trying to keep circuitry to a minimum. It does not seem to run very hot off the 12 VDC supply in my house. I was wondering if the >12V VDC sometimes seen the vehicle was killing the boards.
Automotive (and motorcycle) electrical systems are notoriously noisy with all sorts of strange transients etc. (the starter can be create significant pulses sometimes). The system also typically runs at 13.7-14.3 when the vehicle is running although I have seen higher in some systems. I agree with the others - use a decent switching supply to regulate it down to the 5v - the regulator in the Arduino "can" handle the 14, but you are starting to push it and it is close to the limits - both for voltage and for heating if you are pulling any additional current from it. Signal conditioning is very important when working in that environment (inputs need filtering and clamps to protect them etc.).