I'm facing problems trying to power the Nano via VIN.
The Arduino works fine while connected to a Laptop/PC USB-Slot (5V 500mA according to specs).
When I try to power it differently the sensor data becomes very very unstable going up and down when it shouldn't. I guess there is some lack of power or whatsoever...
I read about powering the Nano back and forth but couldn't get an answer yet.
What I tried so far:
Using an USB-Cable and an 5V 2500mA USB Adapter/Plug
Using an USB-Cable and a Powerbank
Connect VIN and GND to a 9V Battery (tested with and without capacitor)
Connecting 5V and GND to a stable 5V 15A Power Supply with 1F 6,3V capacitor
Each of the attempts stated here had the unstable behavior mentioned above. I'm using FlexSensors that light up LEDs when flexed. Powering them without a connection to the Laptop makes them light up like a disco.
I replaced every component in the "supply chain" to avoid error from misfunctioning Hardware. I wasn't able to get a USB adapter from a different producer - so I cannot exclude the possibility that its due to that.
For anyone interested in my setup:
4x Adafruit Neopixel-Stripe 52L eds each (needing ~13A for maximum performance + 470Ohm Resistors)
4x Spectrasymbol Flex Sensors (4x Data Pins connected to Arduino + 10 kOhm Resistors)
A Fritzing + handdrawn-Version of my circuit is attached - tips on how to organize cables there are also highly appreciated
I would at least expect that powering through USB Cable works exactly the same no matter if connected with a Laptop or a USB Adapter/Plug.
sounds like not enough current. try a 2A, or better, USB wall wart USB adapter. try 2 or more 9V bricks in parallel (9V bricks suck at power delivery). get a proper external 5V power supply with hi current capability.
Have you got bypass capacitors on the FlexSensors?
Can you please post a copy of your circuit, in CAD or a picture of a hand drawn circuit in jpg, png?
Show us how you have the sensors wired and how you are driving the LEDs.
123Splat:
sounds like not enough current. try a 2A, or better, USB wall wart USB adapter. try 2 or more 9V bricks in parallel (9V bricks suck at power delivery). get a proper external 5V power supply with hi current capability.
I actually tried exactly these Adapters that do provide 5V 2500mA. I wonder why it works with a USB-connection to the Laptop which only provides like 5V 500mA. Doesn't sound right here
TomGeorge:
Have you got bypass capacitors on the FlexSensors?
Can you please post a copy of your circuit, in CAD or a picture of a hand drawn circuit in jpg, png?
Show us how you have the sensors wired and how you are driving the LEDs.
I attached the circuit to my original post.
Do I need bypass capacitors for the Sensors?
TomGeorge:
Please use a pen and paper and draw your circuit and label components and their pin names.
Do you have a DMM?
I attached a handdrawn variant. I hope you don't mean correct symbols and whatsoever because I graduated in computer science not electrical engineering
And what do you mean with "DMM"? - nvm I googled it. Yes I have one available in the lab, but I'm not familiar in using it for something else than searching for bypasses
