RC ESC voltage boost? from 5v to 9V????

Other Hardware General Electronics
1

I'm working on a project where i have an arduino micro connected to a 20amp ESC and 11.1V Lipo.

I dont think the ESC is supplying enough voltage to the arduino (4.9V). When the arduino is powered by the USB, everything works fine. Also, when connected to the USB, the 5V output reads 4.8V, but when connected to the ESC, it reads 4.01V. The 3V output reads 3.3V in both cases. When connected to the ESC my LCD info is barely visible.

Is there any way to boost the VI voltage from the ESC to 9V using some fancy transistor/capacitor configuration? (doesnt have to be fancy, either) :slight_smile:

2

Its easy enough to use a LDO (low drop out voltage regulator) to turn the output from the LIPO to 9 volts, 5 volts or whatever you want, just select and LDO with your required output.

I do this all the time, I usually connect my Arduinos to the balance plugs of my Lipos and use 7805 (old school regulator) or LDOs to drop the voltage to 5volts for the UNO. Works very well for me.

I am terrible at videos, but here is one that talks a little about how I wire it -

Duane B

rcarduino.blogspot.com

3

If you have an external source of regulated 5V power then you connect it to 5V pin, not to Vin pin.
The Vin pin expects at least 6.5 to 7V.

Be careful, it really must be regulated and 5V (6V will exceed the absolute maximum ratings, for instance).

Most ESCs have a 7805 regulator chip on board to provide regulated 5V as you are seeing.

4

MarkT:
If you have an external source of regulated 5V power then you connect it to 5V pin, not to Vin pin.
The Vin pin expects at least 6.5 to 7V.

Be careful, it really must be regulated and 5V (6V will exceed the absolute maximum ratings, for instance).

Most ESCs have a 7805 regulator chip on board to provide regulated 5V as you are seeing.

I'm only reading 4.9V from the esc. should I use another 7805?

5

Looks like a lot of LM7805 models have a 4% tolerance so that is within spec.

4.9V is OK, by the way. I was reading 4.85V on my Uno and it was working fine.

6

Where have you plugged the 4.9V into, exactly?