Sensor Based Project: Please advise

Hi everyone,

I'm working on a project that takes distance input from a LIDAR sensor and gives feedback in the form of vibration (haptic feedback/vibration motors). I am trying to use the device without it being connected to a computer, so I was thinking I'd use a 12V battery. I don't want to blow anything, so I thought I'd post first:
The Arduino requires ~5V, the sensor needs ~5V, and the motors take 1.5V each (I'm using 2-3). Could I wire the 12V pack to a PCB, into two parallel voltage regulators (one then connected to the Arduino and one connected to the sensor), then solder the 5V Arduino output to the board, connect two transistors in parallel (each then connected to a motor) and ground everything on the PCB?

If that works, can I solder the power source directly to the Arduino (after the voltage regulator)?
I'm sorry if it's a bit convoluted; feel free to comment if I need to clarify anything.

This is the most complicated project I've done so far, so please bear with me.

You don't say which Arduino, but if you have a clean +5V supply, you just connect it to the +5 pin on most Arduinos.

Use buck converters not regulators. Buck converters swap voltage for current and are more efficient. A regulator converts excess voltage to heat, so from 12V to 5V means 7/12 of the available battery is wasted as heat.

As for the rest I don't understand your description, which is why we ask for a schematic.

I am having a hard time following what you are trying to say. If you post a schematic, not a frizzy thing we can help you resolve your problem. Also post data or links for the motors etc. A simple rule: A power Supply an Arduino does NOT make. Using the 5V for a few sensors is ok but stay under 100 mills of current to be safe.

This topic was automatically closed 120 days after the last reply. New replies are no longer allowed.