I'm working on a quadcopter project with Arduino Nano. I will use ml2212 motors with a 3S 6000mAh 25C LiPo. I will also use a MPU6050 and GY-NEO6MV2 GPS Module.
The thing is that I'm really unexperienced on this subject and can't decide on how to power up Arduino Nano. So I have a few questions:
Is the 5V enough to power the arduino and use the modules?
If I connect battery directly into the Vin pin, is there a chance of burning my arduino?
If 5V is okay, which is better: using BEC in ESC or an external Voltage Regulator, and why?
Is there a better choice? If there is, can you explain it clearly and detailed, as I'm not experienced much.
If there is BEC in your ESC and you don't have anything on the 5V line that eats a lot of current, then power the Arduino from the BEC. Nothing wrong in doing that.
tnaekc:
Is the 5V enough to power the Arduino and use the modules?
5 V is what the Arduino and the modules requires, so 5 V is what you need.
tnaekc:
If I connect battery directly into the Vin pin, is there a chance of burning my Arduino?
Probably not, but as the regulator on the Nano is only capable of powering the Nano, you would require another source of regulated 5 V to power the other modules.
Better to provide a single source of 5 V capable of powering both the Nano via its 5 V pin, and the other modules.
Paul__B:
For this application you need a switchmode "buck" converter. Preferably one of the quality ones from Pololu.
Really thanks for your explanation and suggestion but I'm looking for a cheaper solution.
For example can I use a LM2596?
How much does it differs from the Pololu ones about efficiency?
The LM2596 is the basis for most of the switchmode "buck" converters on eBay. It may however have an undesirable quiescent current and be inefficient when lightly loaded - given that it is rated up to about 3 Amps. It is suggested the Pololu ones offer somewhat better performance but YMMV.
