Hello everyone!
I would like to use Arduino Mini PRO 3,3V to build an outdoor GPS logger and have a question. Is it possible to have only one USB input to the whole system and using this USB to charge rechargeable battery and/or powering Arduino and downloading data from SD card to computer at the same time? Or do I need two USB inputs - one only for power/charge and one only for data? If it is possible, how can I do that? If not, what are the best alternatives?
Than you very much, I was googling for this about two days and nothing...
Yes, you can use the same USB port. You have 5V at up to 0.5A (from a USB2 port) and you can do whatever you want with the power.
...An iPod will charge while "synching".
Ok, but I am not sure what everything will be needed for power. Arduino mini pro, LIPO rechargeable battery for sure, probably something like SparkFun FTDI Basic Breakout Board and some kind of LIPO charger? That's 2 USB inputs. Or is there something like this two things but in one piece with one USB input?
The Lipo charger module probably has a place to solder wires onto it for the input power. If not, just mod it and remove the USB plug and jumper over from the FTDI module.
So far I came to this, it is general idea (+ - some buttons). To specify my question, when USB is connected, the battery will be charging or no? If no, what am I missing? Thank you.
You need some way to control the charging. The way you showed will lead to a shorted USB port (if the battery is empty) or to a burned house (if the battery is full). Look for example at this
