I have been using Arduino Nano for a long time. I always buy this model from the same supplier: "MINI USB For Nano V3.0 ATmega328P CH340G 5V 16M Micro-controller board for arduino For NANO 328P For NANO 3.0 ". I have the following problem with the last shipment I purchased: When I connect the Arduino to the USB port, a different sound occurs then usual. The TX and PWR LEDs are constantly on. The Arduino IDE does not see that anything is connected to the USB at all. The boards (Arduino Nano) from the previous purchase, which I connect immediately after, works fine. Actually, the USB does not recognize the Arduino Nano boards from the latest purchase (October 2024), and the boards from the previous purchase (November 2023), the same model and the same supplier, work fine.
Does anyone know what could be the problem with my newly purchased Arduino Nano and how to fix it?
The Tx LED is driven by the CH340. If it's permanently on it indicates a problem with the CH340.
Start by checking the chip on the back of the board. That should be the CH340. Is there any difference observable except for possibly a date code? You might need to take (macro) photos to be able to see the text.
On a side note, I would immediately send them back and ask for a refund / replacement.
You will find the apps I discuss on this page useful for diagnosing USB connection issues
Yes, there was a problem with the CH340. Nothing is written on the chip, definitely. I didn't mention that I'm still using WIN7, and Arduino IDE 1.8.15, but there was no change on another computer with WIN10 and Arduino IDE 2.3.3 either.
Then I found:
And on a Chinese website:
I downloaded the USB driver for the Chinese version of the CH340 chip:
CH341SER.EXE
(Use automatic translate to find DOWNLOAD)
After installation, communication worked even on the oldest version I have (WIN7, and Arduino IDE 1.8.15). The computer recognized the board and assigned the USB port address COM8, instead common COM3.
Now everything works!!!
Thanks for your good willing and help.