voltage regulator 5.0v -> 3.3v Arduino pro Mini

Using Arduino Motors, Mechanics, Power and CNC
1

Hello,

I want to upgrade my weather station wich is actually working on a Arduino Nano : I have no problem but my battery is empty after 10-15 days (4x AA 1.2 batteries)

I'm testing :

  • hygro / temperature : DHT22 (3.3v)
  • pressure : BMP180 (3.3v)
  • light : TSL2561 (3.3v)

later : AirQuality MQ-135 (5.0v) and ground moisture

I use a RF 433MHz transmitter (5.0v) for sending the data to my Raspberry Pi.

I wouldlike to use an Arduino Pro Mini 5V 16MHz, wich is more powersave efficient but some components works on 3.3v...

Is it possible to use a regulator like this one ? http://shop.ciseco.co.uk/powerpod-1117-3v3/

Or is it more efficient to use an Arduino Pro Mini 3.3V 8MHz ? How to increase the voltage to 5.0v for the concerned components ?

Or if you have other ideas...

Thank you,

Julien

2

Do you know the sleep mode total current? If that's low enough your best approach is to attack the
duty cycle, reducing the time sensors are powered up, transmitting at a higher baud rate, or
simply taking readings less often.

If the sleep mode current isn't down at 10uA or lower, try to reduce it.

3

Thanks for your answer.

I'm using the library jeelib and the sleepmode, but I do not reach a so low amperage : the best I can do with my Nano is 6.8mA in sleep mode.
I wanna try with an Arduino pro Mini but this one cannot provide both voltage 3.3v and 5v... The converter I show you (PowerPOD)) can maybe help me ?

4

That's the USB serial chip, you can't get micropower with it on all the time. Find a board without
a USB serial chip.

5

Or is it more efficient to use an Arduino Pro Mini 3.3V 8MHz ? How to increase the voltage to 5.0v for the concerned components ?

You can run the 3.3V/8MHz Promini from 5V - just connect 5V to the Vcc pin to bypass the regulator. The '328P will run at 8 MHz with a 5V supply just fine.

6

CrossRoads:
You can run the 3.3V/8MHz Promini from 5V - just connect 5V to the Vcc pin to bypass the regulator. The '328P will run at 8 MHz with a 5V supply just fine.

WOW that seems so easy...

I will try to power my arduino 3.3v / 8MHz with a 5v battery and use that 5v to power my components wich need VCC 5v.

7

3 Alkaline AA, 4 NiMH AA, both will work fine.

8

I powered this remote from 3 AAs while developing code, before going to rechargeable LiPo battery.

9