this morning i built a Russian Roulette game.. was rather easy and fun to do actually, but now i need to know which battery pack i should use...
AA's? how many?
AAA's? how many?
9v?
2 bi-color leds --- always alternating except when killed then 1 led stays on till new game
1 passive speaker --- plays 1x within every 6 button presses
3-pin button - trigger button also used as a reset button after a kill shot has happened
1 blue led for power indicator -----always on when unit is turned on
1 slider switch for power on/off --- turns power on/off from battery pack to play shut game off
you only can press the button up to 6x to see who dies on button press..
so, if i wanted to play say 100 games or for hrs before changing batteries.. which battery pack should i use.. oh, i'll be using a pro mini:
Measure the currents for the parts you are using and work it out.
Without knowing the exact components you are using, the LEDs for instance and how much current they are using and for how long they are on or off, how can anyone in the forum even guess at what your battery life may be ?
srnet:
Measure the currents for the parts you are using and work it out.
sorry, not my strong suit... i am not an electrician nor did i ever learn voltages and such and i'm sure as hell not going to take on learning it just because i want to put 1 stupid little thing on a battery pack instead having to use my laptop and a usb cable to play it.. i am sure this is an easy common question that could be answered by someone with knowledge on the subject..
Now, will that be a 3.3v Pro Min i, or a 5v Pro Mini?
While an Arduino can be persuaded to run for ages on practically nothing, I think your real problems are the LEDs and how you use them. You might like to look at the 18650. I reckon this is the battery that is going to rule the world. They have lots of grunt and hold their charge for months. For two, and probably for a single, you can get handy boxes for them these days, complete with power switch.
To follow the tutorial linked in reply #3 with a Pro Mini like the one you pictured, it is best to remove the voltage regulator (small 5 pin package) and the power LED.
They can be "swiped off" with a fine tipped solder pencil and a bit of care.
T_Ramen:
this morning i built a Russian Roulette game.. was rather easy and fun to do actually, but now i need to know which battery pack i should use...
AA's? how many?
AAA's? how many?
9v?
2 bi-color leds --- always alternating except when killed then 1 led stays on till new game
1 passive speaker --- plays 1x within every 6 button presses
3-pin button - trigger button also used as a reset button after a kill shot has happened
1 blue led for power indicator -----always on when unit is turned on
1 slider switch for power on/off --- turns power on/off from battery pack to play shut game off
you only can press the button up to 6x to see who dies on button press..
so, if i wanted to play say 100 games or for hrs before changing batteries.. which battery pack should i use.. oh, i'll be using a pro mini:
The two leds = one as the alternate and then one locks on. Say 25mA Max
One passive speaker? Passive= Does Nothing? but i could only guess at this one. Would help to know how its wired?
Buttons depend on Pullup Resistors and Value.
Blue Led allow another 25mA.
Slider switch, don't matter.
Arduino should have a Specifications showing Maximum power useage somewhere.
Now I have questions.
How do you currently power the unit?
How long is the average game?
Are there resistors on the buttons and leds if so what value?
For future ref there are USB measuring devices available that will tell you how much current you are drawing and what the total current used over a period of time is.
Search eBay for "USB Current Meter". I found them really handy.
Even knowing all the above it would still be a ballpark figure.
Have you thought about how you will put this project together.
E.G. if its going in a box are you going to fit the battery in the box or have it connected by a lead?
Will the unit run directly from the battery or will you use a single cell and a boost circuit such as the ones available for charging mobile phones.
Nick_Pyner:
Now, will that be a 3.3v Pro Min i, or a 5v Pro Mini?
i couldn't answer you on that.. because of the fact i bought it like 3.5 - 4yrs ago and never used it.. and ebay only allows you to go back 3yrs... i would assume it is a 5v cuase if i remember correctly the v's matched my mega..
OK, maybe 2x18650....
I believe those emergency phone chargers have a single 18650 and step up to 5v.
The regulator or step-up is probably a big player in this. The box for 2x18650 that I have has a little compartment at the end. I have not opened it, but it is far too large for the switch, and may be enough to take a decent 5v regulator.
With an output of 1Amp should be more than enough. Leaving you with the problem of on/off which could be solved by buying two seperate units, one for charge and one for boosting the battery to 5v then putting the switch between the battery and booster leaving the charger connected.
The 18650 should give you hours of play time.
Consider having the Arduino turn its self OFF after a period of unuse and the ON being a momentary button that turns the Arduino on.
Saves coming back and finding the unit flat.
