I'm running an Arduino RP2040 Connect using WifiNINA.
My code just connects to my Wifi Hotspot and that's it.
On my PC, I'm using repeated pings to test the connection.
When my Arduino is powered via USB, I get a latency of 20 to 220ms and a packet loss of zero percent.
On the other hand, when I use my battery on the VIN-pin, I get a latency of 80 to 2000ms and an average packet loss of about 60%.
I'm using two PP3 9V batteries in a row (so 18 volts in total), because if I use only one, the Arduino turns on (green LED), but doesn't even connect to my Hotspot.
I already tried to use a 1000uF condenser so that the Wifi module can get more peak current.
What can I do?
One of the worst possible choices. PP3 batteries are intended for low power devices like smoke alarms, and can't supply enough current for the transmit function.
Use a battery pack or power supply capable of 1 Ampere at 5 to 8V.
The capacitor does not do what you said, lose it.
- Thanks for being patient with an electronics-noob like me.
- According to Wikipedia, AA rechargable batteries should have more current. I've ordered them incl. a battery casing and a recharger. I'll report back in a few days if it works.
NiMH or NiCd rechargeables produce only about 1.2V per cell, so a good choice would be a 5X or 6X battery pack.
@jremington: Yes, thanks. I've ordered a 6x battery pack and my batteries have 1.5V according to the trading platform I'm using. Should be 9V in total, but I'll check that with my voltmeter later.
Thanks for your patience. It unfortunately does not work.
My voltmeter shows 9.3 volts. In addition to my rechargeable batteries, I also tried LR6 AA non-rechargeables (that are brand new as well, 9.45 volts on my voltmeter).
Same problem as above in all cases.
It irritates me that my amperemeter shows 90mA while pinging permanently. That cannot be correct, right? Maybe, my amperemeter is just broken.
Btw. when I create a Hotspot on my Arduino and connect the PC to it, it works a little bit better. But still not stable.
I forgot to mention that my Arduino is already soldiered with a L293D motor driver. But that shouldn't cause any issues, right? In my ping benchmarks I intentionally don't use the attached motor.
Please post a wiring diagram (hand drawn is preferred), with pins, connections and components clearly labeled, along with a photo of your setup.
There you have it. I cannot make a picture unfortunately, because the whole thing is already placed somewhere, where I cannot reach it anymore. Would be quite an effort at least. (Yes, I'm aware now that this was not my best idea.)
The Arduino obviously also has a USB-cable plugged in, so that I can still program it. But powering via USB all the time is not an option.
You may ask why there is a rectifier: At the time of construction I was not sure, if I would use a transformer that produces AC current or batteries.
I can confirm that the motor is working, if that's one of your questions.
That is a certainly problem, and the placement alone might explain the difficulties you are having. Not much forum members can do to help with that.
Nope, that's actually not a problem as far as I see it. I checked that by re-building this whole thing on my desk (prior to opening this thread) using another set of the exact same components with the exact same wiring.
I kind of have the feeling that I'm too dumb for electronics...
I now bought a DC transformer that can put out 33A (!) at 9V.
It does not work with the transformer alone, but if I also add the 1000uF capacitor in parallel to the voltage source, it suddenly works. (In addition to the already existing 100uF one that is soldiered behind the rectifier.)
Ping is at 200-500ms (not ideal), but at least the packet loss is at zero percent.
If anyone knows a better solution, feel free to post it here, please. Because it seems to me that this is really an overkill.
1 Like
This topic was automatically closed 180 days after the last reply. New replies are no longer allowed.