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Arduino external power

Former Member

I am working on a sculpture involving multiple servo, dc motor, steppers, and LED's. The power supply is 12v, 8 amp.  I have buck dc to dc converters that work well with the motors but what about powering the board itself?   Do I need a current limiting circuit (LM317) for the Arduino?

 

Keith

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  • in reply to mcb1

    So any current is workable so long as the voltage is within range? Sorry, dumb question, but I don't want to burn my new Mega!

     

    Keith

  • in reply to Former Member

    Current is Drawn, not pushed. So if your circuit only needs 1 amp, it is only going to draw 1 amp even if the supply can provide 50 amps.

    Be sure to fuse it at the appropriate level incase of a short, which will draw as many amps is available.

  • in reply to R_Phoenix

    Thanks for the clear explanation of current.

     

       I bought a 12v, 8 amp power supply for my project to power three servos (moving randomly) and three dc 12v motors (moving in one direction).  The dc motors are powered directly from the 12v power supply, the servos, from dc to dc converter at 6v. The servos run as planned but only two of the motors at a time will move very weakly. When all three are on line, the mosfets (520) become hot.

      The project needs an addional two steppers, some LED's, and a speaker. Does this mean I have grossly underestimated the total current necessary?

     

    Keith

  • in reply to R_Phoenix

    Thanks for a clear explanation of current.  I bought a 12v, 8 amp power

    supply for my project to power three servos (moving randomly) and three dc

    12v motors (moving in one direction).  The dc motors are powered directly

    from the 12v power supply, the servos, from dc to dc converter at 6v. The

    servos run as planned but only two of the motors at a time will move very

    weakly. When all three are on line, the mosfets (520) become hot.

        The project needs an addional two steppers, some LED's, and a speaker.

    Does this mean I have grossly underestimated the total current necessary?

     

    Keith