Hello Community,
i would like to know if it is possible by connecting AVIN + VM as in
to power the Motoron from the Arduino USB Power.
(it is designed for the other way around…)
i know that the USB is not designed to have high power throughput -
but for some very small motors this would be the easiest setup for our students…
(only one USB cable to the arduino and all is fine…)
sunny greetings
stefan
Hello, Stefan.
Your proposal to use the VIN pin while the Arduino is powered through USB is not a good solution since a typical Arduino’s power circuit is not designed to output current through the VIN pin from USB (even though you might measure a voltage on VIN when it’s connected to USB). With a sufficiently low power motor you might be able to get away with using the Arduino’s 5V supply to power the motors, but it is usually best to avoid having motors and logic share the same voltage supply.
A better solution if your motors are sufficiently low-power would be to power the Arduino through the barrel jack, such as with a suitable wall power adapter; then it would be okay to power the Motoron by connecting VM to AVIN (the Arduino’s VIN), even though this connection is intended for supplying power the other way like you mentioned (from the Motoron to the Arduino). However, this approach means that all of your motor power will ultimately go through one header pin, which is rated for 3A, so it would probably be best if the combined stall currents of your motors for operation at your supply voltage is below that. Otherwise, it would be best to supply motor power through the Motoron’s main VIN and GND pins as intended.
- Patrick
Hey PatrickM,
thanks for your in depth reply!
that answers all questions!!
sunny greetings
stefan
