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I'm having trouble powering my boards altogether. Right now, I'm using 8x AA batteries to power everything. Running my arduino with one shield runs fine, but not with both shields stacked on top of my arduino. I've even tried powering it with an extra 4x AA batteries on my motor shield, but it still won't run. The way it's stacked is; arduino uno board, usb host shield then motor shield.

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    We don't know how your batteries are connected, or what power requirements your devices all have.
    – Ignacio Vazquez-Abrams
    Jun 4, 2015 at 5:16
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    I have a 8xAA battery holder that's connected to the arduino uno via the 2.1mm plug and on my motor shield I have 2 DC motors and 2 servo motors that all require 6v. If that is what you mean by power requirements(?) If you mean power requirements for boards, I know that with the uno, it is suggested I use between 9v-12v, so I just went by the 12V. @IgnacioVazquez-Abrams
    – Lai
    Jun 4, 2015 at 6:07
  • Sounds odd. Do the lights on the boards turn on? Are the sparkfun and adafruit shields pin compatible? Sometimes shields by different companies use the same pins for transmitting data.
    – bladepanthera
    Jun 4, 2015 at 8:49
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    Can I ask, how did you find out that they used the same pins? @bladepanthera
    – Lai
    Jun 4, 2015 at 9:20
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    Did you check about pin compatibility? And what code are you using to run the motors? The standard example?
    – bladepanthera
    Jun 4, 2015 at 14:18

1 Answer 1

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Its a very bad idea to power everything from the same battery source. Most motors, especially ESP, generate large current spikes, rather than draw a small current throught. AA batteries are not designed for this.

You can get away with using AA batteries for micro-controllers, shields. However, keep motors on a sweater power supply. There are batteries for specific motor types, and these will typically have a high current rating. Of course, without a circuit diagram, I cannot go into details. I'll update my answer when you do.

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    It's not "a very bad idea" it merely requires some care - and a lower dropout regulator than stock wouldn't be a bad idea. What is a problem is trying to run the motors off the logic regulator.
    – Chris Stratton
    Jul 5, 2015 at 0:40

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