I am trying to power my Arduino Mini (which is connected to IR receiver and a relay board). The idea is to hide the entire setup behind the electrical board including the power supply. I have hacked more than a few power adapters (ranging from Mobile chargers 5-7V to 12 V adapters)
This is what I understand from what I have read so far about Arduino Mini power supply.
I can power directly using Vcc pin if I supply 5V DC regulated. (not recommended)
I can power Raw pin by using 5-12V DC and the onboard regulator will take care of converting it. 12V is the maximum, I should not use 12V it can fry the regular if used for a long period as the on-board regulator is a linear one, so a lot of heat.
This is what I understand from what I have tried so far about Arduino Mini power supply:
- Don't connect power supply EVER to Vcc, it will harm the board. ALWAYS use Raw.
- 12 V supply = puff. instantaneously. No more on-board regulator. Now that Arduino Mini only works if I connect it using Vcc. (the charger was rated 12V 500mA)
- Connecting 5V DC (300mA) is heating the regulator alot.
I have connected the Relay and IR receiver directly to the Arduino mini. Pin 10-14 are used for the relays Ins and PWD 3 for IR output.
The mini works with these 5V mobile chargers but the amount it heats up scares me. Any suggestions on what I should do?
Also how much current consumption would be needed. I have tried using a 5V 300mA charger and 5V 700mA charger. Both work almost the same. Why?
I am a computer engineer and very new to Arduino.
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