I have connected to my Arduino Uno outputs relay module. Relay module has 16 relays (5VDC) which are controlled by transoptors pins (HIGH from Arduino = specific relay is off).
Link to relay module (lang: polish): https://botland.com.pl/pl/przekazniki/6940-modul-przekaznikow-16-kanalow-z-optoizolacja-styki-7a240vac-cewka-5v.html?search_query=modul+przekazniko&results=75 (SRD-05VDC-SL-C relays).
Arduino is supplied by +5V pin and GND pins with external power supply MDR-5-10. Relay module is supplied with the same power supply.
I control Arduino from PC using serial communication over USB (I send a command eg. 1;1;1;1;1;1;, then 6 outputs goes to HIGH). And now there is a problem. When I disconnect relay module control pins from Arduino outputs everything works fine. But when it is connected, I get serial com. error "device not found" (after some switches: sometimes it works for about 20 output switches, sometimes for 1 output switch) and I have to open serial communication again. Probably error appears only when I'm switching outputs.
I think the problem is because my external power supply +5V drops for a while when switching and then Arduino switches to +5V from USB (which doesn't drop), which has not enough power and then error occurs.
Am I right? Any suggestions to fix the problem?
EDIT #1: Thank you for help. Answers:
@Jot, after disconnecting +5V Arduino pin, but with connected relay module, I get serial error immediately with first relay switch. If i dosconnect both +5V pin and relay module control pin, my application works fine. My wires: external power supply - Arduino: 0,5 mm2; Arduino - relay module control pins: 23 AWG (~0,25 mm2); external power supply - relay module +5V and GND: 1,5 mm2. It flows through relays: 24VDC <30W or 230VAC ~20mA.
@CrossRoads, no I use A0-A4 and Q3-Q12 (for relay module: Q3-Q7, Q9-Q11, Q13).
@Duncan C: Currently, I use only 9 relays, other control pins are disconnected and off. Here - http://botland.com.pl/index.php?controller=attachment&id_attachment=244 (power consumption per relay - 0,36W 5VDC) - you can see relay datasheet. Relays are isolated from Arduino with opto-isolators (signal HIGH from Arduino = relay is off). I never switch them all at once. In specific function I never use more then 5 relays together.
@Majenko, thank you, I'll give it a try in Tuesday!
Further informations:
- Probably problems occur more often when I connect wires to relays pins (I use them all as NO: 7x 30W 24VDC - coils, 2x 230VAC ~20mA - contactor).
- Serial communication error can occur during both reading or writing to serial.