I recently bought a motor shield for a research project that uses stepper motors. However when I connect the arduino to my PC, the power LED on the shield briefly turns on and then shuts off, and my PC no longer recognizes the arduino. When I hold down the reset Button however, the LED on the shield remains lit and my PC continues to recognize the device. At first I was concerned that the 2 Stepper motors connected to the shield were drawing too much power. However I have gotten both motors to spin for extended period of time, using both a 5V and 12V power supply. This inconsistency is extremely frustrating and I would greatly appreciate any suggestions.
Thank you
Power issues with Adafruit Motor Shield V2
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- GageBenham
- Posts: 7
- Joined: Wed Jul 27, 2016 12:22 pm
- adafruit_support_bill
- Posts: 88093
- Joined: Sat Feb 07, 2009 10:11 am
Re: Power issues with Adafruit Motor Shield V2
Please post specs for the motors you are using.
How are you supplying power to the shield? Via VIN from the Arduino, or via the external power terminals?
How are you supplying power to the shield? Via VIN from the Arduino, or via the external power terminals?
- GageBenham
- Posts: 7
- Joined: Wed Jul 27, 2016 12:22 pm
Re: Power issues with Adafruit Motor Shield V2
I tried supplying power through both connections. But I have solved the problem. Connecting the arduino to an adjustable power supply helped me discover that there was insufficient current, though I'm still not sure why it worked sometimes and not others beforehand. Anyway, thanks for your support.
- adafruit_support_bill
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- Joined: Sat Feb 07, 2009 10:11 am
Re: Power issues with Adafruit Motor Shield V2
Some power supplies have a 'thermal shutdown' circuit. If they start to overheat due to overload, they will just shut down until they can cool off.
Please be positive and constructive with your questions and comments.