Powering Arduino board and NeoPixel strip with same power su Moderators: adafruit_support_bill, adafruit

[briggsm]

Wondering if I can power both my Arduino Mega 2560 and 2 60-LED strips of NeoPixels, from my 5V 10A power supply?

120LED * 60mA each = 7.2A MAX if all pixels are white. That leaves 2.8A for the Mega. Should be plenty, right?!

If it IS possible, and ok to do, then where could I hook up the 5V (from the power supply) to the Mega? "Guessing" plugging it into one of the +5V header pins wouldn't be a good idea, 'cuz there's no protection (for power surges or anything else) behind those pins.... (right?). If so, then would it be best to solder a barrel connector (name?) to the wires, and plug that into the DC Jack on the Mega?

Thanks for the thoughts & help!

[adafruit_support_bill]

If you have a regulated 5v supply, you can power the Arduino directly via the +5v pins or the USB port. (The DC power jack requires 7v minimum).

Do not power via the 5v pins and USB at the same time. Disconnect from the power supply before connecting to your computer.

[briggsm]

Ahh, great to know - thanks!