Help! Arduino not powering! need for mando rangefinder

[sudden oak]

Ok so my friend programed an Arduino nano every for me since I know NOTHING about programing. Basically what it does is when I push a button it moves a servo 90 degrees and when I push a button again it moves back to 0. As the title says this is for a Mandalorian rangefinder so you can kinda get how it functions. All im trying to do is power the Arduino using the vin. However when we looked it up we found several people saying that you can use 7-12 volts when using the vin pin but when I hooked a 9v to vin the Arduino lit up but the servo didn't move, it only moves when its hooked up to my pc. Everyone online is contradicting each other, some say use a 9v others say a 9v wont work and to use a power bank connected to the port you use for programing, and even more people say dont do that. Basic of the story what do I need to do to power the Arduino and servo using vin (picture is the servo im using)

[odd garden]

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[sudden oak]

Help! Arduino not powering! need for mando rangefinder

[karmic swift]

Your servo isn’t rated for 9v.

4.8-6.8v

If you apply a voltage of 9 volts to a micro servo that is designed to operate at 4.8 to 6.8 volts, it can potentially damage the servo or cause it to malfunction. The reason for this is that the components within the servo, such as the motor and control circuitry, are designed to operate within a specific voltage range. Applying a higher voltage than the servo is designed for can cause excessive current to flow through the components, which can overheat and damage them.

Can you share a picture of your board?

[sudden oak]

I'm not gonna be home today so i can get an actual pic but here is the exact board I use

[karmic swift]

Not sure about this specific board but with the crashworks boards they highly recommend not powering the board through the mini usb as it can damage the processor. It’s used for programming only

But I would try using a 5v/2amp power bank with that servo.

[sudden oak]

I'm sorry im a little confused, am I powering just the servo with a power bank? Or the board?

[karmic swift]

I’m limited with how far I can help you with this because my coding skills aren’t that great. Electrically I can give advice. Here’s a basic wiring diagram from crashworks. Basically the 5v power supply feeds the servos, but the control wire comes off the arduino nano.

https://github.com/crashworks3d/Iron_Man_Servo/blob/v3.0.1.2/images/wiring_diagram_1.jpg

[sudden oak]

Ok I really appreciate it! So last question hopefully. So if im looking at this correctly, can I use something else that isnt a power bank but is stll 5V just because space is limited and im not sure if I can fit another power bank in my helmet.

and also what are these?

[karmic swift]

This wiring diagram is from crashworks iron man helmet motorization. I was just sharing it so you can see how the helmet servos get power/control circuit. The led eyes don’t apply to you.

[karmic swift]

Another power bank? You already have one for other electronics?

[sudden oak]

I have a fan system in my helmet to keep me cool and defog my visor

Also I just noticed something on the diagram, servos have 3 wires, power ground and signal, I see where power and ground go im not seeing signal

Sorry if I'm asking alot of questions I just wanna make sure I understand it

[karmic swift]

I would use a single power bank to power the fan and range finder servo. You will need to calculate your required load and get the correct amperage output. Unless the fans operate at a higher voltage then two seperate power supplies.

In the diagram I shared, which is just an example shows the yellow control wire going to the arduino board. But you will have to determine what pin is your output signal through code.

[sudden oak]

I believe that the fans are 5V fans

[karmic swift]

Check the specs. See what amperage or wattage they need

[sudden oak]

Rating: DC 5V / 0.1-0.3A. Is what the Amazon listing says

[karmic swift]

Very small load. Should be able to power those along with your servo with a 5v/3amp power supply no problem

[sudden oak]

Alright thank you very much, this way of doing it makes alot of sense to me. I appreciate it very much!

[karmic swift]

No problem, hopefully your friend can help with the code and get it working for you

[sudden oak]

The code works, I like said when its plugged into my pc eveything does what its suppose to buut when I run it off the battery nothing

[karmic swift]

Have you tested with a battery bank yet?

[sudden oak]

I haven't not gotten a chance to yet but ill make sure to let you know how it goes!!!!

[karmic swift]

Sounds good!

[sudden oak]

Hey sorry its been FOREVER since I touched this project, I still haven't used this method yet since work and stuff hasn't allowed me to mess with this thing. but I wanted to ask a few things. 1. does this method constantly draw power even when the motor isnt moving? 2. if so how long does the power bank last?