General question about powering an arduino

I'm only guessing since it's been a while since I've done analog electronics, but my guess would be there is just enough current to move the servo to the correct position.

I could be completely wrong, so take this with a grain of salt (maybe half a grain). If you apply ohms law (V=IR) to it to get current, you get 5V with 80 Ohms which theoretically produces 625mA. But there are a lot of varibles to that. Especially since capacitors aren't ohmic.

It's probably safest to try his route (in terms of circuitry) and see what happens. Mean while... I think I'm going to find my textbook again to study.

lol thanks again for all your help on this project crenn! Once I get them caps in I'll breadboard it up and test it. now, can I just hook it (with diode) to the 5v and gnd pins on the arduino?

You need something like a super cap to store enough energy so the duino can power the servo long enough to close the louvers.

even for the ~1 second it needs to move?

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Originally Posted by Oneslowz28

You need something like a super cap to store enough energy so the duino can power the servo long enough to close the louvers.

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That's what the caps that he's using are for. Do you not think 5F would be enough? Actually, SXR, is there a power rating on the servo?

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Originally Posted by x88x

That's what the caps that he's using are for. Do you not think 5F would be enough? Actually, SXR, is there a power rating on the servo?

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Servos current depends on the load. For a normal servo, it could be upto 1A but it is dependant on the individual servo. Also you need to remember that the more current you draw, the less time you have due to the capacitor's discharge cycle.

this is the servo I'm using:

http://www3.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/wti0001p?&I=LXXF84

the specs they list:

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SPECS: Length: 1.6" (40.5mm)
Width: .8" (20.5mm)
Height: 1.43" (36mm)
Torq: 80 oz/in
Weight: 1.58oz (45g)

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And there's hardly any load on this thing at all. The louvers have a little bit of weight and resistance, but if it will be closing them gravity will be working with the servo and not against it

Got a multi meter handy?

not atm, but I'll be home from work in ~4.5 hours, what do you want me to check?

The current to the servo!