One thing the Arduino Nano lacks is a 2.1mm power socket for supply voltages higher than 5v. The standard Nano breakout board has that 2.1mm socket, but doesn't offer any additional current availability - 5 volts still comes from the small analogue regulator on the back of the Nano PCB.
But I've found a Nano compatible breakout board complete with a 2A switched mode power regulator. It's actually designed for the Arduino Micro (a breadboard friendly Leonardo), but the Micro and the Nano are largely pin compatible.
New arduino Nano v3.0 I/O expansion board micro sensor shield Uno R3 leonardo
http://r.ebay.com/udA6H8
Arduino Micro ATmega32u4 5V 16MHZ 100% compatible Arduino Mirco Replace pro mini
http://r.ebay.com/BSfvPy

By Julian

Youtuber, shed dweller, solar charge controller aficionado

13 thoughts on “Arduino nano tutorial – breakout board with 2a smps #1”
  1. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars DJMovit says:

    I know this was years ago, but I just found it. Just curious if you use the breakout board why not just used a UNO? Since the footprint is about the same. Just wondering. I'm trying to use a Nano for a project but somehow sharing the 5 volts to power two moisture sensors and a 16, 2 display I'm running into problems so I like the expansion board.

  2. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars John Hungerford says:

    I don't see this make it any where.

  3. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Sam J says:

    can this shield run 6 servos or must power them externally ?

  4. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars netbi0z says:

    Where I can find datasheet for this board?

  5. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars wataruland land says:

    Hello. It is possible to power this shield from the 2.1 to 5 volt connector at 2.5A (from an example powerbank) and at the same time use the USB to program the board. The idea is to connect several servos, as the Nano cannot feed them the power supply would come from the shield and while programming it from the USB, without having to alternately unplug the USB connector or the 2.1mm connector.

  6. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Vladimir Svarc says:

    Great finally I see this version of thee shield in action, but why needs the switch to change mode ? why not just have the regulator do the job always?

  7. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars F74D3N8r0T says:

    THIS is how I like it. Easy, no riddles, no missing thoughts. Worth subscribing to see what else might be coming. Well done mate!

  8. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Garry Nichols says:

    Mine wasn't ground off. It's a XLSEMI XL1583E1 and according to the datasheet 3 amps output.

  9. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars rva1945 says:

    Have you used the shield with a servo? If I don't connect the USB cable to the Nano it would barely move the servo. But the 12V source I used to power the shield is a 1.5A one!

  10. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Richard DePas says:

    Have you checked out the Nano Strong? It looks like a nice all-in-one prototyping nano without the need for a shield. Been watching your Arduino videos and itching to get one myself.

  11. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Jana Kozuskanicova says:

    Hi Julian, Is this shield fully compatibile with arduino uno r.3 (because holes at this shield are at the same position like female header at arduino UNO R3) or its only for micro/nano ? Thanks for answering.

  12. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars cheetahkid says:

    Hi Julian, I bought one too, I tried to get I2C working, I thought nano isn't working. I did check off the board and it does work. I found the problem that I2C output on the board isn't right. SCL is connect to D3 and SDA is connected to D2 which is weird. I wonder if it the same on yours? Does that mean Arduino Nano useless but have to use the A4 and A5, pretty much but not the same as Arduino Micro (I compared it, this one is correct one). So much thank for advertising as Nano on Ebay.

  13. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Hobbert Evergreen says:

    Man, based on your video I discovered that my shields come with a 5v regulator instead of 3v3!! And they came wired from 5V from arduino e goes to 3v3 shield pins!! So weird, but its true!! Thanks a lot!!

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.