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Tinker Thoughts Blog

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  • Powering a 9g 360° Servo Motor Directly from a Nano Dev Board

    TTB #23: Powering a 9g 360° Servo Motor Directly from a Nano Dev Board

    This tutorial investigates whether a 9g 360° servo motor can be powered directly from the Nano Dev Board without external supply. Using detailed current and voltage measurements under start-up, steady-state, and stall conditions, the results show the Nano Flip’s onboard regulator and USB-C path can safely handle the current draw without voltage sag below 4.96 V. Both USB-C and Vin configurations were tested with consistent stability. While this approach is suitable for short tests and educational use, long-term or production designs should still employ a dedicated power supply for servos to ensure reliability and isolation from the microcontroller rail.

    TTB #23: Powering a 9g 360° Servo Motor Directly from a Nano Dev Board

    This tutorial investigates whether a 9g 360° servo motor can be powered directly from the Nano Dev Board without external supply. Using detailed current and voltage measurements under start-up, steady-state, and stall conditions, the results show the Nano Flip’s onboard regulator and USB-C path can safely handle the current draw without voltage sag below 4.96 V. Both USB-C and Vin configurations were tested with consistent stability. While this approach is suitable for short tests and educational use, long-term or production designs should still employ a dedicated power supply for servos to ensure reliability and isolation from the microcontroller rail.

  • The I2C Mode of the HC-SR04 Ultrasonic Sensor

    TTB #22: The I2C Mode of the HC-SR04 Ultrasonic Sensor

    The HC-SR04 (2021 version) ultrasonic sensor upgrades the classic HC-SR04 by integrating an RCWL-9200 controller, enabling four communication modes: GPIO, I²C, 1-Wire, and UART. This tutorial focuses on the I²C mode, which is enabled by bridging the M1 jumper and leaving M2 open. In this mode, the module communicates over SDA and SCL lines at address 0x57, requiring only two pins on the microcontroller. It delivers precise distance readings from about 2 cm up to 4–5 meters. We cover mode selection, wiring, and a working Arduino sketch to read centimeter values directly from the sensor via the I²C bus.

    TTB #22: The I2C Mode of the HC-SR04 Ultrasonic Sensor

    The HC-SR04 (2021 version) ultrasonic sensor upgrades the classic HC-SR04 by integrating an RCWL-9200 controller, enabling four communication modes: GPIO, I²C, 1-Wire, and UART. This tutorial focuses on the I²C mode, which is enabled by bridging the M1 jumper and leaving M2 open. In this mode, the module communicates over SDA and SCL lines at address 0x57, requiring only two pins on the microcontroller. It delivers precise distance readings from about 2 cm up to 4–5 meters. We cover mode selection, wiring, and a working Arduino sketch to read centimeter values directly from the sensor via the I²C bus.

  • Yet Another Way to Verify the Clock Source on a Dev Board

    TTB #21: [Guest Post] Yet Another Way to Verify the Clock Source on a Dev Board

    Determining the clock source on a microcontroller development board is essential for debugging and validation. Traditional methods like reading crystal markings or setting fuses can be risky or unreliable. In this tutorial, we demonstrate a safer, faster approach using an oscilloscope with FFT capability and near-field sniffer probes. By probing the Nano Flip’s external crystal, the FFT reveals a clear 16 MHz peak, confirming the clock frequency without altering fuses. Beyond verification, these probes are valuable for EMI troubleshooting and pre-compliance testing, helping engineers quickly identify noise sources before formal FCC or ISED certification testing.

    TTB #21: [Guest Post] Yet Another Way to Verify the Clock Source on a Dev Board

    Determining the clock source on a microcontroller development board is essential for debugging and validation. Traditional methods like reading crystal markings or setting fuses can be risky or unreliable. In this tutorial, we demonstrate a safer, faster approach using an oscilloscope with FFT capability and near-field sniffer probes. By probing the Nano Flip’s external crystal, the FFT reveals a clear 16 MHz peak, confirming the clock frequency without altering fuses. Beyond verification, these probes are valuable for EMI troubleshooting and pre-compliance testing, helping engineers quickly identify noise sources before formal FCC or ISED certification testing.

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