[Thom]

Hello everyone,

I'm looking to use Arduino boards with my field kit sensor section (and other things) and on the Koma website it implies the best way to power an Arduino is with the dc motor interface

"The maximum output-voltage is about 8v. It provides enough current to power an Arduino"

I'm just wondering if it is possible to power an Arduino board from the 5v output and ground output of the sensor section and then use more complex sensors with the Arduino and then just output the sensor data from the Arduino and input to the field kit signal input?

I'd like to use the dc motor and an arduino at the same time if possible for a couple of ideas i have and just wanted to know if the plan was viable or I'd have to rethink slightly.

[chrisi]

The reason why we recommend the DC Interface for powering stuff is because it's fused with a 500mA fuse. So if anything goes south, like a short circuit, that fuse will protect the Field Kit and in the best case scenario also your Arduino.

You can technically absolutely power your Arduino from the Analog or Switch Interface but you are not protected that way and any errors you make might result in a damaged Field Kit or Arduino.

So your idea does work, try it out. But be careful!