SparkFun Forums 

Where electronics enthusiasts find answers.

Monitoring arduino supply voltage

For the discussion of Arduino related topics.

Monitoring arduino supply voltage

By victorf
-  Wed Jan 05, 2011 4:57 am #116649
I would like to monitor the 12V battery supply to my Arduino. The goal is to provide an indication, in the form of a blinking LED, when the supply voltage falls below 10V. I propose to do this by making Vin = to the supply voltage and dividing this reference to 5V or less using a voltage divider. I could then measure the battery voltage by using the ADC on one of the analog pins. By monitoring the ADC voltage periodically, I could turn on the blinking LED when the supply voltage fell to or below 10V. Is this a workable solution? Other suggestions?

Any enlightenment will be appreciated.

Vic

Re: Monitoring arduino supply voltage

By waltr
-  Wed Jan 05, 2011 8:12 am #116665
Yep, that is a workable solution. Just be aware that the voltage divider when consume current therefore will assist in discharging the battery. This may be perfectly acceptable or you may include a MOSFET 'switch' that is turned on by the processor before making a battery measurement.

There has been a number of discussions able this idea so search the forum.
 Return to “Arduino”