Science Buddies: "Ask an Expert"

Posted on behalf of student/family
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i was wondering what external power supply do i need to use a 12V pump instead of a 5V pump, do u mean like a battery or smt? I just more details on how to use the 12V specifically.

Firstly, for the Audino Uno kit do I have to buy [the kit linked in the project] in order for the code to work?

Also, for using a 12V pump instead of 5V, like i can't really understand where to attach the extra 9V battery for the extra power, because I'm going to be needing like another for the Audino uno, since i can't use USB cable, to power that, so where would each go exactly.



Project directions: https://www.sciencebuddies.org/science- ... l-pancreas

Hi,

You do not have to purchase the kit for this project. You need the materials listed from the kit that are required for the project.

In addition to other materials listed, you will need these items that are part of the available kit:

• Arduino-compatible microcontroller board
• USB cable
• Breadboard
• Jumper wires

It sounds like you may be fairly new to Arduino. This is an advanced project and we generally do not recommend it for students who are new to Arduino. We have many other Arduino projects available on our site, many of which do not require a separate external power supply, so are easier to set up. We recommend looking at one of those projects as an alternative.

If you do want to do this project, then we strongly recommend going through at least the first 7 tutorials on our How to Use an Arduino page first: https://www.sciencebuddies.org/science- ... an-arduino

Then, you will need to skip ahead to the videos specifically about how to use a pump:

https://www.sciencebuddies.org/science- ... ino#step15

and powering your project:

https://www.sciencebuddies.org/science- ... ino#step19

in order to learn how to use an external power supply for your pump.


Also, please note that you should use proper spelling and punctuation when emailing to ask for help - treat email like writing an assignment for school, as opposed to social media or texting friends. Spell out "you" instead of "u," "something" instead of "smt," etc.

thank you for receiving my email,
apologies for improper grammar, but I saw you mentioned I should aim for something easier for beginners, if I watch the videos regarding the Arduino uno, do u think then I'd be able to understand and build the project then, or should I scrap the idea and do something more beginner friendly because I thought I'd be able to comprehend it and finalized this as my science fair topic.

Regards.

Hi - if you really want to do this project we would strongly recommend starting with the videos at the beginning of our Arduino tutorial series and doing at least the first six tutorials, rather than jumping straight to the advanced videos about external power supplies and pumps. However, if you do not have an adult or someone who has experience using an Arduino who can help you, this project may still be difficult.