EX-CommandStation

Arduino Nano Setup

Propeller Beanie

The Arduino Nano is an Uno in disguise. It has the same processor, the same speed, the same (small) amount of memory. It’s just small. The disadvantage is that you can’t plug shields on top of it, but the benefit is that it can fit in a small box. You can always use all the same Uno shields, like the full-sized motor shield, you just have to solder or use wire jumpers to make the connections.

Note

Be sure to compare the Mega before using the Nano

Validate none of the limitations of a Nano will prevent you using features you will need by reading through the section on Microcontrollers.

Arduino Nano

Figure 39 Arduino Nano

What You need

Hardware

  • Arduino Nano (or clone)

  • Gravitech Nano Motor Shield (or clone, or any supported motor shield)

  • 5V 1A Power Supply with Mini-USB for Arduino and Micro-USB for clones

  • 12-14.5V 3-5A Power Supply for the motor shield

  • Barrel Connector to Screw Terminal Adapter if using the Nano Motor Shield

  • Wire of the appropriate gauge for hookup

  • Computer to load the software (Windows, Mac, Linux, Raspberry Pi)

Software

Optional Hardware

Supported ESP8266 WiFi Option

Note

Before you order a Nano, be sure whether the headers are soldered or not. The Arduino brand is not soldered, while many of the Chinese sites give you the option. If you are a conductor, you probably don’t want to solder. If you are an Engineer, you may want to solder directly to the board and having to unsolder headers would be an unwelcome surprise.

Using the special Nano Motor Shield

Gravitech Nano Motor Shield

Figure 40 Gravitech Nano Motor Shield

Nano Motor Shield Clone

Figure 41 Nano Motor Shield Clone

The above image shows a Gravitech Nano Motor Shield on the left, and a clone from China on the right. The image on the left shows a Nano (separately purchased) plugged into the board. Search “Nano Motor Shield” or “Nano-L298p”. And remember to order a Nano from the same source or from someone else.

The Gravitech is available from RobotShop and direct from Gravitech for $29 US plus shipping. The Chinese clone costs between $9 and $18 (shipping included) from sources like AliExpress, eBay, Amazon, etc.

Note

There is a slight difference in the brand name Gravitech board and the board from the Chinese suppliers. There is a reset button on the Chinese board for one. We will post more information when we can test them side-by-side.

To use this board, you simple plug the Nano into the motor shield (really a carrier board), upload the software and wire it to your track. It is just as easy as Using a Mega and an Arduino Motor shield.

Todo

LOW - Hardware - Finish the above and the below sections

Todo

LOW - Hardware - Show VCC power wiring option

Todo

LOW - Hardware - Show all the other Nano sized terminal boards and the ethernet board

Wiring a Motor Shield

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You will need jumpers to connect the Nano to the Arduino Motor Shield

Wiring other Motor Boards

Propeller Beanie

As long as you know the pinouts, you can jumper wires to any motor shield you can connect to an Uno or Mega.