I'd like to know if anyone has powered a Moteino with 12 volts and used LP Labs FTDI interface with it? I was worried that the 12v would flow into the FTDI chip and fry it.
I opened the 5v jumper and put a diode across it.
Just wondering if I could have gotten away without it.
Hm, there's no reverse voltage protection from the FTDI adapter because the point of it is to power the Moteino when programming it only, or while attached to the computer for debugging/testing. It could also be used when deployed, but then power should be provided from the USB input of the FTDI adapter.
So .. I would not advise powering the Moteino from VIN with 12V while the FTDI is attached.
Also, 12V is a bit of a stretch, while still within the 13.2V max input spec of the little regulator, it's not a switching regulator so the more voltage the more heat it will dissipate. I powered Moteinos from 9V many times without a problem. And I tried to always stay at or below 9V. Not saying that 12V doesn't work but if there's a choice, a lower voltage should be picked.