The Nano V3.1 is a compact, all - in - one, and breadboard - friendly board. It's based on either the ATmega328 (like Arduino Nano 3.0) or ATmega168 (Arduino Nano 2.x). With an integrated on - board USB, it offers almost all the analog and digital pins found on the UNO or Duemilanove, and functions just like them. This Arduino - compatible Nano 328 can pair with the IO Shield for Arduino Nano, making it super easy for users to step into the Arduino world and turn their ideas into reality. As an upgraded Arduino Nano version, the Nano V3.1 is 100% compatible with Arduino Nano, its shields, and IDEs. The hardware has been significantly improved for better flexibility and user experience. Features include a Power OK red LED, Green (TX), green (RX), and green (L) LEDs. It has an upgraded 5V voltage sourcing for stronger drive power. The Mini - B USB is for programming and serial monitoring, and the TX&RX breakout can be used as a USB - UART convertor. There's also a Surface - Mount ICSP header and a standard 2.54mm spacing DIP, which is great for breadboards. Specifications: Microcontroller is ATmega328, operating voltage (logic level) is 5V, recommended input voltage is 7 - 12V, and the limit is 6 - 20V. It has 14 digital I/O pins (6 provide PWM output) and 8 analog input pins. Each I/O pin can handle 40 mA DC current. Flash memory is 16 KB (ATmega168) or 32 KB (ATmega328) with 2 KB for the bootloader. SRAM is 1 KB (ATmega168) or 2 KB (ATmega328), and EEPROM is 512 bytes (ATmega168) or 1 KB (ATmega328). Clock speed is 16 MHz, and the dimension is 0.73' x 1.70'. Power options include Mini - B USB, a 6 - 20V unregulated external power supply (pin 30), or a 5V regulated external power supply (pin 27). The power source is automatically selected to the highest voltage one. The FTDI FT232RL chip on the Nano is only powered when the board is powered via USB. So, when using external (non - USB) power, the 3.3V output from the FTDI chip isn't available, and the RX and TX LEDs may flicker if digital pins 0 or 1 are high. Memory: The ATmega168 has 16 KB of flash memory (2 KB for bootloader), 1 KB of SRAM, and 512 bytes of EEPROM. The ATmega328 has 32 KB of flash memory (2 KB for bootloader), 2 KB of SRAM, and 1 KB of EEPROM.
Using the Crowduino Nano V3.1 is quite straightforward. First, decide on your power source. You can power it through the Mini - B USB, a 6 - 20V unregulated external power supply using pin 30, or a 5V regulated external power supply via pin 27. The board will automatically pick the highest voltage source. When programming, use the Mini - B USB for connection to your computer. You can then use the serial monitor to check the status. If you want to use it as a USB - UART convertor, make use of the TX&RX breakout. When it comes to pairing with the IO Shield for Arduino Nano, just connect them properly and you're ready to explore the Arduino world. A few things to note. If you're using external non - USB power, the 3.3V output won't be available, and the RX and TX LEDs may flicker when digital pins 0 or 1 are high. Also, make sure your input voltage stays within the recommended 7 - 12V or the limit of 6 - 20V to avoid damaging the board. For maintenance, keep the board clean and dry. Avoid exposing it to extreme temperatures or moisture. If you're not using it for a long time, store it in a safe place. That way, your Crowduino Nano V3.1 will serve you well for a long time.
