ELEGOO Nano Board CH 340/ATmega+328P User Manual

1. Introduction

The ELEGOO Nano Board is a compact, complete, and breadboard-friendly development board. It is based on the ATmega328P microcontroller and utilizes a CH340 chip for USB communication, making it compatible with Arduino Nano V3.0. This manual provides essential information for setting up, operating, and maintaining your Nano Board.

2. Getting Started: Setup

Before using your ELEGOO Nano Board, follow these steps for initial setup:

2.1 Driver Installation

The ELEGOO Nano Board uses a CH340 chip for USB communication. Unlike some other versions, it does not use the FT232 chip. Therefore, you must install the correct CH340 driver on your computer. The driver can be downloaded from the official ELEGOO website (www.elegoo.com).

2.2 Powering the Board

The Nano Board offers flexible power options, automatically selecting the highest voltage source:

• Mini-B USB Connection: Connect the board to your computer using a Mini-B USB cable (not included in this kit).
• Unregulated External Power Supply (Pin 30): Provide 7-12V DC to pin 30 (VIN).
• Regulated External Power Supply (Pin 27): Provide 5V DC to pin 27 (5V).

Note: A Mini-B USB cable is required for programming and powering the board via USB and is NOT included with this kit. Please acquire one separately.

2.3 Pin Layout and Functions

Understanding the pin layout is crucial for connecting components and programming. The Nano board features digital pins, analog pins, power pins, and communication interfaces.

Key Pin Functions:

• Digital Pins (D0-D13): Can be used as input or output.
• Analog Pins (A0-A7): Used for analog input.
• Serial (0 (RX) and 1 (TX)): For receiving (RX) and transmitting (TX) TTL serial data. These are connected to the CH340G USB chip.
• Power Pins: Include 5V, 3.3V, VIN (unregulated input), and GND (ground).
• Reset Button: Resets the microcontroller.
• ICSP Header: For In-Circuit Serial Programming.

3. Operation

The ELEGOO Nano Board functions similarly to other Arduino-compatible boards. You can program it using the Arduino IDE.

3.1 Basic Input/Output

Each of the 14 digital pins on the Nano can be configured as an input or an output using the pinMode() function. You can then control their state with digitalWrite() and read their state with digitalRead().

3.2 Classic LED Project

This example demonstrates a simple "blink" project, which is often the first program for new users to verify basic functionality.

Hardware Needed:

• 1 x ELEGOO Nano Board
• 1 x Mini USB Cable (purchased separately)
• 1 x Breadboard
• 1 x LED
• 1 x Resistor (e.g., 220 Ohm)
• 2 x Jumper Wires

Steps:

1. Connect the long leg (anode) of the LED to a digital pin (e.g., D13) on the Nano via a current-limiting resistor.
2. Connect the short leg (cathode) of the LED to the GND pin on the Nano.
3. Connect the Nano to your computer using the Mini USB cable.
4. Open the Arduino IDE, select "Arduino Nano" as the board and the correct COM port.
5. Upload the standard "Blink" example sketch (File > Examples > 01.Basics > Blink).

The on-board LED connected to D13 should start blinking, indicating successful operation.

4. Maintenance

To ensure the longevity and proper functioning of your ELEGOO Nano Board, consider the following maintenance tips:

• Storage: Store the board in an anti-static bag or container when not in use to protect it from static discharge and dust.
• Handling: Avoid touching the pins and components directly to prevent damage from static electricity or oils from your skin.
• Cleaning: If necessary, gently clean the board with a soft, dry brush or compressed air to remove dust. Do not use liquids unless specifically designed for electronics cleaning and applied carefully.
• Power Supply: Always ensure your power supply voltage is within the specified range (7-12V unregulated, 5V regulated) to prevent damage.

5. Troubleshooting

If you encounter issues with your ELEGOO Nano Board, try the following troubleshooting steps:

• Board Not Detected:
  • Ensure the CH340 driver is correctly installed.
  • Try a different Mini-B USB cable.
  • Try a different USB port on your computer.
  • Verify that "Arduino Nano" is selected under Tools > Board in the Arduino IDE.
  • Verify the correct COM port is selected under Tools > Port.
• Sketch Upload Errors:
  • Check for syntax errors in your code.
  • Ensure the correct board and port are selected.
  • Try pressing the reset button on the Nano board just before or during the upload process.
• Unexpected Behavior:
  • Double-check your wiring connections on the breadboard.
  • Ensure external components are correctly powered and rated.
  • Simplify your code to isolate the problem.

6. Specifications

Detailed technical specifications for the ELEGOO Nano Board CH 340/ATmega+328P:

7. User Tips

• Driver First: Always install the CH340 driver before connecting the Nano board to your computer for the first time to ensure proper recognition.
• USB Cable: Remember that a Mini-B USB cable is essential for programming and powering the board via USB and needs to be purchased separately.
• Breadboard Compatibility: The Nano's compact size and pin layout are designed for easy integration with breadboards, maximizing your prototyping space.
• Power Source Selection: The board automatically selects the highest available voltage source, simplifying power management when using multiple sources.

8. Warranty and Support

For warranty information, technical support, or further assistance, please refer to the official ELEGOO website (www.elegoo.com) or contact their customer service directly. Ensure you have your product details and purchase information ready when seeking support.