Prop-1 and AP-8 Power Supplies

[WolfManor]

Jon,

I see in the documentation that both the Prop-1 and the AP-8 require a power supply.  Is it possible to power the AP-8 from the Prop-1 and if so how would I connect that up?

Right now I did the precautionary thing and bought a power supply for each but would like to limit the power blocks in use.

Also, just in case it matters, I am using a Solenoid that is 12VDC 500mA controlled from the Prop-1.  I know this is pushing the limit on the ULN so let me know if the AP-8 puts me over and if a seperate power supply is needed in this case as well.

[JonnyMac]

You can make a cable with 2.1 mm barrel connector and connect it to the Prop-1's V+ (center) and GND (sleeve).  This will allow the power switch on the Prop-1 to control the AP-8; when the power switch is in position 2 the AP-8 will get power, otherwise it will be off.

If you are in fact running a 500 mA solenoid from your Prop-1, you should not drive any other loads (from the OUTx) terminals while this solenoid is active; to do so would risk damaging the ULN2803.

It might be a good idea to use separate power supplies for this project; you don't want to brown-out the supply by running the solenoid and running the AP-8 at the same time.