If I connect a USB cable's internal power leads to 5V and GND, and then data leads to PC, will it work?

[TheArchitect02]

I'd like to power an Arduino with potatoes (yes, you heard my right) and I've got the proper 5V on the potatoes, but if I connect the internal leads of the USB cable to the potatoes and the data leads to my PC, would it properly establish a connection or does the computer need to power the cable for proper connection establishment?

 

[Alabalcho]

You will have to provide ground connection to the PC, too.

Also - Arduino might need much bigger current that your potato battery can provide.

 

[TheArchitect02]

You will have to provide ground connection to the PC, too.

Also - Arduino might need much bigger current that your potato battery can provide.

Ok. How can I up the current? I am using a Sparkfun Inventor Kit v3.2, which uses an Arduino Uno (ATMega 32BP).

 

[Alabalcho]

I can't see any spec on power requirement for Arduino Uno, you have to figure this out for yourself.
- Get a multi-meter, switch it to measure Direct Current (usually labeled A=); cut red wire from an USB cable, and connect the multi-meter between the cut ends. Power up your Arduino - now you have a base. Any output you connect (eg LEDs) will add to this base.

As to how to up the current - in same way as you would up the voltage. If you need eg ten potatoes connected in series to get 5VDC, add another tenin parallel - this will give you same voltage, but twice the current. You've got the idea.

 

[TheArchitect02]

I can't see any spec on power requirement for Arduino Uno, you have to figure this out for yourself.
- Get a multi-meter, switch it to measure Direct Current (usually labeled A=); cut red wire from an USB cable, and connect the multi-meter between the cut ends. Power up your Arduino - now you have a base. Any output you connect (eg LEDs) will add to this base.

As to how to up the current - in same way as you would up the voltage. If you need eg ten potatoes connected in series to get 5VDC, add another tenin parallel - this will give you same voltage, but twice the current. You've got the idea.

Ok. I'll try this and get back to you.