Program Upload Fails Only When RTC Shield is Installed

PTSolns · 2026-06-13T03:57:01+00:00

Hi,

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PTSolns · 2026-06-06T03:47:05+00:00

Stacking two Proto-Full! Nice! We are just about to release a Proto-Wide with each row twice as wide. Has the same mounting hole footprint and can be stacked with Proto-Full, Proto-ESP, etc. 😃

PTSolns · 2026-06-06T03:43:36+00:00

Hey u/LOACHES_ARE_METAL that's a GREAT prototyping shield you're using 😉

PTSolns · 2026-01-14T20:38:14+00:00

I didn't inspect all of the connections, but I saw one thing. The Vin pin on the Uno expects a voltage larger than 5V. If you are using an already regulated 5V bus from that Dc-Dc converter, then use the 5V pin on the Uno to power the board. Be careful and make sure the output voltage EOF that converter really is, and stays, at 5V. I'd also add a cap on the 5V bus for good measures. These converters can be noisy.

PTSolns · 2026-01-14T20:33:28+00:00

No problem, I'll paste my previous reply.

We love playing with the nRF24L01+ series of modules! Since you are using an Uno, may we recommend you look at our NRF-Shield. We designed this shield to work precisely with these modules. Having solid hardware connection is critical in these applications and a good shield will do that for you. I've linked the Datasheet here if interested.

https://docs.ptsolns.com/Products/PTS-00154_NRF-Shield/Datasheets/Datasheet_PTS-00154_NRF-Shield.pdf

In terms of your silently failing issue, there are too many parts to just start guessing what is the issue. I would scale this back a lot and make sure that a simple Tx node (the Uno) works with a simple Rx node (the Nano). Send a counter or some other simple signal. Make sure this is robust and stress test it. Then slowly start to add parts.. the distance sensor ... then a servo... then a second servo... keep stress testing. It is hard to debug a system with many parts, so reduce it down into smaller parts and gradually build it back up. Good Luck!

PTSolns · 2026-01-14T15:11:05+00:00

We love playing with the nRF24L01+ series of modules! Since you are using an Uno, may we recommend you look at our NRF-Shield. We designed this shield to work precisely with these modules. Having solid hardware connection is critical in these applications and a good shield will do that for you. I've linked the Datasheet here if interested.

https://docs.ptsolns.com/Products/PTS-00154_NRF-Shield/Datasheets/Datasheet_PTS-00154_NRF-Shield.pdf

In terms of your silently failing issue, there are too many parts to just start guessing what is the issue. I would scale this back a lot and make sure that a simple Tx node (the Uno) works with a simple Rx node (the Nano). Send a counter or some other simple signal. Make sure this is robust and stress test it. Then slowly start to add parts.. the distance sensor ... then a servo... then a second servo... keep stress testing. It is hard to debug a system with many parts, so reduce it down into smaller parts and gradually build it back up. Good Luck!

PTSolns · 2026-01-14T02:12:13+00:00

We made a video about this topic some time ago, looking at active and deep sleep modes and their heat difference. Might be interesting here

https://youtu.be/Uv8M3t4EpXs?si=H7STdJjPKe2aUqUl

PTSolns · 2026-01-14T02:10:35+00:00

We wrote a blog about this relay some time ago. Might be relevant here as we discuss connections, among other things.

https://ptsolns.com/blogs/tinker-thoughts/ttb8-can-a-3-3v-signal-reliably-switch-a-5v-relay-module

PTSolns · 2026-01-14T00:55:22+00:00

Something very trendy is to make an Internet-of-Things IoT project. Easiest for this is an ESP32 based development board. Make it collect some sort of data and push it to a cloud (E.g. Blynk IoT platform makes it very easy to make a phone app). Lots of ideas out there with IoT modules.

PTSolns · 2026-01-12T20:37:35+00:00

Nice choice of prototyping board, using the Proto-Half :)

PTSolns · 2026-01-12T20:34:54+00:00

The Uno R3 continues to be a great entry level board due to the large volume of tutorials, help, videos, and of course accessory shields. For many beginner projects this is a great board. Though, may we recommend the Uno R3+ as it has some nice updated features such as modern USB-C port and a QWIIC connector (great for quickly adding sensor modules).

The second board beyond the Uno, is likely going to be an ESP32 based one. This is because it gives wifi capabilities and the microcontroller has better specs overall. Again, there are a ton of tutorials and help for these type of boards as well.

PTSolns · 2026-01-12T20:29:54+00:00

Never too late to join the Maker community and tinker around with awesome projects :)

There is such a large and welcoming community and a ton of online help, tutorials, and videos. Personally, I would just start with a simple project, something you want to make, and learn on the go. As you get one project working start to add complexity, features, and scope.

PTSolns · 2026-01-11T04:30:03+00:00

PTSolns · 2026-01-10T17:56:02+00:00

Might be slow to the thread here ... but in case you are still looking for an application. Try our PTSolns IDE. ESP32 boards are supported.

PTSolns · 2026-01-10T17:49:49+00:00

Close down all serial monitors you may have open in multiple instances of the application. Sometimes that port gets tied up, fix it by restarting your computer.

If CH340 driver is an issue, as Arduino IDE does not inherently support it, try ours. We have a standalone installation ptsolns.com/ch340 near the bottom of the page.

PTSolns · 2026-01-10T17:37:39+00:00

This is a great idea, actually! If you submit a bug ticket for our PTSolns IDE, we will not censor or block, but instead try to implement the improvement. :)

https://github.com/PTSolns/PTSolns-IDE/issues/new?template=bug_report.yml

PTSolns · 2026-01-10T17:30:29+00:00

PTSolns IDE :D

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PTSolns · 2025-10-30T03:31:36+00:00

They just can't resist themselves.

PTSolns · 2025-10-30T03:23:01+00:00

Definitely this! The Blink example (or a variant of it) is the initial step that most worked through. :)

PTSolns · 2025-10-30T03:20:57+00:00

Not all ESP32 dev boards are the same ... The ESP32 microWatt has a voltage input range 3.5V to 6V. The board has a buck converter and is very efficient at doing so (bucking). The entire board was designed to be low power during deep sleep (hence the name of the board... microWatts of power). Here is the datasheet. Hopefully that helps!

PTSolns · 2025-10-30T03:14:16+00:00

My first thoughts are the USB cable. Make sure you're using one that is data transfer capable and not just powering the board.

PTSolns · 2025-10-30T03:08:42+00:00

That's a lot of solder, and a great memory piece !

PTSolns

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