Problem

You want to power your entire project from a single AC adapter, and the sensors and/or output devices you're using draw more current than the USB port can supply.

 

Solution

Use an AC adapter, or wallwart.

• Plug it into the Main Power Connector on the Application Board. Check the Application Board Overview for more info on the Main Power Connector.
• For any of the inputs/outputs you want to use from this power supply, make sure to set their voltage select jumpers to V+.  V+ corresponds to the voltage that your power supply provides.

Discussion

The power supply you provide should provide a voltage in the range of 7-12V, ideally at 9V.  This is just so that the regulators on the board that turn this voltage into 5V and 3.3V don't have to work quite as hard.  Whatever voltage you select, make sure your power supply can provide enough current for the devices you have connected.

Switching (or switch mode) and regulated power supplies are usually the most efficient, but are usually a touch more expensive than unregulated supplies.  However, if the cheap unregulated power supply you're using supplies a voltage level that's flapping all over the place, it can lead to strange behavior that's tough to track down.  If you have the option, go for the regulated supply. 

 

If you need to control devices at a higher voltage, you can use an external power supply up to 30V.