pictographer
Well-known member
I have an externally powered Teensy 3.0 project. When attempting a recent software upgrade I noticed it would no longer work with external power unless the USB serial cable was also attached. Since VIN and VUSB were cut, I didn't expect the project to work with only the USB cable. At this point, I think the experts already know what happened here, but it wasn't immediately obvious to me.
I checked the external wiring. Tested the power source I was using. Uploaded the Blink sketch to rule out my software. Poked around checking continuity and voltage.
Then it occurred to me to try connecting the USB cable and the external Vcc lead, but not the external ground. Ah ha! It started blinking. Indeed, my external ground connection was broken.
Lesson: the USB cable still provides a ground connection even when power is not supplied by the USB cable.
I checked the external wiring. Tested the power source I was using. Uploaded the Blink sketch to rule out my software. Poked around checking continuity and voltage.
Then it occurred to me to try connecting the USB cable and the external Vcc lead, but not the external ground. Ah ha! It started blinking. Indeed, my external ground connection was broken.
Lesson: the USB cable still provides a ground connection even when power is not supplied by the USB cable.
