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I'm having trouble powering my boards altogether. Right now, I'm using 8x AA batteries to power everything. Running my arduino with one shield runs fine, but not with both shields stacked on top of my arduino. I've even tried powering it with an extra 4x AA batteries on my motor shield, but it still won't run. The way it's stacked is; arduino uno board, usb host shield then motor shield.

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We don't know how your batteries are connected, or what power requirements your devices all have. –  Ignacio Vazquez-Abrams Jun 4 at 5:16
    
I have a 8xAA battery holder that's connected to the arduino uno via the 2.1mm plug and on my motor shield I have 2 DC motors and 2 servo motors that all require 6v. If that is what you mean by power requirements(?) If you mean power requirements for boards, I know that with the uno, it is suggested I use between 9v-12v, so I just went by the 12V. @IgnacioVazquez-Abrams –  Lai Jun 4 at 6:07
    
Sounds odd. Do the lights on the boards turn on? Are the sparkfun and adafruit shields pin compatible? Sometimes shields by different companies use the same pins for transmitting data. –  bladepanthera Jun 4 at 8:49
    
I can power a Mega, motor shield and a wifi shield connected to 2 motors, a servo and a variety of sensors using 4-5 AA batteries, so 8 should be more than adequate for your needs. –  bladepanthera Jun 4 at 8:53
    
Yes, the lights on all boards are turned on. I've tried again with all boards stacked on top of each other and realised that the USB host shield works when I disconnect 2 servos from the motor shield. However, the DC motors from the motor shield still does not work. I'll look into the pins now. But if they do use the same pins for transmitting data, is there a solution for that? Thanks @bladepanthera –  Lai Jun 4 at 9:11

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Its a very bad idea to power everything from the same battery source. Most motors, especially ESP, generate large current spikes, rather than draw a small current throught. AA batteries are not designed for this.

You can get away with using AA batteries for micro-controllers, shields. However, keep motors on a sweater power supply. There are batteries for specific motor types, and these will typically have a high current rating. Of course, without a circuit diagram, I cannot go into details. I'll update my answer when you do.

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It's not "a very bad idea" it merely requires some care - and a lower dropout regulator than stock wouldn't be a bad idea. What is a problem is trying to run the motors off the logic regulator. –  Chris Stratton Jul 5 at 0:40

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