#HEAVY DUTY SERVO MOTOR ARDUINO SERIAL#

#HEAVY DUTY SERVO MOTOR ARDUINO SERIAL#

There are also digitally-controlled servos that use a high-speed pulse train, and have a serial communication interface that allows more detailed configuration, typically with parameters that are tailored to RC vehicles. The pulse-controlled servos we're discussing here are analog. Shorter pulses will cause it to turn counterclockwise, and longer pulses cause it to turn clockwise. It's typically set so that a 1.5 mSec pulse stops the motor. On closer inspection, continuous rotation servos have one small difference from regular servos: they usually have a 'nulling' trimpot, used to adjust their response to the control signal. This configuration is commonly known as “star power.” If one servo causes the power rail to droop, it's less likely to effect the others when each has a direct connection. A small servo with nothing attached to the shaft might draw 10 mA, while a large one turning a heavy lever might draw an Ampere or more! If your power supply isn't up to the task, a straining or stalled servo can cause the supply to sag, which may have other unpredictable repercussions, such as causing microcontrollers to reset.Īdditionally, if you've got multiple servos, or in applications where the motors are moving non-trivial loads, it’s best to use heavy gauge wires and give each servo a direct connection to the power supply, rather than daisy-chaining power from one to the next.

Regardless of how you're powering them, it's worth noting that the current consumed by the motor increases as the mechanical loading increases. If you're using an Arduino or other microcontroller (such as the SparkFun Servo Trigger) to control your motor, the absolute maximum supply voltage that should be applied is 5.5 VDC. If you're not using batteries, the 5VDC available from a garden variety power supply is a good option. It starts to feel sluggish just before it dies. As the voltage drops, the available torque also drops - if you've driven RC vehicles, you're no doubt familiar with the loss of control that occurs as the batteries get weaker. It will be somewhat higher after a charge, and it will droop as the batteries discharge. In RC vehicles, the nominal battery voltage is 4.8V.

Heavy duty servo motor arduino