How to Use SparkFun Servo Trigger: Examples, Pinouts, and Specs

The SparkFun Servo Trigger is a versatile board designed to control hobbyist servo motors in response to external signals. It simplifies the process of making a servo move in response to a new position without the need for a microcontroller. With an onboard potentiometer, users can adjust the speed of the servo's movement. This component is ideal for creating simple automation projects, interactive displays, or robotics without complex programming.

• Automated displays and animatronics
• Robotics and RC vehicles
• Prototyping interactive projects
• Educational tools for teaching servo motor control

• Operating Voltage: 5V to 16V
• Output Current: Up to 3A (6A peak)
• Logic Input Voltage: 3.3V (high) or 0V (low)
• Control Signal: PWM, 1.5ms default width

1. Connect the GND pin to the ground of your power supply.
2. Connect the VCC pin to a 5V to 16V power source.
3. Attach your servo's ground wire to the ground of your power supply, the power wire to the same power supply, and the control wire to the OUT pin of the Servo Trigger.
4. Connect a trigger source (e.g., button, switch) to the IN pin. When the trigger is activated (set to high), the Servo Trigger will send a control signal to the servo.

• Ensure that the power supply can handle the current requirements of your servo.
• Do not exceed the voltage rating of the Servo Trigger or the servo motor.
• Adjust the onboard potentiometer to set the desired servo speed before applying power.
• Use a pull-down resistor on the IN pin if the trigger source is not guaranteed to provide a low signal when inactive.

• Servo not responding: Check all connections, ensure the power supply is adequate, and verify that the trigger signal is reaching the IN pin.
• Erratic servo movement: This may be due to an unstable power supply or noise on the trigger signal. Ensure a clean and stable power source and signal.

• If the servo behaves unexpectedly, recalibrate the potentiometer for speed control.
• Use a multimeter to verify the voltage levels at the VCC and IN pins.
• Ensure that the servo's specifications are compatible with the Servo Trigger's output.

• Q: Can I use the Servo Trigger without an external trigger?

  • A: Yes, you can manually control the servo by adjusting the onboard potentiometer.

• Q: What is the maximum number of servos I can control with one Servo Trigger?

  • A: The Servo Trigger is designed to control one servo per board. However, multiple boards can be used in parallel for controlling additional servos.

• Q: Can I use the Servo Trigger with an Arduino?

  • A: Absolutely. You can connect an Arduino's digital output to the IN pin to trigger the servo programmatically.

// Example code to control the SparkFun Servo Trigger with an Arduino UNO

const int triggerPin = 2; // Connect to the IN pin of the Servo Trigger

void setup() {
  pinMode(triggerPin, OUTPUT);
  digitalWrite(triggerPin, LOW); // Start with the trigger inactive
}

void loop() {
  digitalWrite(triggerPin, HIGH); // Activate the trigger
  delay(1000); // Wait for 1 second
  digitalWrite(triggerPin, LOW); // Deactivate the trigger
  delay(1000); // Wait for 1 second
}

Note: This code will toggle the servo position between two points every second. Adjust the delay and logic as needed for your specific application.

Remember to keep your code comments concise and within the 80 character line length limit. This ensures readability and maintainability of your code.