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How to Use Servo: Examples, Pinouts, and Specs

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Introduction

The Saavox 1262mg Servo is a high-performance rotary actuator designed for precise control of angular position, velocity, and acceleration. It integrates a motor, a position feedback sensor, and control circuitry into a compact unit. This servo is widely used in robotics, automation systems, RC vehicles, and other applications requiring accurate motion control.

Explore Projects Built with Servo

Use Cirkit Designer to design, explore, and prototype these projects online. Some projects support real-time simulation. Click "Open Project" to start designing instantly!
Arduino Mega 2560 Controlled Multi-Servo Random Positioning System
Image of robotic: A project utilizing Servo in a practical application
This circuit consists of an Arduino Mega 2560 microcontroller connected to twelve servo motors, each individually controlled by a distinct PWM pin on the Arduino. The servos are powered by a single Polymer Lithium Ion Battery, with all servos sharing a common power (VCC) and ground (GND) connection. The embedded code on the Arduino is designed to randomly position each servo within a 0 to 180-degree range, with a random delay between movements, demonstrating a multi-servo control system possibly for applications like robotics or animatronics.
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Arduino UNO Servo Motor Controller
Image of Test project: A project utilizing Servo in a practical application
This circuit consists of an Arduino UNO microcontroller connected to a servo motor. The Arduino provides power (5V and GND) to the servo and controls its position through a pulse signal on pin D9. The embedded code on the Arduino is programmed to smoothly move the servo between 0 and 180 degrees, creating a sweeping motion.
Cirkit Designer LogoOpen Project in Cirkit Designer
Arduino UNO Controlled Servo Motor
Image of lblblblb: A project utilizing Servo in a practical application
This circuit consists of an Arduino UNO microcontroller connected to a servo motor. The Arduino provides power (5V) and ground connections to the servo, as well as a control signal through one of its digital pins (D6). The embedded code on the Arduino is set up to control the servo's position, sending it to a fixed angle upon each loop iteration.
Cirkit Designer LogoOpen Project in Cirkit Designer
Arduino-Controlled Multi-Servo System
Image of Mind controlled robotic arm: A project utilizing Servo in a practical application
This circuit consists of an Arduino UNO microcontroller connected to five servo motors. The servos are powered by the Arduino's 5V output and share a common ground. Each servo's PWM control pin is individually connected to a digital pin on the Arduino (D8, D9, D10, D11, D12), allowing for independent control of each servo's position. The Arduino is also connected to a laptop via USB for programming and power.
Cirkit Designer LogoOpen Project in Cirkit Designer

Explore Projects Built with Servo

Use Cirkit Designer to design, explore, and prototype these projects online. Some projects support real-time simulation. Click "Open Project" to start designing instantly!
Image of robotic: A project utilizing Servo in a practical application
Arduino Mega 2560 Controlled Multi-Servo Random Positioning System
This circuit consists of an Arduino Mega 2560 microcontroller connected to twelve servo motors, each individually controlled by a distinct PWM pin on the Arduino. The servos are powered by a single Polymer Lithium Ion Battery, with all servos sharing a common power (VCC) and ground (GND) connection. The embedded code on the Arduino is designed to randomly position each servo within a 0 to 180-degree range, with a random delay between movements, demonstrating a multi-servo control system possibly for applications like robotics or animatronics.
Cirkit Designer LogoOpen Project in Cirkit Designer
Image of Test project: A project utilizing Servo in a practical application
Arduino UNO Servo Motor Controller
This circuit consists of an Arduino UNO microcontroller connected to a servo motor. The Arduino provides power (5V and GND) to the servo and controls its position through a pulse signal on pin D9. The embedded code on the Arduino is programmed to smoothly move the servo between 0 and 180 degrees, creating a sweeping motion.
Cirkit Designer LogoOpen Project in Cirkit Designer
Image of lblblblb: A project utilizing Servo in a practical application
Arduino UNO Controlled Servo Motor
This circuit consists of an Arduino UNO microcontroller connected to a servo motor. The Arduino provides power (5V) and ground connections to the servo, as well as a control signal through one of its digital pins (D6). The embedded code on the Arduino is set up to control the servo's position, sending it to a fixed angle upon each loop iteration.
Cirkit Designer LogoOpen Project in Cirkit Designer
Image of Mind controlled robotic arm: A project utilizing Servo in a practical application
Arduino-Controlled Multi-Servo System
This circuit consists of an Arduino UNO microcontroller connected to five servo motors. The servos are powered by the Arduino's 5V output and share a common ground. Each servo's PWM control pin is individually connected to a digital pin on the Arduino (D8, D9, D10, D11, D12), allowing for independent control of each servo's position. The Arduino is also connected to a laptop via USB for programming and power.
Cirkit Designer LogoOpen Project in Cirkit Designer

Common Applications

  • Robotics (e.g., robotic arms, humanoid robots)
  • RC vehicles (e.g., cars, planes, boats)
  • Automation systems
  • Camera gimbals and pan-tilt mechanisms
  • Industrial machinery requiring precise positioning

Technical Specifications

The Saavox 1262mg Servo is engineered for reliability and precision. Below are its key technical details:

General Specifications

Parameter Value
Manufacturer Saavox
Part ID 1262mg
Operating Voltage 4.8V to 6.6V
Stall Torque (6.0V) 12 kg·cm (166.7 oz·in)
Operating Speed (6.0V) 0.15 sec/60°
Gear Material Metal
Motor Type Coreless
Control Signal PWM (Pulse Width Modulation)
Weight 55g
Dimensions 40.5mm x 20mm x 38mm

Pin Configuration

The Saavox 1262mg Servo has a standard 3-pin connector for power, ground, and signal. Below is the pinout:

Pin Number Wire Color Function Description
1 Brown Ground (GND) Connect to the ground of the power supply or microcontroller.
2 Red Power (VCC) Connect to a 4.8V-6.6V power source.
3 Orange Signal (PWM) Receives the PWM signal for position control.

Usage Instructions

The Saavox 1262mg Servo is straightforward to use in a variety of circuits. Below are the steps and best practices for integrating it into your project.

Connecting the Servo

  1. Power Supply: Ensure the servo is powered by a stable 4.8V to 6.6V source. A dedicated power supply is recommended to avoid voltage drops.
  2. Ground Connection: Connect the brown wire to the ground of your power supply and microcontroller.
  3. Signal Input: Connect the orange wire to a PWM-capable pin on your microcontroller (e.g., Arduino UNO).

Controlling the Servo with Arduino UNO

The servo can be controlled using the Arduino Servo library. Below is an example code snippet to rotate the servo to specific angles:

#include <Servo.h> // Include the Servo library

Servo myServo; // Create a Servo object

void setup() {
  myServo.attach(9); // Attach the servo to pin 9 on the Arduino
}

void loop() {
  myServo.write(0);  // Move the servo to 0 degrees
  delay(1000);       // Wait for 1 second
  myServo.write(90); // Move the servo to 90 degrees
  delay(1000);       // Wait for 1 second
  myServo.write(180); // Move the servo to 180 degrees
  delay(1000);       // Wait for 1 second
}

Best Practices

  • Avoid Overloading: Do not exceed the stall torque rating to prevent damage to the motor or gears.
  • Stable Power Supply: Use a capacitor across the power lines to reduce noise and voltage fluctuations.
  • PWM Signal: Ensure the PWM signal has a frequency of 50Hz (20ms period) for optimal performance.
  • Mechanical Limits: Avoid forcing the servo beyond its physical rotation limits (typically 0° to 180°).

Troubleshooting and FAQs

Common Issues and Solutions

  1. Servo Not Moving

    • Cause: Incorrect wiring or insufficient power supply.
    • Solution: Double-check the connections and ensure the power supply meets the voltage and current requirements.
  2. Servo Jittering

    • Cause: Noisy power supply or unstable PWM signal.
    • Solution: Add a decoupling capacitor (e.g., 100µF) across the power lines and verify the PWM signal quality.
  3. Overheating

    • Cause: Prolonged operation at stall torque or excessive load.
    • Solution: Reduce the load or avoid operating the servo at stall torque for extended periods.
  4. Limited Range of Motion

    • Cause: Incorrect PWM signal or mechanical obstruction.
    • Solution: Verify the PWM signal range (typically 1ms to 2ms pulse width) and check for physical obstructions.

FAQs

Q: Can I power the servo directly from the Arduino UNO?
A: It is not recommended, as the Arduino's 5V pin may not provide sufficient current. Use an external power supply.

Q: What is the maximum rotation angle of the Saavox 1262mg Servo?
A: The servo typically rotates between 0° and 180°, but this may vary slightly depending on the PWM signal.

Q: Can I use the servo with a 3.3V microcontroller?
A: Yes, but ensure the PWM signal is 3.3V compatible and the servo is powered by a 4.8V-6.6V supply.

Q: How do I extend the servo's lifespan?
A: Avoid overloading, use a stable power supply, and operate the servo within its specified limits.

This concludes the documentation for the Saavox 1262mg Servo. For further assistance, refer to the manufacturer's datasheet or contact Saavox support.