Directional servos, also known as servo motors, are electromechanical devices that provide precise control of angular or linear position, velocity, and acceleration. They are widely used in robotics, automation, and control systems due to their accuracy and reliability.
Directional Servo
Servo Components
Motor
Converts electrical energy into mechanical motion.
Controller
Interprets signals and provides the necessary commands to the motor.Feedback
Mechanism
Typically a potentiometer or encoder, it provides real-time position information to the controller.
Uses for Directional Servos
Robotics
For precise movement and articulation of robot joints.
Aviation
In flight control systems for aircraft.
Automobiles
In power steering and throttle control systems.Industrial Automation: For precise control of machinery and production lines.
Factors for Consideration when using directional servos
Torque
The rotational force the servo can apply, measured in Newton Meters
Speed
How quickly the servo can reach the desired position.
Resolution
The smallest change in position that the servo can detect and respond to.
Durability
Suitability for operating conditions, including temperature and load.
In what units is the torque of a directional servo measured?
How They Work
Directional servos operate by receiving a pulse width modulation control signal that specifies the desired position.
The closed loop feedback mechanism then constantly reports the current position to the controller, which adjusts the motor's operation to achieve and maintain the target position.
The speed of the directional servo can be adjusted by changing the of the control signal.
Uses for Directional Servos
Robotic Arms
Servos control the joints and end effectors, allowing for precise manipulation and assembly tasks.
Humanoid Robots
Used to simulate human movements in limbs and facial expressions.
Mobile Robots
Steering and drive mechanisms can be precisely controlled for navigation and obstacle avoidance.
One common application of directional servos is in for precise movement control.
Controlling Directional Servos
Up to 3 Directional Servos can be controlled on the MicroBit using the 'servo' extension on the make code.microbit.org editor.
Step 1 - Go to the extensions menu
Step 2 - Search for 'servo' and choose the servo extension
Step 3 - Click the servo menu
Step 4 - Choose the positional servo block and set the angle you want
Most postional servos allow an angle of between 0 and 180 degrees.
A directional servo receives signals from the micro:bit to adjust its according to the instructions.
The range of motion for a typical directional servo is from 0 to degrees.
In MakeCode for micro:bit, you can use the block to define the angle a servo should turn.
A servo can be controlled using a microbit to position objects precisely.
1. Flash the code
First plug in the USB cable to send the code to the Microbit.
2. Power the Servo
Then plug the USB into the breakout board to power the servo.
If you have 2 USB cables you can avoid swapping cables by plugging both into your computer at the same time.
