Servos
Combat robots use servomotors as actuators, positioning devices, and sometimes as drive motors. These servos are the same type used in remote-controlled devices such as model aircraft flight control surfaces, steering for boats and cars, as well as other hobbies. Most common radio-control receivers have built-in connections for several servos, allowing them to be directly operated by the controls on the transmitter with very little setup.
These devices take a pulsed electrical signal (usually PWM, or Pulse-width modulation), and respond by moving a lever, slide, or shaft to a specific position. This motion is usually over a range of rotation such as 90° or 180°. This motion can be used to operate flippers, lifters, self-righting mechanisms, and other features of the bot.
How to select a servo
In combat robotics, limiting factors for servos are weight, voltage, torque, and cost. For each servo you plan to use, obtain a specification sheet to find out whether it is suitable for the purpose.
- Weight: A very durable servo with metal gears may be far too heavy for a small bot, but one with plastic gears may break quickly when the bot is struck or dropped.
- Voltage: Many small hobby servos run on a limited range of voltages, often 4.8~6.0 volts. If your servo can't run directly from your bot's battery voltage, the receiver might need a battery eliminator circuit (BEC) module that generates enough power to run both the receiver and the servo(s).
- Torque: The servo needs to have enough strength to accomplish its task in the bot.
- Cost: High quality servos cost more.
In addition, some servos have a "continuous rotation" ability, which allows them to substitute for motors without the need for a motor speed controller. Be careful not to order one of these if you need only a short range of motion.
How to connect and use
Nearly all servos have a common type of 3-wire connector, although the wire colors vary:
- Ground wire – Black (or Brown)
- DC power wire – Red (or Orange)
- Signal wire – White (or Yellow)