Servos

Abstract

In this chapter, we are going to look at servo motors or servomechanisms. A servo is a motor with a feedback system that helps to control the position of the motor. Servos typically rotate through 180 degrees, although you can also buy continuous rotation servos or even modify a standard one for continuous rotation. If you have ever owned a radio-controlled (RC) airplane, you have come across servos; they are used to control the flight surfaces. RC cars use them for the steering mechanism, and RC boats use them to control the rudder. Likewise, they are often used as the moving joints in small robot arms and for controlling movement in animatronics. Perhaps by the end of this chapter you’ll be inspired to put some servos inside a teddy bear or other toy to make it move. Figures 9-1 and 9-2 show other ways to use servos.