alternative to futaba?
 

hi guys,

though no longer in first (though i might start a team soon around here) i'm out for now--meaning im doing extra work around.

anybody have any alternatives to futaba servos for small motor control? i'm sorta sick of buying slightly expensive servos only to strip them out to make a normal motor. whats the best idea (like not using servos--meaning what for that same size category)?

thanks

Re: alternative to futaba?
 

Hey 624, I remember you guys. You stayed in our hotel in Phoenix in 2003.

Anyway, I'm not too clear on exactly what you are looking for. Do you want a cheap servo that has already been modified to continuously rotate? If so: http://www.parallax.com/detail.asp?product_id=900-00008

If you are just looking for a bunch of different servos, here's a lot of them: http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin...7p?CATEGORY=MA

Re: alternative to futaba?
 

actually, i was thinking of alternatives to servos in general. something small and somewhat lower voltage, but higher in torque than servos, and continuously rotating (instead of modding them, because thats what we already do). any ideas? sorry for the vague question.

Re: alternative to futaba?
 

Here's a quick thought. There are motors provided with, and sold separately from, the VEX kits that might meet your needs. They are the exact same size as a standard servo, but they continuously rotate in both directions. Take a look and see if they meet your needs. I believe they are priced in the $20 range.

Re: alternative to futaba?
 

but what about something stronger? i'd like to stay in the same size range, but jump up a bit in torque (hopefully). thanks.

Re: alternative to futaba?
 

Perhaps you'd be in the market for an R/C car motor? I've had good experiences with the Traxxas Stinger motor (which appears to be a standard RS-540 motor, but might not be--I don't know). I don't have the link, but I recall it going for $10-15 on Tower Hobbies. Good power on 7.2 volts, lasts forever, low maintenance, and is still pretty cheap.

Re: alternative to futaba?
 

That's an excellent suggestion!! I don't know why I didn't think of it. ;)

There are more types R/C car motors than you can imagine!! Everything from "stock" to super modified that can suck a 2100mAh 7.2vdc dry in as little as a minute. All of these motors will require a speed control, and yes, a Victor will do just fine. The one thing to understand is that very few of these motors are designed to run on 12vdc. (Although, there is a "Boat" motor that is designed for 12vdc that I am aware of.) R/C car motors are physically larger than a servo, but you will find the torque is way better. This is due to many factors: much larger and stronger magnets, much higher current draw to name a few. They also can achieve an output shaft peek RPM in the 30K ballpark, not that you would ever need it. A motor that can do that will also cost +$50. The one that Billfred mentioned lists for $17.49 at Tower Hobbies http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin...er&FVPROFIL=++
It is a very good, reliable, sturdy motor. But remember, you will need to use a speed control and it won't last long at all if you dump a full 12vdc on it. (But it will SCREAM... until it dies :D )

Hope that helps!

Re: alternative to futaba?
 

While RC car motors are relatively inexpensive, easily available, and very powerful, they are extremely fast. You will need a lot of gearing which may not be cheap or easy. I recommend getting a gearhead motor like this that already spins pretty slow.

I'm not sure how big or small you want your robot to be, or how fast or slow, but you might also take a look at these motors http://robotcombat.com/marketplace_ant_motors.html

Re: alternative to futaba?
 

Check this site out.

http://www.lynxmotion.com/Category.aspx?CategoryID=50

They might have something you are looking for. ;)