mechnical arm question

[laxdogg14]

the motor needs a holding current that is applied in software.

[Alan Anderson]

Originally Posted by laxdogg14

the motor needs a holding current that is applied in software.

Some motors can handle that okay for a while, but things like the Fisher Price or Banebots ones this year will quickly overheat and likely be destroyed if any appreciable current is applied while the motor is not turning. They rely on an internal fan to keep the windings cool.

[Borntolose]

Mechanically: You could use a worm gear to power the arm.
Electronically/ Programming: Use a PID loop to make the arm keep it's position as long as the joysticks aren't moving.