[FTC]: De-energizing a Hitech Servo

[FTC-4077]

On the opposite note, does anyone know how to have a servo STAY energized after a match is over? We have our servos on a crate and if they turn off, the crate will drop.

Is it possible? Thanks!

[team F.T.C 4240]

Originally Posted by FTC-4077

On the opposite note, does anyone know how to have a servo STAY energized after a match is over? We have our servos on a crate and if they turn off, the crate will drop.

Is it possible? Thanks!

I'm almost positive unless you turn the 12Volt off it will stay energized and hold position.

[FTC-4077]

I think that's only if the program continues to run. In a match, if the FTA's "stop program" won't the servos return to their orginal state?

[PhilBot]

Originally Posted by team F.T.C 4240

I'm almost positive unless you turn the 12Volt off it will stay energized and hold position.

The default template code turns OFF all the motors and powers down the servos when a "Disable" state is issued from the FCS.

If the Teleop program is halted before receiving a "Disable" the Servos will hold their position until the internal watchdog kicks in (2.5 seconds I think), but if the "Disable" is sent first (which it should be for safety reasons) then the servos will go limp immediately at the end of the match.

You may need to install some sort of mechanical latch to hold the crate in it's upper most position.

Phil.

[surly]

The watchdog actually only exists for the DC motors, not servos.

NI is planning a patch to address the current behavior that forces servos to go limp when the FCS issues a disable signal. This will help robots hold up crates after the match ends. It will also help certain robots that require energized servos to stay within the size constraints at the start of the match.

[gotrobot?]

Originally Posted by surly

The watchdog actually only exists for the DC motors, not servos.

NI is planning a patch to address the current behavior that forces servos to go limp when the FCS issues a disable signal. This will help robots hold up crates after the match ends. It will also help certain robots that require energized servos to stay within the size constraints at the start of the match.

Is there an ETA for when this patch will be available?