Can RC servos be used with EDUbot?

[ChrisH]

I would like to use a model aircraft type servo on our EDUbot. I know this is pretty simple with the standard RC, you just plug the servo into the pwm port. Then it's the programmer's problem.

But the EDUBot pwm outputs have four pins not three. Which three would I use for a servo?

[Matt Reiland]

Well Chris I don't have hard evidence that this will work BUT......

On the regular Isaac32 robot controller the Servos are Interchangeable with the Victors and the following 2 pieces of information are available to us:

This is from the Isaac16 Robot Controller Documentation

The PWM outputs can also drive the Victor 883 Speed controller. The Victor 883 can be connected
directly to the PWM outputs. Use a 3-wire PWM/Relay extension cable to connect a speed controller or
servo to one of the PWM output ports. When connecting a Victor speed controller, use the right 3 pins
of a PWM port. Be sure to connect the cable so the black wire is on the indicated pin (on the right side
of the connector).

And...

The Pin Header for the PWM Signal is as Follows
Pin.................Pin..................Pin...... .......Pin (Black)
+Battery........PWM Signal....+Battery....Ground

Hope this helps remember that the RC servos need to be hacked if you want continous rotation out of them too

[ChrisH]

Originally posted by Matt Reiland
Hope this helps remember that the RC servos need to be hacked if you want continous rotation out of them too

Continuous rotation is what I don't want. I want to be able to output a number and have the servo go to a predetermined position and stop.

I asked because I didn't see anything about it in the documentation, but I know it works on the regular RC

I guess I'll just have to give it a try. Hopefully we'll keep the smoke in.

[dlavery]

Yes, you can plug "traditional" servos into the motor(/PWM) outputs on the EduRobotics RC. Use a regular 3-wire PWM calbe, and just be sure to connect the PWM cable to the PWMSignal/+Battery/Ground pins, and DO NOT connect to the fourth (+Battery) pin. In the little drawing from Matt Reiland, use the three pins to the right. I've done this with our kit, and it works just fine.

The EduRobotics RC will provide a standard PWM signal, which can be used to drive the servos to a desired angular position. After that, it's the programmers problem!

-dave

[ChrisH]

Originally posted by dlavery
Yes, you can plug "traditional" servos into the motor(/PWM) outputs on the EduRobotics RC. Use a regular 3-wire PWM calbe, and just be sure to connect the PWM cable to the PWMSignal/+Battery/Ground pins, and DO NOT connect to the fourth (+Battery) pin. In the little drawing from Matt Reiland, use the three pins to the right. I've done this with our kit, and it works just fine.

The EduRobotics RC will provide a standard PWM signal, which can be used to drive the servos to a desired angular position. After that, it's the programmers problem!

-dave

I tried it too and it worked fine for me. Now I just have to figure out the mechanism to drive the stuff I need. I'll let gwross handle the program stuff!