Arduino Prototyping Outputs #86: Continuous Rotation Servos

Servos are great, but they have their limitations. In this video, I will show you how to modify a hobby servo to make an affordable and powerful geared motor that has integrated speed control.
Continuous Rotation Servo (5-pack) -- amzn.to/2Zxi0ag
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Prototyping Supplies:
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• A More Deluxe Starter Kit -- amzn.to/3g9nFtR
• Jumper Wire Kit - amzn.to/3f9rtK4
• Breadboard Kit - amzn.to/3hIEPib
• Amazing Perfboard -- amzn.to/30Sj6O9
• WaveShield Kit -- amzn.to/3g9vMq6
• Motor Shield Kit -- amzn.to/3hISQfL
• Adafruit Circuit Playground Kit -- amzn.to/39yBfo9
• Makers Notebook -- amzn.to/3jHOYh3
A few other sensor tutorials you might like: (I have 100's!)
• Cellular Data shield - • Arduino Prototyping Te... z
• Capacitive Sensing - • Arduino Prototyping In...
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[@rolandberendonck3900]

Great inspiring video Marc!

[@MarcdeVinck]

Thanks!

[@abiramboopathi]

Thank you so much for giving me the guide for servo motor ...

[@MarcdeVinck]

Glad it helped! Thanks for watching and commenting!

[@chosze7644]

Great video. Is it possible to make the servo make exactly 5 turns?

[@MarcdeVinck]

No, you will need to add a rotary encoder to count revolutions. A continuous rotation servo is essentially a DC geared motor.

[@cattaraugustonawanda4426]

Thanks for showing how to convert a servo. I am new to Arduino and want to make a rotating positioning table that needs to be accurate. I am wondering if the continuously rotating servo can be stopped at a position by using infrared switches as position sensors and if they would be accurate? I want to keep this simple as possible. Any insight would be appreciated.

[@MarcdeVinck]

To add positional accuracy, you need an encoder. There are several ways to do this, all of which depend on the accuracy needed. You could simply add a magnet and use a reed switch, or some kind of beam break IR sensor. If you want much higher accuracy, you need to use an encoder wheel, or sensor. That will allow many steps of accuracy over 1 rotation. If you decide to go that route, you might want to just use a simple DC motor and encoder. Check out the Adafruit website and look at PRODUCT ID: 3782. It's a great solution to use with a geared DC motor.

[@gelatinskeleton8745]

But…. Can you write Arduino code to control the continuous servo????

[@MarcdeVinck]

Of course, watch the whole video!? I cover some basics starting at 8:22.

[@gelatinskeleton8745]

@@MarcdeVinck so, it seems that to control a continuous servo, it’s a matter of how long it turns… ie 1 second or 2 or 3….

[@MarcdeVinck]

@@gelatinskeleton8745 Yeah, it's speed controlled. Good for a quick geared motor on a bot. Just keep in mind it isn't very accurate. Still fun!

[@gelatinskeleton8745]

@@MarcdeVinck I sincerely appreciate you replying.

[@dhakshingk]

How does one put two continuous rotation servos onto there, but where they rotate in different direction respectively?

[@MarcdeVinck]

Just have each one on a different pin. However, if you want more control and simultaneous changes, you might want to use a motor controller. That can continue to send the pulses as needed without using up time on the Arduino board itself.

[@dhakshingk]

@@MarcdeVinck wow thanks Marc
I needed that for my GCSE design and technology project
GCSE is basically high school graduation

[@MarcdeVinck]

@@dhakshingk Glad I could help. These motor shields are great! -- www.adafruit.com/product/1438

[@d38u20ttg]

My continous rotation servos are too slow even at max speed (180 degrees). Is there a way to make it spin 10 times faster than it is now?

[@MarcdeVinck]

Servos are geared down for torque. (more "power") If you don't need the power, you can drive the motor directly sans-gears, via a transistor or use an h-bridge. It depends on the requirements. Typically those motors without the gear reduction are not very powerful. You should look at your needs and get a motor, power supply, and circuitry to control it that is the proper size.

[@d38u20ttg]

@@MarcdeVinck I didn't expect a response this fast from your old videos! Thank you so much!!

[@MarcdeVinck]

@@d38u20ttg No problem. Hope it helped!