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How to Use the Servo Manager

danger

The voltage that powers the Servo Manager matches the voltage fed to the servo.

Wiring​

Power​

The Servo Manager includes two power ports. Either port works for power input. Both ports sit on the left side of the unit. A colour-coated WAGO and a 2.54mm pitch 3-pin Molex SL housing. The remaining ports on the Servo Manager do not supply power.

tip

Use the AA battery holder or Servo Power Block to power the Servo Manager. This will provide 6V to the Servo Manager and the servos.

Servos​

Servos can plug into either of the two ports at the top of the unit.

USB​

A USB port sits on the right side of the unit. This port supports firmware updates and servo control through the ().

Modes​

The Servo Manager provides 8 modes. Each mode serves a different purpose.

Changing Modes

To cycle between modes hit M on the Servo Manager.

  1. IDLE - Alternates between displaying SRVO and PRGR. Default boot mode.
  2. Standard - Displays PSTD, used for programming the servo into Standard mode.
  3. Continuous - Displays PCNT, used for programming the servo into Continuous mode.
  4. Current - Displays the current pulled by the servo in A.
  5. Voltage - Displays the current voltage supplied to the servo in V.
  6. Potentiometer - Displays the knob percentage with a range of 0.0 to 100.0. This percentage directly corresponds to the knob position from fully left to fully right.
  7. Duty Cycle - Displays the PWM duty cycle applied to the servo signal pin.
  8. Frequency - Displays the PWM frequency applied to the servo signal pin.

Standard Mode​

Standard mode places the servo into normal fixed-rotation operation. Programming the servo returns to fixed-rotation behavior.

tip

Studica servos operate within a ±150° range in standard mode. See the actuator section on servos for full specs.

Standard ModeStandard Mode

Servo Manager in Standard Mode

Programming

Hit P when in Standard mode to program the servo into normal standard operation.

Setting Max and Min Angle​

The Servo Manager allows users to define the max and min servo angles. After configuration, the servo stops at the defined limits.

To set the max angle rotate the servo to the limit position and hit °+ to set the max angle. To set the min angle rotate the servo to the limit position and hit °- to set the min angle. To reset the angles back to default hold °+ and °- down at the same time for 3 seconds.

Continuous Mode​

Continuous mode converts the servo into continuous rotation operation. The servo then behaves like a continuously rotating motor.

tip

See the actuator section on servos to see the speed and torque specs of the servos in continuous operation.

Continuous ModeContinuous Mode

Servo Manager in Continuous Mode

Programming

Hit P when in Continuous mode to program the servo into continuous operation.

Setting Max and Min Speed​

The Servo Manager allows users to define max and min servo speed limits. When setting these speeds the servo will not go past that limit.

To set the max speed use the knob to set the speed wanted and hit °+ to set the max speed. To set the min speed use the knob to set the speed wanted and hit °- to set the min speed. To reset the speeds back to default hold °+ and °- down at the same time for 3 seconds.

Sensor Modes​

Current, Voltage, Potentiometer, Duty Cycle, and Frequency function as sensor modes. These modes show servo performance during operation. Example uses:

  • Measure current to determine whether an external gearbox or a larger or smaller motor would help.
  • Check the voltage to confirm the servo receives correct power.
  • Potentiometer verifies proper control knob operation.
  • Duty cycle helps determine which signal value to send to the servo in code.
  • Frequency helps debug the data signal and servo performance.