servo Questions

FireHopper

I have a costume that uses 6 servos.. 2 from fma, and 4 from hitec.

my question is this. the manual for the USB servo controller shows a 7.2volt rc battery pack, can the servos stand 7.2volts.. I thought 6volt was the max for them

2 of the servos are hitec digital ones.. do they have a lower max voltage?
thanks [noparse]:)[/noparse]

Mike Green

7.2V is about the highest the supply voltage should go.· Most servos use a brush motor and the brush life is somewhat reduced with the arcing at the higher voltage.· Better is 6V, but 7.2V is ok.· Check the specifications for the digital servos.· The voltage range is likely to be the same, but check to make sure.

FireHopper

I'm kinda wondering if I should stick with 6volt ( 4 d cells per set of 3 servos)
or change it to 7.2 volt rechargeable. (I got some nice nicads from radio shack, they had the vex powerpack on clearance for $6, normal price 50$, comes with 1 7.2volt, 1 9.6 volt and a dual quick charger, (2 hour), so I bought the 2 they had on the shelf.

Mike Green

One thing to make sure of is that your D batteries really have adequate capacity.· Many manufacturers sell D cells that are kind-of like "wimpy" AA cells in a larger package with capacities only in the 700mAh range.· A "true" D cell should have something on the order of a 4Ah capacity.

Given that you have real D cells, I'd stick with the 6V pack (with 5 cells: 5 x 1.2V = 6V).

FireHopper

true. I use name brand, (duracell or energizer) I'm·tryin to reduce weight though. not sure if the 7.2 volt pack is lighter. and usually a set of D cells will last 6-7 hours
so a smaller 7.2volt 2000mah pack is fine.. cause I can't wear the costume for more than a hour or 2 anyway. (45lbs or so..·never weighed it.)

I can't wait for the usb servo controller to arrive.
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