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Servo Pal and BOE Question — Parallax Forums

Servo Pal and BOE Question

dskellydskelly Posts: 1
edited 2008-06-21 04:46 in BASIC Stamp
We are running 4 full size servos off of two Servo Pals connected the BOE using a standard Basic Stamp. The problem we are see appears to be a power related problem. If we connect two servos up they function well; as soon as we attach the other two we get very jerky / uncontrollable behavior. We suspect that we are exhausting the power capabilities to power the servos.

So, my question is. Can the BOE w/ 2 servo pals run 4 full size hobby servos with the supplied AC adapter? (I think it's 12v, but it may be a little less).

If not, then how do you supply additional power to the servos on the BOE?

Thanks for your help!
Sean

Comments

  • MSDTechMSDTech Posts: 342
    edited 2008-06-21 04:15
    I'm running 3 standard servos and 2 VAX motors with 5 NiMH batteries (4500 mAh) with a BOE and a Parallax Servo Controller. This arrangement will run for about 1/2 hour with no problems. I should be upgrading to 10000 mAh batteries shortly. I will point out that the Servo Controller uses a seperate power supply from the BOE (which is powered by 5 AA NiMH batteries).
  • Phil Pilgrim (PhiPi)Phil Pilgrim (PhiPi) Posts: 23,514
    edited 2008-06-21 04:46
    The power supply included with the BOE provides only 300mA. That's not enough to power four servos. I would recommend a regulated 6V supply like this one. It provides 2A. Your best bet would be to jumper the servo power on the BOE to Vin. That way the servos and ServoPAL will be using the regulated 6V supply, without feeding off the BASIC Stamp's 5V regulator.

    Note: Do not use an unregulated supply in this configuration. You could easily exceed the maximum operating voltage of both the servos and ServoPAL.

    -Phil
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