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Parallax Servo Controller (USB) came in today — Parallax Forums

Parallax Servo Controller (USB) came in today

willettfxwillettfx Posts: 8
edited 2009-03-31 23:20 in Robotics
Hello
Am using Parallax Servo Controller for My new project.
Parallax Servo Controller (USB) Manual States
In general, servos require 4-7.5 VDC. Be sure that
the servo power source can supply ample current at the proper voltage and will not damage

the servos.


Im looking better power source. What do you recommend·? Is there a AC·power supply? Or what type of rechargeable batteries?
Last year My animatronic Project I used 2 Mini SSC II boards and chain them +·Battery Booster 12
The Booster allow me to use·rechargeable aa batteries.With 16 servos after about 15 mins power would quit.
IMG_1383.jpg

inside.jpg

IMG_1498resized2.jpg
http://www.youtube.com/user/willettfx

Parallax Servo Controller Came in today And I luv it.
IMG_2102.jpg

Thanks
Gary
willettfx.com

Comments

  • Mike GreenMike Green Posts: 23,101
    edited 2008-06-21 22:10
    Servos can take quite a bit of current. With 16 servos all active, you're talking about 4A or more. If you know that only a few servos can be active at a time, you can use a smaller power supply. The details depend on how much current you'll need. RadioShack has a nice 6V AC adapter that can supply 1.8A (www.radioshack.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2049709&cp=2032056.2818119.2818335&parentPage=family). Jameco, Digikey, and Mouser all have long lists of AC adapters with varying voltage and currents. 6V would be best for servos.

    Post Edited (Mike Green) : 6/21/2008 10:22:01 PM GMT
  • willettfxwillettfx Posts: 8
    edited 2008-06-21 22:25
    Hey Mike Thank You so much!!!
    Gary

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    http://www.willettfx.com
  • MSDTechMSDTech Posts: 342
    edited 2008-06-22 03:30
    I'm using the same servo adaptor on the robot I'm working on. I'm using 5 NimH batteries to give me a nominal 6V supply. The batteries I'm using are from Radio Shack and are rated at 4500 mAh. With these, the 5 servos (3 standard and 2 VEX motors) will run for about 45 minutes before the voltage is too low for the 2 VEX motors. I am planing to upgrade the batteries to a 10 Ah NiMH battery pack similar to the one in the MSD weather station.
  • Jamie McShanJamie McShan Posts: 1
    edited 2008-07-02 21:21
    That is an amazing creature!

    What software are you going to control it with?

    I am trying to find support for the Parallax Servo Controller (USB) and the MicroSoft Robotics VPL. Does anyone have any information on that?

    Thanks,
    Jamie
  • willettfxwillettfx Posts: 8
    edited 2008-07-02 21:25
    Hello Jamie
    http://www.brookshiresoftware.com/
    VSA

    Gary

    willettfx.com

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    http://www.willettfx.com
  • O.T.RobotO.T.Robot Posts: 17
    edited 2008-07-04 19:10
    Hi

    I had the same problem so i used GP D sized 5C 9500 mah batteries and thay work vary well
    I work with FUTABA 3306 servos thay drain alot of power about 4.9A
    i think you got to make sure that the batteries can take the load

    have a good day
  • willettfxwillettfx Posts: 8
    edited 2008-07-14 23:20
    I'm trying to get by new Parallax Servo Controller USB to work.
    Any tips ,My OS is Vista, And this is first time setting up Parallax.
    Im using a RadioShack Adaptaplug with 6V power supply.
    When the USB is plug in I get a red light .I choose com port 3 in PSCI software and VSA software.
    I do see the green light flash ,But no servo movement.
    With the controller power off I turn the arm servo and turn power on the servo will go to center and this is the only
    servo movement Im getting.

    What is the jumper for?
    What is the button above the jumper?
    Thank you
    Gary

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    http://www.willettfx.com
  • ercoerco Posts: 20,256
    edited 2008-07-14 23:39
    If it's stationary, you could do a 6 volt SLA battery that's on constant trickle charge.

    http://www.batterymart.com/p-6v-4_5ah-sealed-lead-acid-battery.html Cheapest 6V SLA in the world...

    http://www.batterymart.com/p-6v-500ma-sealed-lead-acid-battery-charger-2.html· 6 Vfloat charger

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    ·"If you build it, they will come."
  • UnsoundcodeUnsoundcode Posts: 1,532
    edited 2008-07-15 01:01
    Hi Gary, the jumper (X2) configures the PSC for connecting two PSC units together. Without the jumper the PSC is configured for channels 0-15. When you connect two units together the second unit uses the jumper to configure its channels 16-31 giving a total of 32 channels 0-31. The button is a reset button for the PSC microcontroller.

    Jeff T.
  • willettfxwillettfx Posts: 8
    edited 2008-07-15 01:54
    Thank You, Thank You, Thank You!!! ,Jeff T.
    Im Working NOW!!!!
    Gary

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    http://www.willettfx.com
  • willettfxwillettfx Posts: 8
    edited 2008-07-19 17:39
    MY EYEBALL PROCESS PART 3

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UiynvPJPHbc

    MY EYEBALL PROCESS PART 4

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hmk9PnFIWuY

    MYEYEBALLPROCESSPART34.jpg

    parallax5.jpg

    Thanks

    Gary

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    http://www.willettfx.com
  • willettfxwillettfx Posts: 8
    edited 2009-03-31 21:49
    Parallax Servo Controller (USB) - Discontinued

    confused.gif·Discontinuedconfused.gif Why?


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    http://www.willettfx.com
  • Chris SavageChris Savage Parallax Engineering Posts: 14,406
    edited 2009-03-31 22:44
    The PSoC chip used on the servo controller was discontinued by the manufacturer, forcing us to discontinue the product. We are working on a new unit to replace it. Take care.

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    Chris Savage
    Parallax Engineering
  • willettfxwillettfx Posts: 8
    edited 2009-03-31 23:20
    Thanks Chris please let me know when the new one is out.
    Thanks
    Gary

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    http://www.willettfx.com
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