Hardwire Servo to Pot?

[barkster]

I'm looking to build a camera control system using some old heli servos I have but I want it to be hard wired and be able to control the servos with preferably with a joystick but maybe with a pot or something. Anyone tell me how to do it? Thanks

[Al_The_Man]

It depends on wether you want Pot positioning (manual) or servo control, i.e. servo's position to a set position of the pot?
What are the characteristics of the servo's? stepper, DC, AC etc.
Do you have drives for them?
Al.

[barkster]

These are standard JR, Futaba Servos.

[miljnor]

RC servos typicaly use a PWM signal to tell them were to go, and all of the circiutry is on the servo.

But you could probably emulated teh PWM signal with a worbler style circuite that is itself controled by the Pot. That feeds a signal to the servo.

Don't know though.

You might want to ask the guys on RCGROUPS.com they might have more info on the Rc servos.

[Al_The_Man]

Originally Posted by barkster These are standard JR, Futaba Servos.

This is why I inquired if you want manual 'visual' positioning via a pot, or servo positioning which implies feedback of some sort.
Al.

[barkster]

Yeah didn't quite understand, just need visual positioning. Thanks

[Accu157]

If you want to just use the servo as a method to rotate a servo horn continuously, and allow it to stop at the position you leave it at as soon as you stop moving the control stick... it's easy. Just pull out the pot from the servo, plug it into your reciever, adjust the pot so it centers when your radio stick is centered, and secure it. You're done. Just note it wont fight back if it starts to be moved by an outside force. If you want this function, see if hitec digitals are cabable of this. I know they're capable of continuous rotation, but you need the programmer.

[JoelDirn]

You could use a standard, off the shelf servo tester:
http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin...&I=LXVK79&P=ML

Or build one:
http://web2.murraystate.edu/andy.bat...mpledriver.htm

Here's a board that will control 4 servos, based on input voltage levels:
http://www.mpja.com/directview.asp?product=8402+KT

Or how about a USB controller:
http://www.phidgetsusa.com/servo_controllers.asp

Or by serial (rs232) port:
http://www.jameco.com/webapp/wcs/sto...oductId=404574
http://www.jameco.com/webapp/wcs/sto...oductId=404566


- Joel -