Can I used Kflop to output RC servo signal?

[mmurray70]

Hi Tom,

Wondering If i can use Kflop to output a signal to control an RC servo? Its a 5v pwm signal and i believe it uses the width of the pulse to set a position.

Im working on a project with one of these: https://www.servocity.com/8-stroke-2...-linear-servo/ . Im running into few issues with it accuracy. Thinking I might be able to correct some of it with c-code if I was using kflop. And if all else fails i might just need to change to an actuator that uses a servo or stepper, in which case i could use a kflop to control anyway.

Mark

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[TomKerekes]

Hi Mark,

It can be difficult to generate precise pulses at such a low frequency. See here for an example which disables/enables a PWM to do it. I think the pulse resolution is ~ 0.5%.

HTH

[goldenfab]

If kflop isn't doing what you want I'd look into using an arduino to control the servo. My father in law just showed me a setup he is using an arduino to control one of those and I know you can control RC servos with them too. I would guess you could interface an ardiuino with kflop if you needed.

[Al_The_Man]

Not only is the PWM frequency very low, 20ms with the pulse width from 1 to 2 ms, making it difficult to make a controller unless it is a dedicated Picmicro or other IC such as 555 etc.

[TomKerekes]

The link to the KFLOP program uses a software/hardware approach. The 8-bit hardware PWMs are programmed for 435Hz which gives a hardware pulse resolution of 9us. Then the software disables the PWM for 7 PWM cycles and enables it for 1.which results if a frequency of 54Hz. A 200us safety window is reserved at the end of the PWM cycle so the software is guaranteed to have sufficient time to properly disable/enable it before the next cycle. I think overall the pulse resolution will be ~ 1%. Or for 8 inches of travel 0.08 inches.