Feedback Servo

 Disadvantages of Traditional Servo 

  • Servo might use inexpensive parts with large tolerance leading to inaccurate shaft positioning.
  • If we turn off the Microcontroller connected to servo then on powerup it won't be able to tell current position of servo shaft.
  • Any external force applied on servo shaft during it's operation can cause shaft position to change. This change cannot be noticed by Microcontroller Advantages of Analog Feedback Servo:

 Advantages of Analog Feedback Servo 

  • This servo is capable of providing closed feedback loop between Microcontroller and Servo which helps to maintain accuracy of servo shaft.
  • Each position of servo shaft between 0-180 degrees can be represented as a unique Analog voltage. This Analog voltage can be read by Microcontroller having Analog pin.
  • Any external force applied on shaft is reflected as change in Analog value. Enabling you to know the deflection of servo shaft in real time!

 Steps to Obtain Analog Position 

  • Connect the separate 4th wire of servo to Analog pin on Microcontroller and rest of wires as per standard connection.
  • Open a SWEEP sketch provided in ArduinoIDE under servo section to swing shaft between two extreme position(0-180 degrees).
  • Modify the above code to read the Analog value and display it on the serial monitor for both extreme positions.
  • Map this recorded Analog values against 0 to 180 degrees using MAP function. You now have the Servo capable of providing position feedback.

 Unique Benefits 

  • You no longer need to save current position of servo shaft into EEPROM every time you move your shaft.
  • You can monitor Analog value to see deflection of shaft by any external force to take corrective action.
  • Train your servo manually with hand to rotate shaft at desired angle. Powerful isn't it !