Thread: Servo Controller

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Hi Guys,

Wanting to build my first prop using servos (have used pneumatics and boobox before) but I'm a little confused on what servo controller to use.

I want the prop to be motion activated and hopefully have 2 or 3 sequences so that each time it is activated it has a slightly different movement.

Is it possible to program a controller so that it doesn't play the same action every time? And how would I connect a motion sensor to the board to activate the movement? I would prefer a programmable controller so it doesn't have to be connected to a computer the whole time too.

I was thinking of using the Pololu Mini Maestro 12- would it do everything I want?

Any help/ suggestions would be greatly appreciated!

ive heard of the maestro controllers and although i have not used them myself i have heard good reviews about them.

I've used a bunch of controllers and I will give you my review of some of them

Picoboo104/105, nervecenter-You can have up to 8 routines all done via "keybanger" method. Only negative is the sound it only 8bit.

Boobox flex, great little controller personally my favorite. Only for the reason you can make it 12v, 24v or 120v via power adapters or relay packs. Also has MP3 quality sound. The only downside is you need a scaremaster to program it $199. Has 2 inputs for 2 sensors also.

The sensor hooks to the unit. It usually is GREEN(IN), RED(12V), YELLOW/BLACK(GROUND) the yellow wire sometimes can be white.

For you just starting out you can't go wrong with a picoboo105. It has 2 outlets to plug into. Just be sure you have 120v plugged into them. It's fine if you wire a 12v power supply to a 12v solenoid/servo then plug into the 105. Just make sure you either stick with 120v or a power adapter that converts the voltage.

Thanks for the responses!

I'm actually using the servos to move an eyeball and eyelid. So I don't think I can use the picoboo as I would want to control the amount and speed of the movement?

Sound quality isn't an issue as I'm not sure I will have sound tied to the movement anyway.

Is there a picoboo or similar that would do that (more easily than programming the pololu mestro)?

Thanks again!

Well there is the picotalk that controls servos



More info here

http://www.frightprops.com/controlle...ntrollers.html

It might be up your alley because of the random movement. You can look outside the box and program your own sounds to activate the servos at the correct time. Not sure if you can program it via "keybanger" never used this one. Right channel would be reserved for servo #1, Left for servo #2. Just program a few routines when triggered via your sounds.

Not really sure what you are using these servos for. Most people throw them in a skull.

I have used maestro controllers, an MP3 controller and simple output controller. While not as easy as the other units to program it does the job very well once you get past the setup.