Society of Robots - Robot Forum

Electronics => Electronics => Topic started by: xyzled on August 01, 2010, 07:34:00 PM

Title: Questions about servo interfacing.
Post by: xyzled on August 01, 2010, 07:34:00 PM

Hello,

I just want to ask something about the project I'm planning to work on.

I plan to make a robotic hand that has 5 fingers like that of a human. I want to control it using servo motors and a MCU but my question is .. do I need to create a servo controller circuit to manipulate the servo motors simultaneously? or do I just need to connect them individually on a MCU?

This is my first time to interface a servo motor with MCU so I really need ideas from the experienced people.


Accepting suggestions for this matter. Thanks in advance.

Title: Re: Questions about servo interfacing.
Post by: Webbot on August 01, 2010, 08:05:02 PM

You could use a servo controller, or alternatively use WebbotLib (supports 3rd party servo controllers) which others have used to control 20+ servos in the background whilst their main program is running.

Title: Re: Questions about servo interfacing.
Post by: xyzled on August 01, 2010, 08:27:04 PM

Is it the webbotlib project designer?Do I need a design board like Axon and Axon II?

What is best for my case , least cost but efficient use? Thanks

Title: Re: Questions about servo interfacing.
Post by: Webbot on August 01, 2010, 08:58:37 PM

WebbotLib supports a number of micro-controllers: http://webbot.org.uk/iPoint/30.page (http://webbot.org.uk/iPoint/30.page) So long as your processor is in the list then you can use WebbotLib.

Project Designer then gives you a GUI on top of WebbotLib - meaning you can drag'n'drop the sensors/controllers etc and generate the required code - if you are using a commercial board like the Axon and others. See http://webbot.org.uk/iPoint/37.page (http://webbot.org.uk/iPoint/37.page). Obviously Project Designer doesn't 'know' about home made boards. But if you are using a commercial board and Project Designer doesn't know about it then let me know - I may be able to add it in (ie if its based on an AVR ATmega)

Title: Re: Questions about servo interfacing.
Post by: xyzled on August 01, 2010, 09:31:18 PM

I see, thanks a lot for the info sir.

I'm currently just building the block diagram for our project for the proposal defense. Is it better to use a MCU to interface with servos or there are alternatives for the problem?

Because I'm planning to use Flex sensors as the input, it will tell how many degrees the servo will rotate. And another question about servo, I knew that I needed to connect the servos to an Analog - Digital Converter but what if I'm going to use a Digital Servo? Do I still need to use an ADC? Thanks sir, sorry for asking lots of questions, I'm still a beginner but I'm really interested with the project. Thanks