Potentiometer slot. Servo modification question

[garriwilson]

In my servos, the slot for the pot in the main gear isn't separate from the gear. I don't have a dremel or a drill and my parents are going to give me any more money to buy one. Any other way I could do that step to make the slot round?

[KambeiX]

one solution would be removing the pot and replacing it with resistors if you have a soldering iron.

Hmm... you could also cut the pot shaft , center the pot and melt the rest so it stays firm. (I've done that with hs-311)

[garriwilson]

Sorry I'm a noob could you like give detailed instructions if it's not a problem for you?

[KambeiX]

Hmm I don´t have a detailed tutorial but there are many on the net. Just look for how to modify a servo for continuous rotation.

You don't need a dremel or drill, just some screwdrivers and an xacto knife , since you can also get the pot outside the servo case without having to melt anything



Here is a picture of a modified servo with the pot outside the case.

The idea is to replace it with something of a value close to the original that's easier to regulate (many turns, not just 180° like the original).

Just be careful and don't break anything

[garriwilson]

So I'm just supposed to take the pot out or replace it with something?

[KambeiX]

you can get the pot out and glue it somewhere but the problem is that the pot is very sensitive, so if you have a hot glue gun I suggest that once centered, you fix it with that so it doesn't move.

If you have a soldering Iron you can replace that pot with a "normal" 5k ohm one (if hs-311) because they can be adjusted better and don't move so easily.

Anyways, you don't need a dremel and the steps would be

a) open the servo

b) cut the plastic thing with a knife

c) remove all the gears and with a screwdriver, carefully push the motor down (it's glued but it will move with enough strength applied)



See, apply force between the motor and the case.

d) remove the circuitry and motor

e) unscrew the pot

f) put everything back together and have fun