Modifying an HS-311 Servo for Continuous Rotation

[Randomskk]

Hi everyone!
I'm just getting into robotics, but have been doing all sorts of electronics for a while.
I found the $50 robot tutorial here and am planning on using that to start with.

I got the HS-311 servos the tutorial recommends (plus they're cheapest) and modified them for continuous rotation. I also took a series of photographs for each step, and wrote a small tutorial for this specific servo, since the SoR tutorial is more general and some steps had to be modified slightly for the HS-311.

I cut off the potentiometer tab and glue it down, which is the quickest and easiest solution. The servos are so cheap that it's really not worth trying to make the modification reversible, and this method's therefore the best in my opinion.
The gear that connects to the servo is all in one piece and therefore you can't just pull the connecting part out to stop it turning the potentiometer - you have to actually cut the pot.

You can see the images and read the tutorial on Flickr:
http://flickr.com/photos/randomskk/2569969633/in/set-72157605559564231/

Use the thumbnails to the right to go to the next image.

Let me know what you think!

Thanks,
Randomskk

[Maltaeron]

I applaud your productive efforts...
I had a lot of 'fun' modifying servos for 180 degrees... Only without good instructions or pictures!
Too bad I didn't record my efforts...

Thanks,

[airman00]

Nice pictures!!!

make a page over on the member tutorials page specifically on modifying the HS-311

[Admin]

Nice! Please make a tutorial!!!

[gabe94]

I noticed in the background of your pictures the microprocessor circuit baord. How did you do that Labeling and how did you build that board, i noticed it must have been custom. I know how to make copper board using etchant, but how did you do the good labeling and drilling on top?

[RoBoTicS]

This tutorial is going to help everybody thanks Randomskk

[geek1]

gabe- that board is the Arduino Duemilanove.

[jaabot]

Let me know what you think!

This is outstanding! Thank you for posting this. I just modified my servo following your instructions and excellent photos. Thank you.

[Strikeskids]

Awesome, works perfectly.
Saved me $12.