I'm currently working on a robotics project with Arduino and I need some advice on controlling multiple servo motors simultaneously. I want to ensure the servos are powered and controlled efficiently without any issues. If any of you have experience in this area, I would appreciate your suggestions. Specifically, I'm curious about the best way to power the servos and how to wire and code the Arduino to control them. Any tips or best practices would be highly valued.
Welcome, @genieeee - I see you're a new user, with little time on the forum. First thing I'd suggest is a deep dive into the "Search Forum" tool (at the top right of the forum page, on a desktop). You will find many, many postings devoted to powering servos. Some will confuse, but many will help.
Also, please go back and read "how to get the best out of this forum", a little more closely. We need more information than you've given to help you - things such as servo size, servo count, what Arduino you're thinking of, etc. will all help us help you. Otherwise, this thread will either die, or become an unruly cacaphony.
Thanks!
To choose a power supply for any motor one must know the supply voltage and the motor stall current. The stall current can be several times the running current. The stall current will be drawn, briefly, every time that the motor is started. Servos start often while trying to maintain position. The stall current should be listed in the motor data sheet.
Once you know all of the stall currents, add them together and acquire a power supply of the proper voltage and about twice the calculated current. I say twice because it is not good to use a power supply near its maximum and manufactures are often enthusiastic with their current specifications Especially our friend the Chinese.
You will be tempted to say that only 1 or 2 servos will be active at a time so a cheaper supply will work. Great until conditions change and 4 servos try to start at once an poof there goes a supply. Plan for worst case from the beginning is my philosophy.
Adding to the above; (1) draw a block diagram how you imagine your project should connect and interact. With this, we can see your idea, and suggestions for parts and connections can be made and adjusted. Next, (2) write some pseudo-code on how you imagine the program will operate your concept. From this, timing and I/O code can replace the pseudo-code.