Sorry if this has been asked before. I am looking to connect a lot of servos with very simple code. Each servo will move a small amount with a random delay.
The problem I am going to run in to is how to connect and power them. It is looking to be a few dozen servos. Ideally I would like to have groups of them move together. I am not worried about the code, I have that figured out. I assume a powerbank plugged into the board is not enough. I would greatly appreciate if somebody could give me some tips.
What components would I need to connect this many (maybe three dozen servos)?
How to power them?
Would I be able to simply use multiple breadboards with batteries connected to each? Have one arduino running to each breadboard?
The world is full of various type of servos and you are keeping your a secret from us. Are the ALL the same manufacturer and part number? Why not tell us the electrical requirements for your specific servos?
Needs three dozen data pins, probably from three PWM multiplexers, three dozen power/ground wires, long enough to allow connection to the servos. A 6vdc power supply that can handle 800mA stall current * three dozen... assuming SG90s.
You will need a large power supply for the servos. You will also need a few multiplexers since t a board doesn't have that many pins. Very doable. Use quality wiring and connectors, do NOT use breadboards.
The standard servo library supports up to 12 servos. So that can't be used if you want to be able to control every servo individually from one Arduino. You do however mention grouping so 12 might be enough.
Looking at the Arduino Due looks like it would simplify it to an extent. If I were to connect three dozen SG90 9g servos to it all with minimal movement, how would I power it without overloading it? I assume I cannot just connect a power bank to the Arduino Due without issues.
As previously mentioned, 36*0.8 Amperes, or a power supply providing 4.8 to 6V at about 28 Amperes total, is required.
It is sensible to break that up into 6 x 5 Ampere power supplies, on power supply for six servos, making sure that all the grounds are connected.
Servos briefly draw the full stall current, every time they start moving, and you must plan for that, or your project will end up being a twitching, jerking, and possibly quite entertaining spectacle.
I found a video on youtube where somebody connects four servos to a breadboard powered by one 9V battery. In theory could I use several breadboards with servos wired to each? With each having its own battery and the arduino wired to one of them for its power? I know some of you said not to use breadboards but I am not sure as to why. I also do not know how reliable a 9V will be for four servos.
I haven't worked with Arduinos a lot the last few years so I am definitely rusty. I found another video demonstrating the PCA9685 boards with a powerbank plugged in for five to six servos.
Could I replicate their setup using an Arduino Due and multiple PCA9685 boards to group the servos thereby reducing the power needed?
If I were to use a simple power bank off Amazon for each PCA board how many servos could I safely connect to each board? I think with these power banks I would get five to six servos per board but I would appreciate some feedback.
