Power Supply for Multiple Servos

Forum 2005-2010 (read only) Hardware Interfacing
1

Hi All, I am currently making a biped with 6 micro servos. Each servo is controlled by a potentiometer (I will eventually make a suite with potentiometers at the joints that will enable someone to control it naturally).

However, I have a problem with powering the servos. Obviously, I can power up to 2 servos with the arduino 5v supply, but I need advise on what power supply I could use to power them all. I've tried with a pack of 4 AA batteries (making 6v) but for some reason this wont work. I know I could go for a mains supply but i'd prefer to keep it wire free and have a battery pack. I have very little knowledge of batteries so what sort of battery/power rating could I use?

My servos are recommended 4.8-6.0v

Thanks in advance, Mat

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My servos are recommended 4.8-6.0v

As are most I think.

Have you tied the GND of the battery pack and the Arduino together?

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Right, no i haven't tied ground into the arduino, how can I do this?

4

ok, i have the 6v battery pack, I just assumed the GND of the battery pack went into GND of the servo, and +6v goes into the + of the servo. How can i tie this into the arduino? Where do the wires go in and out?

5

AHH! thank you very much for the clarification, it works perfectly!

thanks for your help, very much appreciated.

Regards, Mat