Hey I am thinking of getting the arduino set up with the servo control for a project I am working on.
I will try to be specific but if you need more info to correctly answer the questions please let me know.
ok here goes.....
what I want to to is make the servo/servos set to an off position. then move to a specific location and stay there on start up. then with the use of external buttons be able to move the servo within a preset parameter. then when i turn the kit off I want the servos to return to the off position.
can I do this with this kit? and what would I need in order to do this in addition to the
Arduino kits, the servo, and buttons?
then when i turn the kit off I want the servos to return to the off position
That's going to be tough.
Otherwise, all you need is a PC, a servo(s), some wire and a button(s).
i cannot remember how to do it but will have to do some digging but what if I built a return switch that when it is switched off thee is a switch that is hit and a capacitor or something holding just enough power for the shut down?
think that would do it?
The problems is there is no such thing as a servo 'off' position. When powered off a servo has no torque and a mechanical load can cause it to stay where it was last postioned or maybe cause it to turn because of the mechanical load felt on it's output wheel.
Your micro controller can only be responsible for the servo's position when it's powered up (both the servo and the controller) and under program control, otherwise all bets are off on where the servo may end up or move to.
Lefty
well I understand that there is no "off position" but can I pre-program a switch so when it is activated it brings the servo to a preset position?
so say I use a capacitor to store enough power so when I switch the unit off it the switch is tripped and the servo returns to the preset spot?
BTW i thank you for your feedback
well I understand that there is no "off position" but can I pre-program a switch so when it is activated it brings the servo to a preset position?
Not unless your 'switch' knows how to generate a PPM pulse with the correct timing to place the servo in whatever position you define as off. I'm not trying to discourge you but a servo without power AND a control signal with the correct timing is just not able to be positioned anywhere.
At best a uncontrolled servo will stay at last commanded position if there is no mechanical load that might change it.
Lefty
cool fair enough so worst case is I move the servos manually while the unit is still on.