I'm trying to test my new Futaba S3003 servo using the example sketch "Sweep" and it just wiggles and then stalls and wiggles a little, it never sweeps. What could possibly be wrong? I do have the wires connected correctly. Power supply is 5v and up to 700 mA (via DC wall adapter connected to breadboard via terminals).
Typical way to wire a servo for external power.
Crap, didn't realize the arduino ground needed to be involved. It works now, thanks. I didn't damage anything By not connecting the ground did I?
You couldn't damage anything, there wasn't a circuit so no current could flow.
Two bits of equipment connected by a single wire are simply acting as antennas
for each other, its not a circuit until two wires are involved so (non-RF) currents
can flow.
700mA is a bit close for comfort - servos often take more peak current.
Really? I tried researching the current draw of the S3003 and most places said 150-500 mA. What kind of battery power would you recommend if I wanted to use this servo on a obstacle avoidance robot (to sweep the sensor)? I'm going to start with my little TowerPro SG90 9g servo, but I got the Futaba as well in case the little one doesn't last long.
You couldn't damage anything, there wasn't a circuit so no current could flow.
Well if the servo "wiggles and then stalls and wiggles a little" current is flowing. Current may flow from the servo +v input somehow out the servo control line when the line is low. I know the 9g servos act erratically and get hot when the servo ground is lost.