Finding the right motor controller

Help & Support Robot Parts
1

Good evening,

Our team is competing in the ASME Student design competition (files.asme.org/asmeorg/Events/Contests/DesignContest/31870.pdf). As of now, our team will be using the Arduino Microcontroller Rev3 (robotshop.com/productinfo.aspx?pc=RB-Ard-34&lang=en-US). Our vehicle uses four motors for the vehicles (taken care of by the car contingent of the group) and three servo motors for the robot arm. We would like to know which motor controllers you would recommend for the following servo motors.

We are using one of each of the following

HS-625MG Super Torque Servo
Operating Speed: 0.18sec/60 degrees at 4.8Volt
Output Torque: 5.5 kg.cm at 4.8 Volt
Weight: 52.2g
Size: 41 X 20 X 38mm

HP-D11M High Power MG Micro Servo
Weight: 11g
Operating Speed: 0.12sec/60 degrees at 4.8Volt
0.10sec/60 degrees at 6 Volt
Output Torque: 3.0 kg.cm at 4.8 Volt
3.5 kg.cm at 6 Volt
Size: 23.2 X 12 X 29.5mm

Mini Digital Hi-Power BB MG Servo
Weight: 29.5g
Operating Speed: 0.22sec/60 degrees at 4.8 Volt
0.18sec/60 degrees at 6 Volt
Output Torque: 5.5 kg.cm at 4.8 Volt
6.5 kg.cm at 6 Volt
Size: 32.0 X 16.0 X 31.5mm

We hope to hear from you soon. Any help you provide would be much appreciated!

-LMU ASME Student Design Team

2
3

It all depends on the size of the arm and the weight you want it to pick up. The Robot Arm Torque Calculator should help with that.

4

That servo controller can control three standard sized servos - but if you also plan to have a servo-based gripper, you’ll need a 4-servo controller. It’s also important to note that you need the Picaxe download cable to operate that servo controller. If you want something small, inexpensive and serial controlled, consider the Pololu Micro Serial 8 Servo Controller.