Hi,
I have a project that needs a servo motor to control a zoom switch (W-T) on my camcorder.
I would install the servo on the shoe in the back of the camcorder. I want to experiment only.
I know nothing about servo control. I would prefer not to use a controller board but something like this :
LINK mini servo tester : https://www.robotshop.com/uk/mini-servo-esc-tester.html
What type of servo would I need to move the arm to the left- center - right ?
Thanks,
Andy
Your best bet would probably be a standard size, standard type RC servo, like this one:
It “should” have enough torque to operate the switch without being too bulky.
You don’t mention how you are going to activate the servo. Are you wanting some sort of remote control or do you want it to automatically zoom in and out and repeat or what? For what purpose are you trying to attach the servo to the zoom? Knowing what you are trying to accomplish and why helps us give you better answers.
Hi,
It’s for live streaming conferences with OBS and Facebook. I have the Panasonic v770HD on a pan/tilt servo drives on a tripod : https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1120808-REG/camranger_1008_mp_360_tripod_head.html
The camcorder is connected to an HDMI to USB converter :
https://www.avermedia.com/fr/gaming/product/game_capture/lgp_lite
The camcorder has a wifi application for the iphone-android that received the video and display the zoom control for remote control. What I didn’t know was that the HMDI signals cuts out when you activate the wifi on the camcorder! Bad, very bad!
Since I cannot always be at the camcorder because I need to be at the computer to operate OBS and the scenes, I need a remote to adjust the zoom lever when needed.
The zoom switch is spring loaded to return to the center position. It is easy to push. Pushing left, it zooms out, pushing right it zooms in. When done and not activating the switch, it returns to the center position.
So for the moment, I would need a manual control to push either to the left or right the zoom switch and bring it back.
I thought using the manual mini-servo-tester for controlling the servo motor for testing purpose. The servo will be install with brackets on the back shoe of the camcorder:
https://www.robotshop.com/uk/mini-servo-esc-tester.html
Is that a good idea? Will it work with most common servo motors? I thought using a Four Point Horn?
Thanks,
Andy
That device should work fine with any “standard” servo. A standard servo, which is by far the most common, takes a 4.8 to 6V power supply and a signal pulse that ranges normally from 1 millisecond for one extreme of rotation to 2 milliseconds for the other extreme. The pulses repeat about every 20 milliseconds. Exactly what those pulse times are and what the extremes of rotation are varies, but those times should always work and the range will almost always be between 90 and 180 degrees. I tell you all that just for your information.
However, the signal to a servo is intended to travel a short distance, maybe a foot or two (half a meter). It’s likely that trying to run a long wire, more than a meter or so, will result in poor operation. It may work for you or it may not. It’s hard to say, but the farther you try to go the less likely it will be to work.
There are lots of solutions, but I don’t know of any off the shelf. Are you handy with a soldering iron?
Something like this:
would probably work better. But that one only has two positions, apparently.
As for the mechanical linkage you will most likely need to fabricate something. I hesitate to offer any advice since my “simple” constructions usually look like something Rube Goldberg would be afraid of.
I’m ok with soldering and have a bit of electronic programming knowledge.
I order the servo and the mini-servo-esc-tester and will figure out a way to install it on the camcorder and make the adjustment. I need at least 20 feet of cable from the tripod to my desk. So the permanent controller will have to be on the tripod itself. I’ll figure that one out later.
A Frankenstein is on the way!
Thanks for the help,
Andy
Glad I could help. I hope you will update this post. I would love to see what you come up with.
I would “try” using the controller with the long wire you need. It won’t hurt to try it and it might work. Although I suspect it won’t work reliably.
One possible solution would be to remove the potentiometer (the adjustable resistor and knob) and running three wires from the controller to the potentiometer where you need it. Use shielded wire if you can, or twist all three wires together. Have the controller at the camera and the knob at your desk. That’s still not a “good” solution, but it might be ok.
Another, similar idea is to find what resistance settings you need on the knob for your three positions and replace the adjustable resistor with switches that enable resistors of the proper value.
Anyway, I’m looking forward to seeing what you come up with.
I will do that. I will install three trim pots and use a joystick type of switching. Sadly our postal service in Canada is on strike, don’t know when I will receive my goodies!
