R/C Servo powering a crank piston linkage system- necessary parts and hardware

Help & Support Robot Parts
1

Hello,

I am currently designing a crank piston linkage system for a project that will be powered by a servo from a remote controlled transmitter. A sample picture of what the system should look like is attached.
crank.jpg
The crank piston system will be mounted on an R/C car controlled by a Spektrum DX7S Transmitter with AR8000 Receiver. 2 Channels will be used to create a 4 wheel drive platform with differential skid steering.

The requirement is fully extend piston and fully retract it. this can be accomplished in different ways,

1.the servo will can rotate continuously
2. the servo rotates 180 degrees and retracts

the servo does not have to be programmed. it can run as long as the user sends a signal to the servo. a simple on switch to start the servo and off switch to stop the servo are needed.
The simplest system is preferred.
questions:

  1. Can the servo be connected directly to the transmitter? Or is there a need for a servo controller?
  2. Can the servo be connected to a channel that corresponds to a simple switch on the transmitter or does it need to be connected to one of the joysticks?
  3. Whats the simplest way to accomplish this task?

currently looking at this servo

Any input is appreciated!
Thank You
-C

2

Thanks a million, Coleman!

I had done quite a bit of research on the matter and but I wasn’t completely sure if attaching a continuous rotation servo would work with a switch.

I may utilize a separate battery to power the servo and only attach the control wire directly to the receiver to make sure nothing gets fried.

I appreciate your prompt response.

3

Connecting the servo directly to the receiver is fine, except if it’s a servo which draws a LOT of current.

Entirely up to you. Certain channels allow for mixing (ex. using one joystick for both forward / reverse, while another variation might mean you use two joysticks for steering).

Connect a continuous rotation servo to one of the receiver channels. If it’s a switch, then it will rotate in one direction at full speed.