Uptech CDS 5516 Serial Robot Servo

Help & Support Robot Parts
1

I’m considering buying a few of Uptech CDS 5516 Serial Robot Servos, but I’m not sure about quality of this item. Can someone who bought them comment on it? There are a few posts from the last year suggesting some growing issues, which is to be expected from a new product. I hope they are past that stage now.

I was unable to access manufacturer’s website. Is it just temporary or something more ominous (out of business)?

2

Hi Coleman,

Thank you for responding. Their website works fine now. Can you confirm that CDS 5516 servo uses a standard Hitec spline?

Regards,
Paul

3

I measured Hitec spline and its diameter is about 5.7mm, which is close enough to 6mm specified in CDS 5516 data sheet. Tooth number seems to be the same, but Uptech drawing is not detailed enough to count.

4

Well, I’m not surprised. It is a logical design choice, if you want to “clone” a popular proprietary form factor servo. Mechanical compatibility with standard servo gives you an advantage of being able to use huge number of available accessories. I’m thinking about dramatically increasing maximum torque of CDS 5516 by using it with ServoCity Power Gearbox and build a robotic arm for a fraction of a cost of similar Dynamixel based design, but still having all digital feedback goodness.

5

That is something to be tested. Looking at available mechanical drawings, it seems close enough. Additionally, there is a fair amount of play in servo mounting holes, which are open.

6

Author of this post robosavvy.com/forum/viewtopic.php?p=32769 verified that Uptech servo works with Futaba horns. This contradicts supposed Hitec compatibility.

7

Hi Coleman,

A few weeks ago I’ve seen Uptech CDS 5500 (RB-Upt-03) on back order with ETA 12/01/11, but this page is gone now. Any news when you will get more of them?

Best regards,
Paul

8

Did you have quality problems with this product?

9

Hi pauljurczak,

Welcome to the RobotShop Forum. As a distributor, if we were to receive a sufficient number of complaints / issues / RMAs, we would inform the manufacturer and subsequently delist the product should action not be taken. The manufacturer’s website seems to be back up now. We welcome user’s unput.

Sincerely,

10

Hi,

Where did you see that it uses a standard Hitec spline?

Sincerely,

11

So far as we know, the servo is not compatible with Hitec. We have contacted the manufacturer to confirm since the servo is currently out of stock.

Sincerely,

12

Hi,

Surprisingly, the manufacturer replied “yes it’s compatible with Hitec’s spline”. Unfortunately we do not have it in stock at this time to test, but it should be compatible.

Sincerely,

13

Another factor would be the dimensions of the servo and the location of the horn - in order to fit the gearbox, many things need to line up perfectly.

Sincerely,

14

We’re removing that product from our website. We encourage you to contact customer service and provide your order number to see if we will be ordering a last batch, and if not, perhaps we can suggest some alternatives.

15

The servo’s quality is fine, that was not the issue. Unfortunately we cannot go into additional details.