GAN116_3003
Convert a Futaba 3003 Servo to Continuous Operation
(Kronos Robotics KRSERVO1)
Some other Servo Modification Instructions
By Michael Simpson
One of the simplest bots you can make is made by converting a couple of servos to free running mode. You get a small motor, gearbox and speed controller all in one package.
First lets talk a bit about how a servo works.
Most servos are controlled by a series of pulses. The width of the high state pulse is what determines the actual position of the servo.
Generally a pulse of 1ms will place the servo at one end of its rotation (see figure 1) and 2ms will place it on the other end (see figure 2)
Figure 1
Figure 2
I say generally because I found that the range can be any where from .2ms to 3ms depending on the servo manufacture and model. Again generally when the pulse width is 1.5ms the servo will reach the half way point in its swing.
There is a small potentiometer inside the servo that rotates with the main shaft. This is what tells the electronics in the servo where it is at any given time. When we convert a servo to free running mode we disconnect the potentiometer from the shaft and set it at its center position. We also remove any mechanical stops that may keep the servo from turning completely around.
Once the servo can rotate freely we can find the center spot by slowly adjusting the pulse width. I call this the neutral position. Now by adjusting the pulse width greater than the neutral position we can move the shaft in one direction. By adjusting the pulse width less than the neutral position we can move the shaft in the opposite direction.
Most servos were designed so that when it gets closer to its allocated position it slows down. This will allow us to adjust the speed of the shaft by varying the amount that deviates from the neutral position.
Modifying the Servo
Note that the following modifications will void your servo warranty.
There are two ways to convert this servo. You can open up the servo and disconnect and remove the potentiometer. You then must solder two 2.2 resistors in place. I feel this is too much work and can be very error prone.
In the following steps we will work only on the main shaft. You never have to open up the guts of the servo. Also By purchasing a new gear set you can restore the servo back to normal operation if you decide to do so later.
| Step 1 Remove the 4 screws on the back of the servo. Note that its not necessary to remove the back of the servo. Remove any servo wheels or arms that may be attached to the main shaft. |
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| Step 2 Remove the top of the servo by lifting. Note that the two pins shown may stay attached to the top of the servo. If they do remove them and insert into position as shown. The main shaft may be white or black it all depends on the OEM. |
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| Step 3 A: Remove the intermediate gear by just lifting. B: Remove the main shaft by lifting. |
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| Step 4 With your fingers or some small pliers place the potentiometer shaft into the center position. The position shown seems to be the center pos on all the servos that I have converted. Just rotate it to the left detent and right detent to make sure. |
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Update Step 4b Using a thin blade of a razor saw or a cutting disk on a rotary tool place a small slot in the main shaft of the servo as shown. This will allow you to calibrate the servo later. |
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| Step 5 There is a small stop that must be removed from the main shaft. I found that using small wire cutters and then cleaning up with and exact knife works the best. |
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| Step 6 There are two slots on the inside of the main shaft. This is what comes in contact with the potentiometer. These slots or grooves must be removed. Use a 11/64" drill bit held with your hand or pliers and insert it into the hole and ream out the slots. You will feel the bit catch each corner as you turn it. Warning !! do not use a drill. You will not be able to hold the shaft in place and will cause damage if you try.
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Update Step 6b Use a 5/64" Drill bit and drill through the top of the main gear as shown. You are making an access for you micro screw driver to adjust the main shaft (potentiometer).
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| Step 7 Insert the shaft into the top of the servo case as shown and test that you can rotate the shaft completely. Tip Assemble the servo without the intermediate gear and rotate the main shaft by hand. It should rotate freely with out catching. Also examine the potentiometer shaft and make sure it did not move.
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| Step 8 A: Place the main shaft back in place. B: Place the intermediate gear back in place. C: Replace the servo top. D: Reattach the 4 rear screws.
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Update Step 9 To calibrate the servo just set it to a neutral (center position) 1500us. Use a small screw driver to adjust the main shaft as shown. Adjust until the drive shaft stops moving. You can use the following program calibrate the servo's neutral position.
func main()
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Parts
