Transcript RGB and Servo Control using LightORama

SERVODOG 8 CONTROLLER AND
SERVOS
Al in Raleigh
Triangle Synchronized Lighting Meeting (TASL)
Feb 21, 2010
Servo
Connections
Digital Inputs and Outputs
Screw terminal header
(purchased separately)
DC Components (2 amps @ 50Vdc each)
ServoDog 8
TYPICAL SERVO AND FIELD OF MOVEMENT
LINKAGES AND DRIVE MECHANISM
SERVODOG
14 Channel digital controller.
 6 digital inputs and 8 digital outputs (5Vdc @ 24mA).
 Communication protocol same as other
controllers (RS485) but can be DMX too.
 Output channels can be configured for servos or
digital I/O
 Two of the outputs can be used for PWM
dimming. (i.e. MR16 LEDs)
 Configure it with Windows ServoDogUtility
 Has onboard voltage regulators useful for servos
and for powering controller.
 Has EEPROM onboard for downloading nonmusical programs. (great for standalone display)
 Fairly inexpensive ($90 normally $80 at sale)

LOR SERVODOG UTILITY
Demo of
The Singing and Dancing
Pumpkins
How Did I Make the Pumpkins Move?
Photos by
Steve Lelinkski
On Planet Christmas
Forum.
TILT / PAN SYSTEM
2 servos
Swivels
In 2 places
THINGS I DISCOVERED WHILE USING THE SERVODOG
I really like this controller.
 The PC board is very small and will hide easily.
 The interconnection terminals are extremely
small. External terminal strip is a good idea.
 A power supply large enough to handle the servos
inrush is super important.
 Get servo and servo extenders from
Dealextreme.com because hobby stores prices are
staggering.
 Have at least one extra servo for emergencies.
 The pumpkins had to be screwed to the board due
to the torque of the servos spinning the holders.
 When program ends the servos turn to one side
and not the neutral position.

WHERE WOULD YOU USE THE SERVODOG?
Servo control. (i.e pumpkins)
 Switch inputs from people (i.e 6 pushbutton
switches from 6 different locations in display)
 Standalone controller for a simple non-musical
function like a train or ferriswheel.
 PWM dimming of two MR16 or Mighty Mini
Spots. Compact size could be a huge advantage.
 Applications requiring low voltage outputs from
controller. (i.e. triggering)
 Transition between LOR to other electronics (i.e.
PC, OPTO 22 products).

SERVOS: THE GOOD AND BAD
Can add another dimension to displays—
movement.
 Fast but not robust in torque.
 Can be pricey. $10 to $125 each.
 Can be difficult to understand operating
parameters.

SERVO SPECIFICATIONS

Torque in oz/in or kg/cm


Speed in fractional seconds to reach 60°


Beefy size is 200 oz/in. (14kg.cm) and up
0.13sec/60° at no load is pretty fast (130mS, 130000uS)
Voltage rating 4.8 and 6.0 are typical.
 Arc
swinging angle.
 Digital or Analog (standard)

Digital servos operate at 300Hz and LOR
operates at 50Hz.
WEBSITES OF INTEREST
DEALEXTREME.COM (SERVOS AND ALL KINDS OF
STUFF)
SHIPPING TAKES SEVERAL WEEKS THOUGH.
SERVOCITY.COM