Servo Power
 

I am not sure if this is the right subtopic to put this in. I am building a robot arm with 6 standard servos. They are hextroic cheapo servos I got from HobbyKing, and they are stuttering. I am pretty sure that this is because there is not enough power to supply them. I am only using 4 AA batteries plugged into the receiver.

Sounds like a low voltage problem. See if you can get a NiCd/ NiMh or LiFe style pack to provide the power. If that is not feasible, see if you can some larger C or D size batteries to help decrease the voltage drop while the servos are under load. Good luck.

I agree with Jerm.

Thanks I will try it out

Like Germ said.

Are you using rechargeable batteries? I would assume that even D batteries would not last long with that many servos working, especially if they are cycling constantly. How much run time were you getting out of the AA setup?

Alkaline batteries do not have the amperage capabilities needed to run multiple servos with a load on them. Definitely look to using some sort of hobby type battery, NiCd, NiMH, Lipo, LiFe etc. 4.8V - 6.6V to be safe. (i realize that Lipo's will be over 6.6V, but you can regulate that voltage with a bec.)

Need to define stuttering in order to diagnose the problem. Are they "stuttering " when they are at idle, or when attempting to move the arm.

Also, they could be under powered, or they may not have enough torque to do the job.

Most servos will operate at 6V ( read the specs ) so you could try a 5 cell pack as well.

The stuttering is more of a glitch. it is when I am moving the servo.

Do you think this BEC will be enough? http://www.amazon.com/Ship-Hobbywing...2&keywords=BEC
or should I get a higher amperage one?

Does anyone also know how to increase the throw on a servo? I am using all analog servos.