Testing servos/Drives
 

I would like to get some clear idea on how to test components of what
I build.

Say, just a servo: can I test it by connecting a small DC power supply
to + and - cables and gradually increasing voltage? I should see it
run, right?

Or, a servo with amplifier: give amplifier power and apply small
voltage to the +/-10v command input. Then it should move the servo
motor. Right?

i

Testing servos/Drives
 

start with this:
http://www.a-m-c.com/content/support/FAQ.html#setup10

lot more good stuff on this site. everything you ever wanted to know about
servo motors

Karl


"Ignoramus8975" wrote in message
...
I would like to get some clear idea on how to test components of what
I build.

Say, just a servo: can I test it by connecting a small DC power supply
to + and - cables and gradually increasing voltage? I should see it
run, right?

Or, a servo with amplifier: give amplifier power and apply small
voltage to the +/-10v command input. Then it should move the servo
motor. Right?

i

Testing servos/Drives
 

On Tue, 08 Jun 2010 13:53:16 -0500, Ignoramus8975
wrote:

I would like to get some clear idea on how to test components of what
I build.

Say, just a servo: can I test it by connecting a small DC power supply
to + and - cables and gradually increasing voltage? I should see it
run, right?

Yes, based on it having two leads, it's just a DC motor.


Or, a servo with amplifier: give amplifier power and apply small
voltage to the +/-10v command input. Then it should move the servo
motor. Right?

The AMC amps have an offset adjustment on the command input that make
it easy to run the motor without an external command.

--
Ned Simmons

Testing servos/Drives
 

On Tue, 08 Jun 2010 15:03:48 -0400, Ned Simmons
wrote:

On Tue, 08 Jun 2010 13:53:16 -0500, Ignoramus8975
wrote:

Or, a servo with amplifier: give amplifier power and apply small
voltage to the +/-10v command input. Then it should move the servo
motor. Right?

The AMC amps have an offset adjustment on the command input that make
it easy to run the motor without an external command.

BTW, with no feedback or load, the motor may behavior may be
unpredictale if the amp is set for current (torque) mode.

--
Ned Simmons

Testing servos/Drives
 

On 2010-06-08, Karl Townsend wrote:
start with this:
http://www.a-m-c.com/content/support/FAQ.html#setup10

lot more good stuff on this site. everything you ever wanted to know about
servo motors

Yes, awesome, I figured out the inhibit concept, it is great. I can
inhibit movement beyond limit switch, but still pull in other
direction.

i

Karl


"Ignoramus8975" wrote in message
...
I would like to get some clear idea on how to test components of what
I build.

Say, just a servo: can I test it by connecting a small DC power supply
to + and - cables and gradually increasing voltage? I should see it
run, right?

Or, a servo with amplifier: give amplifier power and apply small
voltage to the +/-10v command input. Then it should move the servo
motor. Right?

i

Testing servos/Drives
 

Ignoramus8975 wrote:
I would like to get some clear idea on how to test components of what
I build.

Say, just a servo: can I test it by connecting a small DC power supply
to + and - cables and gradually increasing voltage? I should see it
run, right?

You mean just testing the motor? Yes, a DC supply or a D cell will work.
Or, a servo with amplifier: give amplifier power and apply small
voltage to the +/-10v command input. Then it should move the servo
motor. Right?
If the servo amp has available +/- 15 V output, you can connect a pot
across those outputs and wire the + command input to the pot's wiper.
Make sure the pot is centered before enabling the servo amp.

Jon

Testing servos/Drives
 

Ignoramus8975 wrote:

I would like to get some clear idea on how to test components of what
I build.

Say, just a servo: can I test it by connecting a small DC power supply
to + and - cables and gradually increasing voltage? I should see it
run, right?


If you are talking about the dc motor that will work. Depending on the voltage you need,
a dc welder can be a good source of power to test high current dc motors.


Or, a servo with amplifier: give amplifier power and apply small
voltage to the +/-10v command input. Then it should move the servo
motor. Right?


Sure. You can make a battery box to provide an adjustable 0-9 vdc command signal by
attaching a 9 volt battery to a 10K linear taper potentiometer.

Rather than use a number of words describing it, I'll just link a picture of a voltage
divider.

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedi..._with_load.png


Wes