Servo Tester and Centering Device

Reusing old servos for RC and robotic projects I needed a way to confirm that they continued to work smoothly. I also needed a means to center them, in their range of travel, for project installation and hookup.

This Nano based tester provides for servo range of motion testing and aluminates a separate LED when the servo is in its centered position. Power is provided by a USB cable and power source connected directly to the Nano. Powering a single servo and LEDs though the Nano is not a problem.

Servo Tester and Centering Device - YouTube

List of Materials

·        Arduino Nano

·        10k Potentiometer

·        2 – LEDS (power indication and servo centered)

·        2 – 200-ohm resisters

·        3 pin male servo connector

·        4 – M3 8mm screws

·        3-D print filament and printer

Default filament settings are fine. No supports required. Alternate case top provided if you want shielded servo connection.

Solder connections between Nano and components directly with flexible 28 AWG wire.

220-ohm resister:

·        Negative (–) side of each LED

Nano 5V:

·        Power LED +

·        Servo Centered LED +

·        Servo Connector +

·        Potentiometer Side Connection +

Nano GRD:

·        Servo Connector –

·        Power LED resister –

·        Potentiometer Side Connection –

Nano:

·        D4: Servo Centered LED resister –

·        A1: Potentiometer Center Connection

·        D9: Servo Connector Signal

Install Arduino code Servo_Tester_and_Center.ino onto the Nano.

Plug in your servo observing orientation of signal pin and power Nano through USB cable. Turn potentiometer dial to sweep servo arm, Centering LED will light when servo is positioned at the midpoint of its operating range.