Introduction
In today’s world of robotics and automation, the use of servo motors is increasing rapidly. Servo motors are widely used in various applications, such as robotics, automation, and aerospace, due to their high precision and accuracy. A 360-degree servo motor is a special type of servo motor that can rotate continuously in both directions.
In this article, we will discuss how to control a “360-Degree Servo Motor” with an Arduino microcontroller.
What is 360 Degree Servo Motor?
A 360-degree servo motor is a special type of servo motor that can rotate continuously in both clockwise and counterclockwise directions. Unlike standard servo motors that have a limited range of motion, usually between 180 to 270 degrees, 360-degree servo motors can rotate continuously, making them suitable for applications that require continuous rotation, such as robotics, automation, and camera control systems.
Hardware Components
To interface 360 Degree Servo Motor with Arduino, you’ll need the following hardware components to get started:
| Components | Value | Qty |
|---|---|---|
| Arduino UNO | – | 1 |
| USB Cable Type A to B | – | 1 |
| DC Power for Arduino | – | 1 |
| 360 Degree Servo | – | 1 |
| Jumper Wires | – | 1 |
360 Degree Servo Motor Pinout
360 Degree Servo Motor Circuit
Make connections according to the circuit diagram given below.
Wiring / Connections
| Arduino | 360 Degree Servo |
|---|---|
| 5V | VCC |
| GND | GND |
| D9 | PWM |
Installing Arduino IDE
First, you need to install Arduino IDE Software from its official website Arduino. Here is a simple step-by-step guide on “How to install Arduino IDE“.
Installing Libraries
Before you start uploading a code, download and unzip the following libraries at /Program Files(x86)/Arduino/Libraries (default), in order to use the sensor with the Arduino board. Here is a simple step-by-step guide on “How to Add Libraries in Arduino IDE“.
Sample code for testing the servo
Now copy the following code and upload it to Arduino IDE Software.
// Include the library
#include <Servo.h>
// Create the servo object
Servo myservo;
// Setup section to run once
void setup() {
myservo.attach(9); // attach the servo to our servo object
myservo.write(90);
}
// Loop to keep the motor turning!
void loop() {
myservo.write(45); // rotate the motor counterclockwise
delay(5000); // keep rotating for 5 seconds (5000 milliseconds)
myservo.write(90); // stop the motor
delay(5000); // stay stopped
myservo.write(135); // rotate the motor clockwise
delay(5000); // keep rotating :D
}Code Explanation
This Arduino code is a simple example of how to control a servo motor using the Servo library in Arduino.
The first line of the code includes the Servo library, which provides built-in functions for controlling servo motors.
Then, a Servo object is created with the name “myservo“.
In the setup() section, the servo is attached to pin 9, and it is set to the initial position of 90 degrees.
The loop() section contains the code that controls the servo motor. The servo motor is first commanded to rotate counterclockwise to a position of 45 degrees using the write() function, and then it is kept rotating for 5 seconds using the delay() function.
After that, the servo motor is commanded to stop by setting its position to 90 degrees using the write() function, and then it is kept stopped for another 5 seconds using the delay() function.
Finally, the servo motor is commanded to rotate clockwise to a position of 135 degrees using the write() function, and then it is kept rotating for another 5 seconds using the delay() function.
This code demonstrates how to control the position and movement of a servo motor using the Servo library and basic programming structures like setup() and loop().
Control the speed of a 360-degree servo using a potentiometer
#include <Servo.h> // Include the servo library
Servo myservo; // create servo object to control our servo
int potentiometerPin = A0; // analog pin used to connect the potentiometer
int val; // variable to read the value from the analog pin
void setup() {
myservo.attach(9); // attaches the servo on pin 9 to the servo object
}
void loop() {
val = analogRead(potentiometerPin); // reads the value of the potentiometer (value between 0 and 1023)
val = map(val, 0, 1023, 0, 180); // scale it for use with the servo (value between 0 and 180)
myservo.write(val); // sets the servo speed and direction according to the scaled value
}This code controls a servo motor using a potentiometer. The servo library is included and a Servo object is created. The analog pin A0 is used to connect the potentiometer, and the val variable is used to store the value read from the potentiometer. In the setup function, the servo is attached to pin 9. In the loop function, the value of the potentiometer is read and then scaled to a value between 0 and 180, which is the range of motion for the servo. Finally, the scaled value is used to set the speed and direction of the servo using the myservo.write() method.
Applications
Here are some common applications for 360-degree servo motors:
- Robotics: 360-degree servo motors are commonly used in robotics for tasks such as controlling the movement of robotic arms and legs.
- Camera control systems: 360-degree servo motors can be used in camera control systems to adjust the camera’s position and orientation.
- Automation: 360-degree servo motors can be used in automation systems for tasks such as rotating conveyor belts or controlling the movement of manufacturing equipment.
- RC vehicles: 360-degree servo motors can be used in remote control (RC) vehicles, such as airplanes and cars, to control the throttle or steering.
- Home automation: 360-degree servo motors can be used in home automation systems for tasks such as opening and closing blinds or controlling the movement of smart mirrors.
- Art installations: 360-degree servo motors can be used in art installations to create moving sculptures and kinetic art.
- Education: 360-degree servo motors are commonly used in educational robotics and electronics projects to teach students about programming and control systems.
Conclusion
Controlling a 360-degree servo motor with an Arduino microcontroller is a simple and effective way to achieve precise and accurate control in your robotics and automation projects. With the right hardware and software setup, you can easily control the speed, direction, and position of your servo motor using an Arduino.
