servo control and voltage regulator
servo control and voltage regulator
(OP)
I am making a circuit in which I need to control two separate valves with two servos (futaba S3154 mini servo).I am not sure if i should power them with two separate 6V regulators LM7806 (1 amp max output) or a single LM7806. I could not get data sheet on current drawn by these servo except reading somewhere it takes 250 milliamp continuous current for a single servo but I have a feeling the starting current is much higher( probably 1A).
The two servos will need to work simultaneously (both drawing power at same time). The system is battery operated device and I want to make sure the load is not too much for a single regulator for the servos. The microprocessor and other circuit is powered by a separate 5V regulator. Would be helpful if anyone has experience is this. Thanks
The two servos will need to work simultaneously (both drawing power at same time). The system is battery operated device and I want to make sure the load is not too much for a single regulator for the servos. The microprocessor and other circuit is powered by a separate 5V regulator. Would be helpful if anyone has experience is this. Thanks





RE: servo control and voltage regulator
If you make the DC common the same, you should be ok. Otherwise, you will get some very unpredicable results.
RE: servo control and voltage regulator
RE: servo control and voltage regulator
The 250mA is credible as a max current, because these servos are not intended for high torque loads: 20.8 oz-in @ 4.8V and 23.5 oz-in @ 6V max. I'd guess they probably _can_ draw more than 250mA, but you'd want the supply to limit or fold back there to avoid damage to the delicate plastic gears.
They're really intended for small control surfaces that push against air, not the devices I call valves. Maybe you have some other kind of valve.
Mike Halloran
Pembroke Pines, FL, USA
RE: servo control and voltage regulator
they will probably be the best in this technology, by a long way.
RE: servo control and voltage regulator
My concern was, just not knowing the peak starting torque current for these servos in order to choose a suitable power source( regulator). As suggested by controlsdude and OperaHouse it sure will help to distribute load between two regulators verses one(to avoid overheating)and having common DC ground.The servo ground is sharing ground plane with microprocessor ground and I was concerned when the two servos are running and drawing current , the digital circuit will suffer because of the imbalance in the ground plane ( I have had this kind of problem before)