Mini Tail and Ear Servo Controller Version 2


The Mini Tail and Ear Servo Controller Version 2, is based on the Mini RTMCS2 Servo Controller.
It is a stand alone user programmable servo control board, designed for a 2 axis tail, and single axis ears (or eye lids).
Available in the Store.

Controller dimensions are 1.375" (35mm) x 0.725" (18.5mm).

The Mini Tail and Ear Servo Controller can be 100% programmed from the buttons, with out the use of a PC or any other programs.


The key features for the Mini Ear and Tail Servo Controller Version 2:

Microchip dsPic33EP256MU806 microcontroller, running at 120 Mhz (60Mips).

4 servo channels 17 bit resolution (1.66nS).

Support for 5 control buttons with 10k pull-ups and debounce.

All values are bounded and checked to prevent possible damage to a servo.

User programed values are stored in flash, with wear leveling.

Random function generator is seeded by a free running counter captured on the first button press.

Tail functions are programmed separately from ear/eye lid functions, thus the controller can be used for just a tail, or just ears/eye lids.

All motions are cosine moves, based on a start and finish location.


The Mini Tail and Ear Servo Controller is designed to run off a 6 volt (5 cell NiMH rechargeable) battery, or 4 cell alkaline battery.
The controller is reverse voltage protected, (but your servos might not be).

The 3.3V voltage regulator shuts down at 4.0V and operates up to 16V.
Note: The voltage regulator starts going into thermal shutdown around 14V.
Use a "Y" cable to power high voltage servos, and connect the Mini Tail and Ear Servo Controller to the "Logic or Receiver" power (typically 6V).

When the battery voltage drops below 4.5 volts for more than 5 seconds, the controller will move all servos to the normal/center positions, and then shutdown.


The Mini Tail and Ear Servo Controller supports 5 buttons:

B1 toggles between tail normal (ears normal), slow wag (ears normal) and fast wag (both ears perk forward).

B2 stops wagging, tucks the tail under (both ears fold back).

B3 stops wagging, raises the tail (both ears perk forward).

B4 enables random mode, which causes one of the following motions after a random amount of time.
Slow wag for a random amount of cycles.
Flick left or right ear (normal to perk forward position, and then back to normal).
Pressing B4 again, will result in another random action.
Pressing any other button will disable random mode.

B5 single press, enters programming mode for tail servos.
B5 double press, enter programming mode for ear/eye lid servos.


The Mini Tail and Ear Servo Controller, connector pin out is as follows:

The POWER connector (the square pad is pin 1):

(Pin 1 is not connected), (Pin 2 is +6 volts), (Pin 3 is GND)

The BUTTONS connector (the square pad is pin 1):

(Pin 1 is B1), (Pin 2 is B2), (Pin 3 is B3), (Pin 4 is B4), (Pin 5 is B5), (Pin 6 is GND)
If you make your own button board, the momentary switches should short the buttons (pins 1-5) to GND (pin 6)

The SERVOS connector (the square pad is pin 1):

(Pin 1 is PWMSignal), (Pin 2 is +6 volts), (Pin 3 is GND)), (Pin 2 is +6 volts), (Pin 3 is GND)

You can use any servo so long as the pin out matches the above connector.

Most of servos are this way, only some of the older ones have different pin outs, it is always best to check the documentation that comes with your servos.

Both analog or digital servos will work, however I would only recommend servos with all metal gears in animatronic applications.

Note: If you are using digital servos, they will not travel a full 180 degrees. You need to reprogram then using a digital servo programmer to enable the full range.

Programming instructions coming soon... And a better video...

Video showing the programming:

 


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