Power choices for Arduino + large servo

Post here about your Arduino projects, get help - for Adafruit customers!

Moderators: adafruit_support_bill, adafruit

Please be positive and constructive with your questions and comments.
Locked
User avatar
wesg
 
Posts: 118
Joined: Thu Mar 18, 2010 10:00 pm

Power choices for Arduino + large servo

Post by wesg »

My current project is to create a camera mount that uses an Arduino as an intervalometer. I want to use a servo to be able to rotate the camera. What size servo can I safely drive using the Arduino 5V output? Do I need to use a dedicated power supply?

I'd like to use this: http://www.sparkfun.com/products/9347

That brings me to my next question: what's a good way to use LiPo batteries for the Arduino and servo? Most LiPo batteries are 3.7V, so I'm assuming I'd need a 5V step-up converter to properly run the Arduino board. That should work, assuming I can run the servo direct from the Arduino, right?

User avatar
adafruit_support_bill
 
Posts: 88086
Joined: Sat Feb 07, 2009 10:11 am

Re: Power choices for Arduino + large servo

Post by adafruit_support_bill »

I don't have experience with that specific servo, but most of the larger servo's I have worked with need a separate supply for reliable operation with an Arduino. Even 'standard' size 'high torque' servos have very high peak current demands that can cause a processor reset.
Most LiPo batteries are 3.7V, so I'm assuming I'd need a 5V step-up converter to properly run the Arduino board.
It is possible to run an Arduino directly from 3.7v. http://www.ladyada.net/library/arduino/3v3_arduino.html
To run both the servo and the arduino at 5v from a single LiPo, you would need some sort of boost converter like the MintyBoost. http://www.adafruit.com/products/14
Not sure if the MintyBoost can supply enough current for that servo (current is not listed in the servo specs). But, if you use one boost converter for the Arduino and one for the Servo (both connected to the same battery), it should provide enough isolation for reliable operation.

User avatar
wesg
 
Posts: 118
Joined: Thu Mar 18, 2010 10:00 pm

Re: Power choices for Arduino + large servo

Post by wesg »

Thank you, Adafruit support, for your consistently excellent responses!

Locked
Please be positive and constructive with your questions and comments.

Return to “Arduino”