Servo Center™
Embedded Servo Controllers for Independent and Coordinated Fluid Servo Motion
The Yost Labs’ Servo Center™ product line is a family of embedded servo controllers that allow RC servo motor control from any USB, serial RS-232, MIDI-capable device. ServoCenter™ is also available in DIP and TQFP chip packages. The ServoCenter™ 4.1 Sequencer allows complex tasks to be programmed via a script sequencer in addition to other programming options that are standard in the ServoCenter products.
- Amazing and unsurpassed control of the seek position and seek speed of up to sixteen connected servos — independently and simultaneously, with simple, logical commands
- Ability to chain up to 16 (32 for MIDI version) ServoCenters™ to control up to 256 RC servos (512 for MIDI version), with completely independent movement, from only one serial, USB, or MIDI port
- Independent control allows multiple servos to simultaneously move a different speeds to different positions, while group moves allows multiple servos to synchronize easily
- Programmable using a simple raw packet protocol or using the included ActiveX control or Win32 DLL
- Code examples included for GCC/Linux, QBASIC, TurboC, Python, C#, Visual Basic.NET, Visual Basic 6.0, C#.NET, Visual C++.NET, and Visual C++ 6.0
The ServoCenter™ 4.1 controller provides a built-in Sequencer / BASIC Interpreter called SC-BASIC which allows the sequencer to run independently on the board itself. Sequencer programs are stored in non-volatile EEPROM memory that retains the program even when the unit is reset or powered off, eliminating the need for a PC or other external command device.
Additional Information
ServoCenter™ USB
- 16 servo channels per board
- Chain up to 16 boards to control 256 servos via one USB port
- Store up to 64 scene presets, load instantly or cross-fade for smooth transition
- Use built-in configurable smoothing algorithm provides for more natural movement
- 9.6cm x 9.0cm x 2.5cm
- 2.7 oz
ServoCenter™ MINI
- 16 servo channels per board
- Chain up to 16 boards to control 256 servos via one USB port
- Store up to 64 scene presets, load instantly or cross-fade for smooth transition
- Use built-in configurable smoothing algorithm provides for more natural movement
- 7.48cm x 4.32cm x 2.5cm
- .95 oz
ServoCenter™ MIDI
- Easily configured by anyone familiar with MIDI (Musical Instrument Digital Interface) such as musicians or special effects / animatronics technicians.
- Works with any device with MIDI OUT port to control standard RC servo motors with continuous controller messages
- Use MIDI IN and MIDI THRU ports to daisy-chain multiple ServoCenter™ boards
- Use ServoCenter™ MIDI with a MIDI sequencer for an instant motion control solution, accurate and repeatable recording and playback of servo motions.
- 16,384 servo positions possible with full 14-bit resolution
- Opens up many opportunities for multimedia displays, interactive performance art, kinetic sculptures, and more
- 8.5cm x 9.2cm x 2.5cm
- 2.8 oz
Feature Comparison | USB 4.1 | USB-MINI | MIDI |
---|---|---|---|
Servo channels individually configurable as extra digital outputs | YES | YES | |
16 dedicated digital I/O channels, individually configurable | YES | YES | |
8 dedicated analog input channels | YES | YES | |
Preset storage capability | 64 presets for servo position & digital I/O | 64 presets for servo position & digital I/O | |
Configuration information saved even when powered off | YES | YES | |
Watchdog timer for failsafe operation | YES | YES | |
Max servo pulse resolution | 0.05425 uS | 0.05425 uS | |
Pulse output rate | 20 ms | 20 ms | |
Pulse width range | 10-2390 uS | 10-2390 uS | |
User upgradeable firmware; download new features | YES | YES | |
Bootloader allows users to create and upload their own firmware | YES | YES | |
Baud rates supported | 9600, 38400, 57600, 115200 bps | 9600, 38400, 57600, 115200 bps | |
Connectors | USB type B, male and female DB9 serial | USB 5-pin Mini type B, 3-pin serial | |
Communication supported | USB, RS-232 serial, TTL logic-level serial | USB, RS-232 serial, TTL logic-level serial | MIDI |
Data Format | MIDI standard at 31.25 kbps | ||
Length | 3.775″ (9.6 cm) | 2.945″ (7.48 cm) | 3.375″ (8.5 cm) |
Width | 3.55″ (9.0 cm) | 1.7″ (4.32 cm) | 3.625″ (9.2 cm) |
Height | 1.0″ (2.5 cm) | .56″ (1.42 cm) | 1.0″ (2.5 cm) |
Weight | 2.7 oz | 0.95 oz | 2.8 oz |
Primary Input | USB Type B port | USB 5-pin Mini Type B | 5-pin DIN MIDI-IN |
Secondary Input/Thru | Serial DB9 female In, DB9 male Thru style RS-232 DCE 3-pin TTL serial | Serial 3-pin In, 3-pin Thru | |
Tertiary Input/Thru | TTL serial 3-pin IN, 3-pin Thru | TTL serial 3-pin IN, 3-pin Thru | 5-pin DIN MIDI-THRU |
Servo Interface | 3-pin standard universal RC servo connector | 3-pin standard universal RC servo connector | 3-pin standard universal RC servo connector |
Digital I/O Interface | 3-pin (Ground, +5v, Signal) | ||
Analog Input Interface | 3-pin (Ground, +5v, Signal) | ||
Power Supply | Minimum 1A, 7.5VDC – 15VDC | Minimum 1A, 7.5VDC – 15VDC | Minimum 1A, 7.5VDC – 15VDC |
Power Jack | Male, 2.1mm x 5.5mm, center positive | Male, 2.1mm x 5.5mm, center positive | Male, 2.1mm x 5.5mm, center positive |
Servo Power Output | Regulated 4.8VDC or 6.0VDC (selectable), up to 5A | Regulated 4.8VDC or 6.0VDC (selectable), up to 5A | Regulated 4.8VDC or 6.0VDC (selectable), up to 5A |
Cable Type | USB device cable | USB MINI device cable | 5-pin DIN MIDI |