The REV Robotics Smart Robot Servo (SRS) (REV-41-1097) is a configurable metal-geared servo that takes the guesswork out of aligning and adjusting servo based mechanisms. One SRS can be used as a standard angular servo, a custom angular servo, and a continuous rotation servo by simply changing its settings
For more information on how to use the SRS programmer to change the servo modes see the SRS Programmer section
Servo motors are a specialized kind of motor which can be controlled to move to a specific angle instead of continuously rotating like a DC motor. Instead of a hex output shaft like the DC motor, servos have an output spline. A spline is a specific groove pattern cut into the shaft which allows the rotation of the servo motor to be transmitted to the attached Aluminum Servo Horn (REV-41-1828) or Servo Adapter. Splines are like keys, so only matched types will fit together. The REV Robotics Servos all use a 25T spline pattern. If the gears or spline of the REV Robotics Smart Robot Servo (REV-41-1097) become damaged, they are replaceable using a Replacement Gear Set (REV-41-1168).
Common servo motors take a programmed input signal range and map that to an angular range. For example, for a servo with a 270° range, if the input range was from 0 to 1 then a signal input of 0 would cause the servo to turn to point -135°. For a signal input of 1, the servo would turn to +135°. Inputs between the minimum and maximum have corresponding angles evenly distributed between the minimum and maximum servo angle.
REV Robotics Servo Adapters fit 25T spline servos like the REV Robotics Smart Robot Servo. In addition to the variety pack of generic servo horns which come with the Smart Robot Servo, there are five other custom servo adapters which make using servos with the REV ION Build System easy.
Aluminum Servo Shaft Adapters (REV-41-1558) convert a 25T spline servo output shaft into a female 5mm hex socket. This adapter can be used to drive a hex shaft directly.
Aluminum Servo Horns (REV-41-1828) have a tapped hole pattern that can be directly mounted to any of the REV Robotics gears, wheels, or sprockets with the Motion Pattern.
Aluminum Double Servo Arms (REV-41-1820) have two tapped holes that can be directly mounted to any of the REV Robotics extrusion, channel, or brackets.
Aluminum 1/2in Rounded Hex Servo Shaft (REV-21-2892) converts a servo to a 1/2in Hex shaft for use with all other ION mechanical system components
Plastic 1/2in Hex Linkage Arm (REV-21-2895) used to control a linkage, flap, lever or pushrod
Plastic Face Mount Bracket The ION Servo Face Mount Bracket (REV-21-2896) allows for easy integration of Servo Motors into the ION System.
The REV Robotics SRS Programmer (REV-31-1108) is the key to unlocking all the smart features of the Smart Robot Servo (SRS) (REV-41-1097).
Switching between continuous rotation, standard servo, and custom angular modes is easy as pressing a button. The SRS Programmer can not only program the SRS, but it is also acts as a standalone servo tester for any standard RC servo.
The REV Robotics SRS Programmer includes the following features:
3 programming modes
Continuous rotation
Angular limits
Reset to factory defaults
Test modes
Automatic sweep
Manual position/direction
Intuitive operation with LED feedback
Self-powered
Power-off reminder
† Not Included
The SRS Programmer has several operating modes for configuring and testing the REV Smart Robot Servo. The following sections describe each operating mode in detail.
Follow the steps below to switch a REV Smart Robot Servo between Continuous Mode and Servo Mode. The figure below shows the process to select Continuous Mode.
Connect the SRS to the programmer.
Turn on the programmer.
Slide the mode switch to the desired mode: C - Continuous, S - Servo.
Press and release the PROGRAM button once.
The PROGRAM LED should blink and then stay solid indicating success.
Follow the steps below to set the angular limits for the Servo Mode. The figure below shows an example of setting a left and right limits at -30° and +60° respectively.
Start with the SRS already configured in Servo Mode, see section Switching Modes for instructions.
Connect the SRS to the programmer.
Turn on the programmer.
Slide the mode switch to S position.
This step is optional, but recommended to make it easier to see the valid limit ranges. Please refer to the SRS User's Manual for more information about the valid limit ranges.
Press and release the TEST button twice to enter Manual Test Mode (see Test Modes for more information).
Press the PROGRAM button to center the servo at 0°.
Press and release the TEST button once to leave the test mode.
Manually rotate the servo to the desired left limit position.
Press and release the LEFT button. The LEFT LED will illuminate if the position is valid.
Manually rotate the servo to the desired right limit position.
Press and release the RIGHT button. The RIGHT LED will illuminate if the position is valid.
After both limits are set, press and release the PROGRAM button. The PROGRAM LED should blink and then stay solid indicating success.
Follow the steps below to reset the Smart Robot Servo to its default mode and limits. The figure below shows the process to reset to defaults.
Connect SRS to the programmer.
Turn on the programmer.
Slide the mode switch to S position.
Press and hold the PROGRAM button for at least 5 seconds.
The LEDs will blink and then the PROGRAM LED will stay solid indicating success.
In either Continuous or Servo Modes, pressing and releasing the TEST button cycles through the two test modes:
1st press - Automatic Sweep Mode
2nd press - Manual Test Mode
3rd press - Return to default state
The section below will cover the two different test modes.
In Automatic Sweep Mode, the SRS Programmer will automatically sweep the SRS through motions appropriate for its configuration. the table below describes the behavior based on the configured mode.
In Manual Test Mode the LEFT, PROGRAM, and RIGHT buttons control the movement of the SRS. The table below describes how the SRS will behave based on the configured mode.
If the SRS Programmer is left on for an extended period of inactivity, it will blink every LED as a reminder to shut off power.
The REV Servo Power Module (REV-11-1144) is a 6V 90W power injector that enables the use of high-power RC servos in applications where a robot controller cannot provide adequate power.
The Servo Power Module has two screw terminals for 12V power input. It is recommended to use ring or fork terminals designed for #6 or M3 screw terminals.
Using an appropriate wire gauge, 18 AWG or larger, tightly crimp either a ring or fork terminal on the wire. Insert the crimped terminal into the screw terminal and tighten the screw.
The input and output channels accept standard 3-wire 0.1” pitch servo/PWM cables. Please refer to the figure above or the case markings for proper orientation.
Each channel has a corresponding status LED that will indicate the sensed state of the connected PWM signal. The table below describes each state’s corresponding LED pattern.
If the Servo Power Module detects a total output current larger than 15A it will enter a shutdown mode where the 6V output is disabled until the over-current condition has remedied. While in shutdown the blue power LED will turn off, dim, or flicker indicating the over-current condition is still present.
In the case of frequent over-current shutdowns, ensure that the total stall current of all connected servos does not exceed 15A.
Mechanical Specifications
Dimensions
70.5mm x 64.5mm x 35.5mm
Weight
Electrical Specifications
Power Source
4 AA batteries
Power Output
6V nominal
Logic Level (Signal Out)
3.3V
Output Pulse Width Range
550μs – 2450μs
Center Pulse Width
1500μs
Servo and Programmer Mode
Behavior
Continuous Mode (C)
Sweeping direction and speed
Servo Mode (S)
Sweeping between limits
Key Terms
Key Metrics
Nominal Input Voltage
12V
Operating Voltage Range
7.0V - 20V
Minimum Startup Voltage
9.0V
Output Voltage
6V
Number of Channels
6
Max. Total Output Current
(across all Channels)
15A
Max. Total Output Power
90W
Size
3.6” x 1.52” x 0.81”
Weight
2.0oz/57g
State
Pattern
No Signal
Blinking Amber
Left/Reverse Signal
Solid Red
Center/Neutral Signal
Solid Amber
Right/Forward Signal
Solid Green