Features

[chad]

Post features you would like to see added or removed from Servo Buddy.

 

[chad]

So far I have been getting a lot of requests to add a dial. I'd love to discuss it here. How important is it to have a dial feature?

 

[SP0NZ]

So far I have been getting a lot of requests to add a dial. I'd love to discuss it here. How important is it to have a dial feature?

That was one of my initial thoughts as well. I sometimes hook up the tester to the servos on a plane to check my mechanical throws before getting to the programming on the radio. I for one would like to see the dial incorporated.

 

[SP0NZ]

The 45/0/45 servo position test is nice and also very easy to use. I like it. However, I have a lot of old servos that I use for prototype builds and testing. I would love to be able to check the full range of the servos motion to make sure it's a 'good' servo before throwing it on an airplane. My cheapo servo tester has an 'automatic' option that tests the full range of the servo. How hard would it be to add that?

 

[chad]

None of the functions we're discussing are particularly complex, but it's really about ensuring that the servo tester is as user-friendly as possible for everyone.

I'm considering the idea of offering two versions...

1. A Super-Simple LED version that's really stripped down—no display, just one button that toggles the servo to -45, 0, and +45 degrees. This would be for folks who want a straightforward, no-fuss tool.

2. A Deluxe version that includes an OLED display and offers more functionality, like settings for 45 and 90 degree endpoints and a knob for manual control. This could be more appealing to those who need a bit more precision and customization.

Thoughts?

 

[SP0NZ]

None of the functions we're discussing are particularly complex, but it's really about ensuring that the servo tester is as user-friendly as possible for everyone.

I'm considering the idea of offering two versions...

1. A Super-Simple LED version that's really stripped down—no display, just one button that toggles the servo to -45, 0, and +45 degrees. This would be for folks who want a straightforward, no-fuss tool.

2. A Deluxe version that includes an OLED display and offers more functionality, like settings for 45 and 90 degree endpoints and a knob for manual control. This could be more appealing to those who need a bit more precision and customization.

Thoughts?

Depending on the cost difference, I think this has potential. I would probably pick up the Deluxe version personally.

 

[lucw]

So far I have been getting a lot of requests to add a dial. I'd love to discuss it here. How important is it to have a dial feature?

This was my first thought when I came accross the Servo Buddy! When you want to quickly change or verify angles in the middle of constructing a build, a dial would be amazing!

 

[Varmit57]

So far I have been getting a lot of requests to add a dial. I'd love to discuss it here. How important is it to have a dial feature?

Personally I like it with out the dial. It the simplicity and style is what makes it such a great tool and its perfect for what you designed it to do.
Maybe a different one that has more options and complicated for the guys that might want that would be a good option, but I would not strip this one down to do it. Its classy and stands out from all the others on the market.

 

[icewalker]

Very nice project, and device, congratulations! I pictured myself in the first moments of the video ;-) gathering bits and pieces to go forward.

Would adding a 3S NiMh battery charger (from the USB current source) be a nice option?
This might need to be disable-able in case someone choose Alkaline AA...
Or switch the whole power supply to two 18650 with a Li-Ion charge (still from the USB source).

 

[Varmit57]

After using it for a few while, I think one feature I would like to see on this version is a battery indicator.

 

[chad]

After using it for a few while, I think one feature I would like to see on this version is a battery indicator.

It does have an indication that flashes “Low” after the batteries reach a certain voltage… but are you saying you’d like to see it at all times?

 

[chad]

Very nice project, and device, congratulations! I pictured myself in the first moments of the video ;-) gathering bits and pieces to go forward.

Would adding a 3S NiMh battery charger (from the USB current source) be a nice option?
This might need to be disable-able in case someone choose Alkaline AA...
Or switch the whole power supply to two 18650 with a Li-Ion charge (still from the USB source).

Thanks for the feedback.

One of the primary problems I wanted to solve was not having to worry about charging it. From what I can tell so far, the AAA batteries should last for quite a while.

Also, if you have bigger (power hungry) servos, you can plug a USB charger into the USB port and it will use that power instead of the batteries.

 

[SP0NZ]

Is the device software/firmware updateable thru the USB port as well?

 

[Varmit57]

It does have an indication that flashes “Low” after the batteries reach a certain voltage… but are you saying you’d like to see it at all times?

The Low battery notification is great. I hadn't realized it had that... Thanks!!!!

 

[chad]

Is the device software/firmware updateable thru the USB port as well?

Yes - The firmware can be changed/updated through the USB port

 

[chris.dehart.cd]

I tried to connect my windows 11 machine to it and I get this in device manager:


Windows has stopped this device because it has reported problems. (Code 43)

A request for the USB device descriptor failed.


I am holding the boot button while connecting the USB and i have tried multiple USB ports and cables including USB C to C and C to A. This is my very first time playing with this type of device so it may be something simple. This is supposed to show up as a USB drive right?

Thanks for any help

 

[BFlatt]

I don't know if this was suggested yet, I think you should add LEDs and bullet connectors or some type of connector to be able to test motor and ESC to make sure they're working correctly.

 

[chad]

I tried to connect my windows 11 machine to it and I get this in device manager:


Windows has stopped this device because it has reported problems. (Code 43)

A request for the USB device descriptor failed.


I am holding the boot button while connecting the USB and i have tried multiple USB ports and cables including USB C to C and C to A. This is my very first time playing with this type of device so it may be something simple. This is supposed to show up as a USB drive right?

Thanks for any help

I wasn't expecting anyone to reprogram it. The intent is to test it as it is and give feedback. If you REALLY want to change the firmware, you'll have to remove it from the enclosure and hold the boot button and it will come up as a drive.

 

[Sirllama]

I was going to add servo programming capabilities to it for srs servos and axons that we use in robotics.

 

[Sirllama]

I wasn't expecting anyone to reprogram it. The intent is to test it as it is and give feedback. If you REALLY want to change the firmware, you'll have to remove it from the enclosure and hold the boot button and it will come up as a drive.

I’ve tried, it still comes up as a faulty device.