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Servo Buddy Beta - General Discussion

chad

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Joined
Aug 12, 2024
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40

SERVO BUDDY [BETA]​

LAUNCH ANNOUNCEMENT​

We're thrilled to introduce an exciting new tool for servo and ESC testing, born from a collaboration between Flite Test and HackMakeMod.


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Buy-Now-Button01.png

What is Servo Buddy?​

Servo Buddy is an exceptionally user-friendly device crafted to streamline the testing and centering of servos and the testing of ESCs. Whether you're fine-tuning RC planes, cars, boats, or robots, Servo Buddy ensures precision in your servo’s center and endpoint settings and verifies that your motors are spinning in the correct direction.
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Key Benefits:​

  • Plug-and-Play Simplicity: Connect your servo or ESC and press a button… that's all! No additional equipment required.
  • Polarity Detection: Servo Buddy automatically detects and adjusts to the device's polarity, ensuring flawless functionality regardless of how you plug it in.
  • Efficient Design: Powered by 3 x AAA batteries, Servo Buddy also features an auto power-off function to extend battery life.

Limited Edition Launch:​

We are excited to release the Servo Buddy [BETA] in a special limited edition. Only 50 uniquely numbered units will be available, split into two batches. Each is meticulously assembled in the HackMakeMod workshop and includes a distinctive, handmade acid-etched metal insert denoting its unique number.

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Pricing and Availability:​

Each limited edition unit is priced at $25. The first batch will be available exclusively at the Flite Test store starting January 10, 2025. The second batch will follow on January 17, 2025, through the HackMakeMod Store. This phased release allows us to provide a special opportunity for our dedicated communities.

Why a Limited Run?​

Our goal is to put this innovative tool into the hands of genuine hobbyists before finalizing its design. Producing these limited edition units allows us to gather your invaluable feedback, facilitating improvements without the delays of large-scale manufacturing.

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[David Windestal and Josh Bixler discuss essential Servo Buddy features.]


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Servo Buddy Tech Specs:​

  • Microcontroller: Raspberry Pi Pico – RP2040 32-bit ARM Cortex-M0+ processor.
  • Power Source: 3 x AAA batteries (not included).
  • Display: 128x64 OLED for real-time feedback.
  • Button Functions: Toggle between -45°, 0°, +45° positions, activate motor test, and shut down after 3 seconds of pressing.
  • Connectivity: Foolproof servo and ESC connections with slot-aligned pins.
  • Detection System: Automatic device type and polarity recognition.
  • Testing Features: Quick 0.5-second motor spin at low throttle.
  • Auto Power-Off: Shuts down after 60 seconds of inactivity.
  • Enclosure: Compact and durable, featuring a numbered acid-etched metal insert.
  • Dimensions: 86mm x 42mm x 22mm.
  • Weight: 77g (with batteries).
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[Chad holding the 3D printed case to be used for the ServoBuddy Beta]

FAQ: Servo Buddy [BETA] Program​

  1. How many units are available? 50 units have been produced for the beta program.
  2. Where can I purchase Servo Buddy [BETA]? 25 units in the Flite Test store from January 10, 2025 Purchase here, and 25 in the HackMakeMod store from January 17, 2025 Purchase here.
  3. What does purchasing a unit entail? You'll join a community of early adopters, use Servo Buddy in your projects, and provide feedback here.
  4. What feedback is needed? We welcome any insights on Servo Buddy’s features, hardware, software, and design.
  5. Benefits of participating? Directly influence Servo Buddy's development, enjoy affordable pricing, and help lay the groundwork for future tools.
  6. What happens with feedback? It will be used to finalize Servo Buddy's features and design.
  7. When will the final version be released? Based on the feedback, we'll determine the release date to ensure the highest quality.
Availability: Due to the limited nature of this beta test, units are available on a first-come, first-served basis.

We aim to build Servo Buddy with you, for you. Your contributions are crucial in making Servo Buddy the best it can be.

Thank you for joining us on this exciting journey!

Kind regards,
Chad, David, and Josh

Servo Buddy is an open-source project
This means that its design, software, and hardware specifications are publicly accessible. We encourage community collaboration and value your contributions to the ongoing development and improvement of Servo Buddy.
 
Last edited:
Dang. Looks like I missed out on the first 25… Setting reminder on my phone for the second batch.
 
Looking forward to everyone’s feedback!
 
#22 arrived today also, looking forward to having this in my toolkit.
 
did i miss them already ? it's friday and i am trying first come first served. but maybe this is my lot in life. first in line but too bad. we didn't mean you chief!... good luck all
 
did i miss them already ? it's friday and i am trying first come first served. but maybe this is my lot in life. first in line but too bad. we didn't mean you chief!... good luck all
I assume it hasn’t started yet. I added my email to the notify me when in stock part but haven’t gotten the email yet. I also set an alert on my phone this morning to remind me but still says out of stock. I imagine it’ll be at some point today, have no idea on timing tho.
 
Just added the batch of 25 now!
 
Proud owner of 06. Looking forward to helping out with testing and feedback.
 
Great to see you guys here! I just updated the reference thread with the BOM and the function flow chart. Please let me know if you guys want/need anything. We are eager for feedback!
 
How is it going for everyone? Please feel free to share your initial experience. Good? Bad?.. meh?
 
Just got mine. #27. Seems to work great. aaa batteries pre installed was an unexpected but very nice touch. I haven’t tried the motor function yet but plan to this weekend once my garage warms up from this arctic blast that came all the way down to Birmingham Alabama…

My only real critique at this moment is the auto power off. While the function is nice, it’s too quick in my opinion. Maybe adjust the 30-45 seconds up to 2-5 minutes. Surely it sitting idle doesn’t drain too much juice from the aaa’s, added time before it auto shuts off would be nice. But I’m NOT a techie so if it does draw decent power while idle then how it is now is fine. The power on function is quick and easy so no biggie.

This is more of a question than feedback as again, I’m a mechanic, not an engineer, but I’ve heard that the “auto” function on the other servo testers was to break in new servos. No idea who I heard this from or its validity, but I’ve always ran new servos on that function for 5 minutes before installing in my projects. If there is a truth behind this, multiple servo ports and an auto function would be a good idea. If this is more of a back in the day kind of thing that modern servos don’t require anymore then ignore this idea.

Other than that, this thing seems great so far. I LOVE how you can plug in the servo either way and it still works.
 
Hello all. I am owner #45, it arrived today. This is a very nicely 3d printed device that I hope to find some use for. I was drunk surfing YouTube shorts after the New Year and for some reason this device popped up in my feed. Being an old school electromechanical geek, I thought it was neat but swiped to the next video. After seeing the short again, I found the full video on what this thing actually does in detail. I decided I needed one even though I really have no use for it. I might go down to the local hobby shop and see if I can buy a few cheap servos to play with. I did find that licking my finger and touching all three pins does simulate a servo and I could change angles.

I hope this beta program goes well for you and I'll try to contribute once I get some servos.
 
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