Mg995 Servo: Everything You need to Know

Many industrial applications require the input of servo motors. Hence, they're necessary for controlling automated manufacturing systems, and robotics among many others. Our article will explain the working of the mg995 servo motors, which is critical in controlling rotation and movement in computerized systems. First, we'll highlight the basics of a standard servo.  Additionally, we'll give insights into the procedure for selecting servo and other product details of the component. 

Therefore, for an in-depth elucidation of the working principle of MG995 Servo motors, take a look at the following sections.

What is an Mg995 Servo?

A simple Electric Motor

An mg995 servo motor is an example of torque servos with a degree of rotation in the 180º range. Also, it is a low-budget servo. Thus, it's a cheap steering servo option for manufacturing an arm robot essential in many applications. 

Additionally, you'll find it in toy planes and drones due to its low price.

Hence, there is a wide range of compatible servo systems, especially those that require precision control. 

Pin Configuration

Repairing a Small Electric Motor

The servo motor has three pins, each with a different function, as shown in the table below.

Features and Specifications

An Illustration of Gears

Key Features

• Guarantees a constant torque in all the servo movement ranges
• Also, it features metal gears which improve its longevity
• Has a double ball bearing design that provides stability and shockproof capabilities
• Additionally, it offers fast control response in high operating speed applications
• Lastly, it gives impressive holding power

Specifications

• It weighs 55g
• Has dimensions of 40.7mm by 19.7mm by 2.9mm
• Wide operating voltage range of between 4.8 V to 7.2 V
• Features a stall torque of 9.4kg/cm at 4.8V and 11kg/cm at 6V
• Has an average operating speed of 0.2 s/60º at 4.8V and 0.16 s/60º at 6V
• It has a rotating degree range of 180º
• Features a 5 μs dead bandwidth
• Has an operational frequency of 50 Hertz
• Functions at an operating temperature range of 0ºC to +55ºC
• Has a 10mA current draw at idle mode
• Features a no-load operating current draw of 170mA. 
• Lastly, the maximum load current is 1200mA.

How do Servo Motors Work?

Illustrating the Concept of Feedback in Servos

Here's a glimpse of how digital servos and other types operate. A servo is a control system that works in a closed-loop setup.

In such a system, the feedback signal is essential for the speed and direction adjustment of the motor. 

When you want to control the servo motor, the first step is to send signals to the motor's signal line. Note, the traditional analog servo motor is set to receive a pulse after approximately every 20 milliseconds. 

Also note, during operation, the pulse's length will give the servo motor's position. The following are the three possible outcomes depending on the pulse duration:

• Application of high vibration at 1ms will yield a servo angle of zero.
• When you apply a high vibration at 1.5 ms, you'll obtain a servo angle of 90 degrees. 
• Lastly, when using a high pulse at 2ms, the servo angle will be 180 degrees. 

Note, the pulse durations are not necessarily similar to what we highlighted. They are dependent on the servo motors brand. Thus, you may have 0.5ms for zero degrees. Also, a 180 degrees servo angle may require a pulse duration of 2.5ms. 

Advantages of Servo Motor

 A 3D illustration of a Motor

• It's cheap
• Guarantees smooth rotations, especially at low speeds
• Doesn't consume power while on a standstill mode
• Needs no current to hold position when the motor doesn't have static loads
• Available in a wide variety of models

Interfacing MG995 Servo Motor to Arduino UNO

Arduino electronic platform for hobbyists

An mg995 servo motor is Arduino compatible.

Thus, we'll explain how to interface it with Arduino Uno. Alternatively, you can still use any other Arduino board, and it'll be equally operational. 

Using connector wires, connect your servo motor to the Arduino Uno terminals, as shown in the table below. 

 As illustrated in the above table, connect the power supply to the servo motor. Also, click the GND pin of the servo motor to the GND terminal of the Arduino Uno. The connection will provide power to the circuit. 

 Next, connect the motor's PWM input pin to the Arduino's D6 terminal. It will induce the rotation of the engine. 

Here is the wiring diagram to illustrate how you should go about the connections. 

How to interface the Arduino with a Servo Motor

Arduino Code

Also, for this setup, you need to ensure that your Arduino is operating using this code:

Arduino Code

Applications

Surveillance camera with motion sensor.

The following are some of the applications where the servo motor is standard:

• Insecurity cameras
• Robotics and other associated machines
• Useful for solar tracking and positioning purposes
• In the door locks and different types of locks
• Applicable in hobby projects and DIY projects
• In other applications that require rotary actuators, such as automated manufacturing.

Summary

From this article, you have learned that the mg995 servo is an essential electronic component. Thus, you will find it in almost every project where rotational motion is necessary. The current consumption of the servo is also low, which makes it advantageous for use. 

We have elaborately covered all critical insights about this component. And that's not all. If you have further queries on this component, please ask us.