diff --git a/docs/device/servo.md b/docs/device/servo.md index d3067b23..a3b94bcd 100644 --- a/docs/device/servo.md +++ b/docs/device/servo.md @@ -2,124 +2,116 @@ ## ~ hint -If you are running a class or activity, you should consider preparing all servos before hand. +If you are conducting a class or group activity, you should consider preparing all servos ahead of time. ## ~ ## Using a microservo with the @boardname@ -The @boardname@ provides just enough current to operate the SG90 microservo. -The servo requires 3 connections: GND, 3V and a logic pin. -In this tutorial, we will equip the servo with crocodile clips to make it easier to use. -However, you could also use a shield or female to crocodile clips to achieve the same effect. +The @boardname@ provides just enough current to operate the SG90 microservo. This servo requires 3 connections: **GND**, **3V** and a logic **pin**. In this tutorial, we will equip the servo with crocodile clips to make it easier to use. However, you could also use a shield or crocodile clips with a male connector on one end to achieve the same result. ## The easy way: Alligator/Crocodile Clip to Male Jumpers #hintconnection -The easiest way to connect a servo to the @boardname@ is to use cables that have an **Alligator/Crocodile clip** on one end -and a **Male jumper (pig tail)** on the other end. You can purchase bundles of such cables from various electronic resellers or easily build yours as show below. +The easiest way to connect a servo to the @boardname@ is to use cables with an **Alligator/Crocodile clip** on one end +and a **Male jumper (pig tail)** on the other end. You can purchase bundles these cables from various electronic resellers or easily build some as shown here. https://youtu.be/XtzsydSTXEg -## Materials +### Materials - * 1 Crocodile clip cable - * 1 male (pig tail) cable - * Cutting pliers or wire cutter - * 1 shrink wrap cables and a lighter +* 1 Crocodile clip cable +* 1 male (pig tail) cable +* Cutting pliers or wire cutter +* 1 piece of heat shrink tubing and a lighter -Simple cut the cables, strip them, thread the cables together and cover with the shrink wrap. +Simply cut the cables, strip them, twist the bare wires together, and cover the connection with some heat shrink tubing. -## ~ hint +### ~ hint -It is very **important** to ensure that there is a good connection between the 2 cables. -If the connection is weak, the microservo will not receive enough current and it will not work. -**If you have access to a soldering iron, we strongly recommend to solder this connection.** - -## ~ +It is very **important** to ensure a good connection between the 2 cables. If the connection is weak, the microservo will not receive enough current and it will not work. **If you have access to a soldering iron, we strongly recommend that you solder this connection.** +### ~ ## Direct connection You can also connect your crocodile clips directly to the servo. -## Materials - * Cutting pliers or wire cutter - * Tape (masking, duct tape, and/or packing tape) - * 3 crocodile clips, yellow, red and black. - * 1 micro servo 9g (SG90) +### Materials -## Step 1: cutout the connector +* Cutting pliers or wire cutter +* Tape (masking, duct tape, and/or packing tape) +* 3 crocodile clips, yellow, red and black. +* 1 micro servo 9g (SG90) -Using the cutting pliers, cut out the dark plastic connector. +### Step 1: Cut off the connector -![](/static/mb/projects/inchworm/servo1.jpg) +With the cutting pliers, cut off the dark plastic connector. -## Step 2: strip out cables +![Cutting of the plastic connector from the servo cable](/static/mb/projects/inchworm/servo1.jpg) -Using the plier or a wire stripper, strip the plastic from the cables. +### Step 2: Strip the ends of the cables -![](/static/mb/projects/inchworm/servotrim.jpg) +Using the pliers or a wire stripper, strip the plastic insulation from the cables. -## Step 3: threading the servo cablers +![Stripping the servo cable insulation](/static/mb/projects/inchworm/servotrim.jpg) -Thread the servo cables. +### Step 3: Twist the wire strands together -![](/static/mb/projects/inchworm/servo3.jpg) +Twist the strands of bare wire at the ends of the servo cables together. -## Step 4: crocodile clip +![Strands of the servo wires twisted together](/static/mb/projects/inchworm/servo3.jpg) -Cut a crocodile cable in two and strip out the casing. -If possible try to use the same cable colors as the servo! +### Step 4: Crocodile clip -![](/static/mb/projects/inchworm/servo4.jpg) +Cut a crocodile cable in two and strip off the insulation. If it's possible, try to use cables with colors that match the cables on the servo! -## Step 5: thread cables together +![Stripping insulation of a croc cable with cutting pliers](/static/mb/projects/inchworm/servo4.jpg) -Place the cables next to each other +### Step 5: Thread the cable ends together -![](/static/mb/projects/inchworm/servo5.jpg) +Place the cables next to each other... + +![Bare wires place together before threading](/static/mb/projects/inchworm/servo5.jpg) ... and thread them together. -![](/static/mb/projects/inchworm/servo6.jpg) +![Bare wires threaded together](/static/mb/projects/inchworm/servo6.jpg) -## ~ hint +### ~ hint -It is very **important** to ensure that there is a good connection between the 2 cables. -If the connection is weak, the microservo will not receive enough current and it will not work. -**If you have access to a soldering iron, we strongly recommend to solder this connection.** +It is very **important** to ensure that there is a good connection between the 2 cables. If the connection is weak, the microservo will not receive enough current and it will not work. **If you have access to a soldering iron, we strongly recommend soldering this connection.** -## ~ +### ~ -## Step 4: protect the connection +### Step 6: Protect the connection -Protect the connection with shrinkwrap tubes, electrical or duct tape. +Protect the connection with heat shrink tubing, electrical tape, or duct tape. -![](/static/mb/projects/inchworm/servo7.jpg) +![Wire connection protected with electrical tape](/static/mb/projects/inchworm/servo7.jpg) -## Step 5: repeat for all cables +### Step 7: Repeat for all cables Repeat the same process until all cables are connected. -![](/static/mb/projects/inchworm/servo8.jpg) +![All three cables connected and taped](/static/mb/projects/inchworm/servo8.jpg) -## Step 6: testing! +### Step 8: Testing! -It's time to test that your connection are all proper and that the servo will function **when the @boardname@ is powered by battery**. +It's time to test and find out if your connections are all secure and that the servo will function **when the @boardname@ is powered by battery**. -* Connect the microservo to the @boardname@. Black cable on ``GND``, red cable on ``3V`` and remaining cable on ``P0``. +* Connect the microservo cables to these pins on the @boardname@: black to **GND**, red to **3V**, and the remaining cable to pin **0**. -![](/static/mb/projects/inchworm/circuit1.jpg) +![Connect to the pins on the board](/static/mb/projects/inchworm/circuit1.jpg) ## ~ hint -When attaching the crocodile clips to the pins, don't hesitate to grab the side of the board with the jaws. +When attaching the crocodile clips to the pins, don't be afraid to clamp on to the edge of the board with the clips. -![](/static/mb/projects/inchworm/circuit2.jpg) +![Clippiing the cables to the edge of the board](/static/mb/projects/inchworm/circuit2.jpg) ## ~ -* Download the following code to your @boardname@ +* Download the following code to your @boardname@. ```blocks basic.forever(() => { @@ -133,14 +125,14 @@ basic.forever(() => { }) ``` -* When powered by USB, make sure that the servo moves when you tilt the board. -* When powered by batteries **only**, make sure that the servo moves when you tilt the board. +* Test with both power sources and make sure that the servo moves when you tilt the board: +>* Connected with USB. +>* Powered by batteries **only** and not connected with USB. ## Calibrating -Using the [servo calibrator program](/examples/servo-calibrator) to determine the best angles to use in your make. +Use the [servo calibrator](/projects/servo-calibrator) program to determine the best angles to use for your make. ## Troubleshooting -If your servo seems to sutter and stay stuck at a particular position, it means that it is not receiving enough power. -This is probably due to a weak connection or low battery level. Check each connection and check your batteries. +If your servo seems to stutter and remain stuck at a particular position, it means that it's not receiving enough power. This is probably due to a weak connection or low battery level. Make sure that each connection is good and check your batteries.