The device is really quite small, fitting into the palm of the hand or
a pocket very easily. The dimensions of the device are approximately the
following : 6.9cm x 4.6cm x 1.8cm
For the purposes of this review the Servo Lab has been used to test servos, look at receiver channel pulse width and to ascertain end points on a speed controller. I have also use the servo lab in order to set up various models without the need for using my transmitter or receiver. It is in this last scenario that I have found the servo lab most useful.
Before getting into the review details here are some specifications direct from the supplied instruction sheet:
- simulates receiver output with 1 ms to 2 ms pulses to a servo.
- large three digit LED display
- three modes of operation, manual mode, cycle mode and receiver mode
- operates from 4 V to 6 V.
- works with all types and brands of radio control servos, both analog and digital
- measures transmitter pulse widths with 0.01 ms precision
- output current 4 milliamps (will drive up to four standard servos)
Manual Mode
Manual mode is the default mode of operation when you initially power up the servo lab. In this mode the servo connected to the servo lab can be directly controlled via the two buttons on the front of the servo lab. The LED display shows the pulse width being sent to the servo and the two buttons on the servo lab allow you to change this pulse width up or down. Pressing both buttons together centres the servo at 150 µs pulse width.
This mode is the one that I have used the most. When setting up servos for use in a CCPM helicopter it is very useful to be able to set the servos centres without having to use the transmitter and approximate centre stick. I have also been able to look at the full throws of the servo in order to ascertain the correct servo arm length. All of this without having to resort to running the transmitter and receiver.
This mode is also useful for checking that the servo moves smoothly throughout its entire range and that there are no glitch points across the range of movement. The servo lab doesn't rely on any transmitted signal so it is clear whether any glitching is down to the servo itself.
Cycle Mode
Cycle mode is activated by holding down the left button and tapping the right button twice. The servo lab then cycles the servo from 100 µs to 200 µs pulse width. The speed at which it cycles can be increased or decreased using the buttons on the front of the servo lab.
This mode is useful for cycle testing servos over an extended period to make sure that they are functioning correctly.
Receiver Mode
Receiver mode allows a receiver to be connected in series between a battery and the server lab power input. The battery plugs into the receiver and then a extension cable with two female connectors is used to plug the receiver into the servo lab power port. A servo is then plugged into the servo output port on the servo lab. The transmitter can now be used to control the servo plugged into the servo lab. This is useful for checking that the transmitter pulse width is being transmitted correctly for the transmitter stick position.
ESC Mode
In this mode a speed controller BEC plug is connected to the servo labs servo output port.The ESC can now be controlled directly by the servo lab. Caution needs to be taken when working in this mode as the servo labs default pulse width when powering up is 150 µs (half stick). This mode can be used to ascertain the low and high end points for any particular speed controller and motor combination.
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