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ServoCenter™ 3.1
The ServoCenter™ family of embedded controllers allows any serial RS232, USB, or MIDI-capable device to control RC servo motors. ServoCenter is also available as an integrated circuit, in DIP and TQFP packages.
General Information
Each ServoCenter module allows simple, logical control of the seek position and seek speed of up to sixteen connected servos independently and simultaneously, and up to 16 (32 for MIDI version) ServoCenters may be chained together to control up to 256 RC servos (512 for MIDI version), with completely independent movement, from only one serial, USB, or MIDI port. This independent control scheme allows one servo to move to a position slowly, while another is moving to a different position at a faster speed.
The independent control of both servo position and speed makes the ServoCenter controllers especially useful for applications such as robotics, animatronics, motion control, automation, retail displays, and other areas where independent or coordinated fluid servo motion is desired.
The ServoCenter controller can be programmed using a simple raw packet protocol or can be programmed using the included ActiveX control or Win32 DLL. ServoCenter boards also include:
- selectable baud rates
- on-board voltage regulators supporting both 4.8 volt and 6.0 volt servo supply voltages
- over-current and over-temperature protection.
Sample programs illustrating all programming methods are included in the documentation and examples CD. The ServoCenter Command Protocol allows complex servo movement commands to be issued by constructing and transmitting simple command packets. Code examples are included for:
- GCC/Linux
- QBASIC
- Visual Basic 6.0
- Visual C++ 6.0
- Turbo C
- Visual Basic .NET
- C#
- Visual C++ .NET
Project Showcase
Visit our Project Showcase to see how others are using their ServoCenter in projects.
Summary of Available Packages
ServoCenters may be purchased as individual USB, serial RS-232, or MIDI board modules, DIP or TQFP chips, or in complete USB, RS-232, or MIDI packages. A full package includes, in addition to the controller board, the AC adapter, communications cable, printed manual and programming guide, and a CD with programming examples, drivers, and programming components (as indicated with asterisks (**) in the lists below).
Features of USB and RS232 (serial) Models:
- ServoCenter controller board
- USB or serial cable**
- AC Adapter (9VDC@1.5A, Positive Center)**
- ServoCenter User's Manual and Programming Guide**
- Jumper settings allow for flexible configuration and control options
- On-board voltage regulator supports both 4.8 volt and 6.0 volt servo supply voltages
- Over-current / over-temperature protection
- CD with components that allow for rapid, powerful program development for the ServoCenter 3.1 controller (USB drivers for Windows, ActiveX control, Win32 DLL)**
- Programming examples in many languages (also on CD) to get you started quickly (Code examples for GCC/Linux, QBASIC, Visual Basic 6.0, Visual C++ 6.0, Turbo C, Visual Basic .NET, C#, and Visual C++ .NET)**
- Standard RS-232 serial communications capabilities support multiple baud rates, allowing users to select the speed at which data will be transferred (9600, 14400, 19200, 38400 bps)
- Fully programmable via either the on-board USB connector (USB only) or DB9F serial connector
- Can receive commands from either serial RS232 devices or USB-capable devices (USB only)
- Equipped with a Type B USB connector (USB only), and male and female DB9 connectors, making ServoCenter programmable from virtually any modern PC or microcontroller
- Compact and robust ServoCenter 3.1 protocol
- ServoCenter 3.1 ActiveX control and DLL make creating complex control applications fast and easy
- Data Format (serial): 8 data bits, no parity, 1 stop bit, 9600, 14400, 19200, or 38400 bps
Features of MIDI Model
The ServoCenter MIDI servo controller allows MIDI continuous controller messages to directly control standard RC servos. The ServoCenter MIDI is designed to be easily configured by anyone familiar with MIDI. By allowing MIDI continuous controller messages to control servos, the ServoCenter MIDI opens up countless performance and sequencing options for musicians or special effects/animatronics technicians. The ServoCenter MIDI allows any device with a MIDI ( Musical Instrument Digital Interface ) OUT port to control standard RC servo motors.
ServoCenterMIDI is especially useful for servo control applications where MIDI music messages are to be coordinated with fluid servo motion. The broad range of MIDI sequencer software and MIDI controller devices make creating and storing servo motor motion performances easy for non-programmers. This opens up many opportunities for multimedia displays, interactive performance art, kinetic sculptures, and more.
- ServoCenter controller board
- Both MIDI IN and MIDI THRU ports allow multiple ServoCenter boards or other MIDI devices to be daisy-chained
- Easily programmed using standard MIDI Continuous Controller messages
- MIDI cable**
- AC Adapter (9VDC@1.5A, Positive Center)**
- ServoCenter User's Manual and Programming Guide**
- Jumper selectable controller range settings allow for flexible configuration and control options
- Switch selectable MIDI channel settings
- Full 14-bit resolution allows for 16,384 servo positions
- On-board voltage regulator supports both 4.8 volt and 6.0 volt servo supply voltages
- Over-current / over-temperature protection
- Data Format: MIDI standard interface running at 31.25kbps
- Simple MIDI protocol makes motor control simple for non-programmers
- MIDI Continuous Controller messages can control the position of the servos and whether each servo is on or off
- Using ServoCenterMIDI with MIDI sequencer software allows for an instant motion control solution that allows accurate and repeatable recording and playback of servo motions
- MIDI Manufacturer ID: 00H 01H 56H
Features of IC (DIP and TQFP chips):
- Fully functional servo controller integrated circuit
- Adheres to the ServoCenter 3.1 Protocol, allowing very complex servo commands by constructing and transmitting simple command packets
- Serial communication capability with a selectable baud rate
- 16 possible unique board identification numbers
- Receive command packets from any serial-capable device, including (with support circuitry) a personal computer or microcontroller
- Comprehensive documentation, sample schematics, and programming examples get you started quickly
- Compact and robust ServoCenter 3.1 protocol
- ActiveX control and DLL make creating complex control applications fast and easy
- Programming examples in several languages (GCC/Linux, QBASIC, Visual Basic 6.0, Visual C++ 6.0, Turbo C, Visual Basic .NET, C#, and Visual C++ .NET)
- Data Format: 8 data bits, no parity, 1 stop bit, 9600, 14400, 19200, or 38400 bps
Board Specifications by Model
USB |
Serial |
MIDI |
||
|---|---|---|---|---|
BOARD DIMENSIONS |
||||
Length |
4.1875" (10.64 cm) |
3.375" (8.5 cm) |
3.375" (8.5 cm) |
|
Width |
3.625" (9.2 cm) |
3.625" (9.2 cm) |
3.625" (9.2 cm) |
|
Height |
1.0" (2.5 cm) |
1.0" (2.5 cm) |
1.0" (2.5 cm) |
|
Weight |
2.7 oz |
2.8 oz |
2.8 oz |
|
INTERFACES |
||||
Primary Input |
USB Type B port |
9-pin IBM style RS232 DCE |
5-pin DIN MIDI-IN |
|
Secondary Input |
9-pin IBM style RS232 DCE |
n/a |
n/a |
|
Through Interface |
9-pin IBM style RS232 DTE |
9-pin IBM style RS232 DTE |
5-pin DIN MIDI-THRU |
|
Servo Interface |
3-pin standard universal RC servo connector |
|||
ELECTRICAL |
||||
Power Supply |
Minimum 1.5A, 7.5VDC - 15VDC |
|||
Power Jack |
Male, 2.1mm x 5.5mm, center positive |
|||
Servo Power Output |
Regulated 4.8VDC or 6.0VDC (selectable) |
|||
CABLE PROVIDED |
||||
Cable Type |
USB device cable |
9-pin serial (DB9F to DB9M) |
5-pin DIN MIDI |
|
Chip Specifications by Model
DIP |
TQFP |
|
|---|---|---|
CHIP DIMENSIONS |
||
Length |
0.61" (1.55 cm) |
0.463" (1.175 cm) |
Width |
2.05" (5.207 cm) |
0.463" (1.175 cm) |
Height |
0.31" (0.787 cm) |
0.047" (0.12 cm) |
Weight |
0.1 oz |
0.1 oz |
INTERFACES |
||
Communications |
TTL signal level serial interface |
|
Servo Interface |
Standard RC servo control signal |
|
ELECTRICAL |
||
Voltage Supply |
2.7V to 5.5V |
|
Current Supply |
12 mA |
|
ServoCenter Documentation and Resources
- ServoCenter 3.1 CD Contents
- ZIP file containing the resources provided on the ServoCenter 3.1 CD, including documentation and programming examples.
- ServoCenter 3.1 USB Manual
- 44-page booklet containing instructions for using ServoCenter, as well as a parts list and code samples in several different programming languages and platforms.
- ServoCenter 3.1 RS232 Manual
- 44-page booklet containing instructions for using ServoCenter, as well as a parts list and code samples in several different programming languages and platforms.
- ServoCenterMIDI 1.2 Manual (MIDI)
- 16-page booklet containing instructions for using ServoCenter with MIDI applications.
- ServoCenter 3.1 IC Manual
- 32-page booklet containing instructions for using ServoCenter chips, as well as technical information and example schematics.
- ServoCenter 3.1 USB Drivers
- ZIP file containing the USB drivers necessary to communicate with ServoCenter 3.1 USB. Refer to the manual section on driver installation for assistance in installing the USB drivers.
- ServoCenter 3.1 USB Mac OS X Drivers
- File containing v2_1_7 for the OS X standard driver.
- ServoCenter 3.1 USB Mac OS X Drivers
- File containing v2_2_7 for the OS X standard driver.
- ServoCenter 3.1 Protocol
- Document describing the command packet format and providing a detailed summary for all of the ServoCenter commands.
- ServoCenter 3.1 RS232 Schematic
- Schematic for the serial controller board.
- ServoCenter 3.1 USB Schematic
- Schematic for the USB controller board.
- ServoCenter 3.1 MIDI Schematic
- Schematic for the MIDI controller board.
- YEI Warranty, Returns and Support
- Information regarding product warranty, returns, and technical support.
- ServoCenter Animation Sequencer Application
- Servo control software designed for ServoCenter 3.1 controller boards. Allows users to control seek position and speed of any servo connected to controller board based upon an arbitrary timeline. No programming required!
- RealBasic class for ServoCenter.
- Contributed January 2007 courtesy of Jim Patek.
Replacement Parts
Individual components for ServoCenter are available for purchase as well on our Spare Parts page.
Application Notes and Source Code
- DLL programming in C# (Document ID: SCAP01) Updated: 06-21-04
Documentation: SCAP01.pdf Examples/Source Code: SCAP01.zip
- DLL programming in Visual C++.NET (Document ID: SCAP02) Updated: 06-21-04
Documentation: SCAP02.pdf Examples/Source Code: SCAP02.zip
- DLL programming in Visual C++6.0 (Document ID: SCAP03) Updated: 06-21-04
Documentation: SCAP03.pdf Examples/Source Code: SCAP03.zip
- DLL programming in Visual Basic.NET (Document ID: SCAP04) Updated: 06-21-04
Documentation: SCAP04.pdf Examples/Source Code: SCAP04.zip
- DLL programming in Visual Basic 6.0 (Document ID: SCAP05) Updated: 06-21-04
Documentation: SCAP05.pdf Examples/Source Code: SCAP05.zip
- ActiveX control with Visual Basic 6.0 (Document ID: SCAP06) Updated: 06-21-04
Documentation: SCAP06.pdf Examples/Source Code: SCAP06.zip
- Direct serial I/O in Visual C++ 6.0 (Document ID: SCAP07) Updated: 06-21-04
Documentation: SCAP07.pdf Examples/Source Code: SCAP07.zip
- Direct serial I/O in Visual Basic 6.0 (Document ID: SCAP08) Updated: 06-21-04
Documentation: SCAP08.pdf Examples/Source Code: SCAP08.zip
- Direct serial I/O in Turbo C (Document ID: SCAP09) Updated: 06-21-04
Documentation: SCAP09.pdf Examples/Source Code: SCAP09.zip
- Direct serial I/O in QBASIC (Document ID: SCAP10) Updated: 06-21-04
Documentation: SCAP10.pdf Examples/Source Code: SCAP10.zip
- Direct serial I/O in gcc/Linux (Document ID: SCAP11) Updated: 06-21-04
Documentation: SCAP11.pdf Examples/Source Code: SCAP11.zip
- Using ServoCenterMIDI with MAX/MSP (Document ID: SCMAP01) Updated: 05-02-06
Documentation: scmap01.pdf
- Sending Messages to ServoCenterMIDI Programmatically in Windows (Document ID: SCMAP02) Updated: 04-12-07
Documentation: scmap02.pdf