maximum servo support IsopodX

[cwkoehler]

Hello,

Im new here and considering the isopodX as the future controller for several robotics projects I have floating in my mind. I was wondering how many servos the IsopodX can support at a single time. Additionally, I was wondering the current (amperage) capacity of the servo channels should they be run to stall? Any information would be greatly helpful. Thanks


Prospective IsopodX Owner,
Chris Koehler

[Dave]

Hello Chris,

The IsoPodX can control 26 servos or 25 using IsoMax, as can the ServoPod or IsoPod. The limiting facotr would be probably the traces and header pins. Each header pin is rated at 3 A or so, and the internal power traces on the multilayer board would probably only take 3 A as well. If you are intending on running servos near stall consistently, you will probably be burning them out rather quickly. We've had no problems at all with the servo applications we've tried, from a 20 servo hexapod running compact servos, to a 5 axis arm running standards.

[RMDumse]

Just for the sake of caution... the original poster did not mention whether he was talking about RC Servos or DC Servos, both of which can be controlled by the IsoPodX. RC Servos only require a timing signal and essentially no current from that signal, although, the header allows an external power source to be applied and distributed through the boards internal wiring, which is the way Dave responded.

In the case of DC Servos with a closed loop, an external H-bridge would have to be provided, and the 'Pod would provide PWM signals to the H-bridge, and close the loop with A/D, Quadrature, or Step-and-Direction signals. The current capabilities there would depend entirely on the external H-bridge.

[cwkoehler]

thanks guys