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Published2025-10-15
In this comprehensive guide, learn how to control a servo motor using Arduino. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced maker, this article will walk you through the process of wiring, coding, and creating exciting projects with servo motors and Arduino.
Arduino, Servo motor, Servo motor control, Arduino project, DIY electronics, Arduino tutorial, Robotics, Hobby electronics, Servo motor programming, Electronics for beginners.
Understanding the Basics of Servo Motors and Arduino
Servo motors are an essential component in a wide range of electronic projects. From simple robotic arms to intricate models of moving parts, servo motors allow precise control over mechanical movement. This is especially useful in applications like robotics, home automation, and even remote-controlled vehicles. If you're just starting with Arduino, the idea of controlling a servo motor might sound complicated, but with the right approach, it’s incredibly easy to learn.
A servo motor is a specialized type of motor used for precise control of angular position. Unlike standard DC motors, which only rotate continuously, a servo motor is designed to rotate to specific angles, typically ranging from 0 to 180 degrees. This precision makes servo motors ideal for tasks requiring fine movement and control, such as controlling the position of an object or adjusting the angle of a mechanical part.
Servo motors are often used in applications such as:
Robotic arms – Moving joints to replicate human movement.
RC vehicles – Controlling steering or throttle positions.
Camera gimbals – Stabilizing camera angles for smooth footage.
Pan-and-tilt systems – Adjusting cameras, antennas, or sensors.
The beauty of servo motors is that they can be controlled using simple electronic signals, which makes them a perfect match for Arduino.
Components Required for the Project
Before diving into the code and wiring, let’s take a look at the basic components you’ll need to control a servo motor with Arduino:
Arduino board (such as Uno, Nano, or Mega)
Servo motor (e.g., SG90 or MG995)
Breadboard (optional for prototyping)
External power supply (if necessary for larger servo motors)
While the Arduino board provides the necessary control signals for the servo motor, it’s crucial to understand that servo motors may require more power than the Arduino’s onboard voltage regulator can supply, especially if the servo is large or if you’re controlling multiple servos. In such cases, you should use an external power supply.
Wiring the Servo Motor to Arduino
The next step is to connect the servo motor to the Arduino. The wiring is simple:
Power Pin (Red Wire): Connect this to the 5V pin on the Arduino.
Ground Pin (Black/Brown Wire): Connect this to the GND pin on the Arduino.
Signal Pin (Yellow/Orange Wire): Connect this to one of the PWM pins on the Arduino (for example, pin 9).
If your servo motor requires more power than the Arduino can supply, you can use an external 5V power supply. In that case, the power wire should go to the external 5V supply, while the ground wire of the power supply should be connected to the GND of the Arduino to establish a common ground.
Now, you're ready to write the code to control the servo motor.
Writing the Code to Control the Servo Motor
Once your servo motor is properly connected to the Arduino, it’s time to write the code that will control its movement. Fortunately, Arduino makes it easy to control servo motors with its built-in Servo library.
Setting Up the Servo Library
The first step in writing your code is to include the Servo library. This library simplifies the process of controlling servo motors and provides functions to easily set the angle of the servo. The Servo library is pre-installed with the Arduino IDE, so you don’t need to download anything separately.
#include // Include the Servo library
Declaring the Servo Object
Next, declare a Servo object in your code. This object will be used to control the servo motor.
Servo myServo; // Create a Servo object
Initializing the Servo in the Setup() Function
Inside the setup() function, you will attach the servo to the pin you’ve connected it to (in this case, pin 9). This step is essential because it tells the Arduino which pin the servo is connected to and prepares it for control.
myServo.attach(9); // Attach the servo to pin 9
Moving the Servo in the Loop() Function
The loop() function will contain the code that controls the servo’s movement. In this example, we’ll make the servo sweep back and forth between 0 and 180 degrees.
// Sweep the servo from 0 to 180 degrees
for (int pos = 0; pos <= 180; pos++) {
myServo.write(pos); // Tell the servo to go to the 'pos' position
delay(15); // Wait for the servo to reach the position
// Sweep the servo from 180 to 0 degrees
for (int pos = 180; pos >= 0; pos--) {
myServo.write(pos); // Tell the servo to go to the 'pos' position
delay(15); // Wait for the servo to reach the position
This code will cause the servo motor to move back and forth between 0 and 180 degrees, which creates a sweeping motion. The delay(15) allows the servo enough time to reach each position before moving to the next one. You can adjust the delay time to make the servo move faster or slower.
Customizing the Servo Movement
You can modify the code to control the servo in different ways:
Fixed Position: To set the servo to a specific angle, use myServo.write(angle); where angle is the desired position between 0 and 180 degrees.
Variable Control: You can use potentiometers, buttons, or sensors to control the angle dynamically. For example, you can connect a potentiometer to an analog pin on the Arduino and use it to adjust the servo’s position in real-time.
Servo Not Moving: Double-check the wiring, especially the power and ground connections. Make sure the Arduino and servo share a common ground.
Servo Jerking or Sticking: If the servo is jerking or not moving smoothly, it could be due to insufficient power. Try using an external power supply if you haven’t already.
Servo Not Reaching Desired Positions: If the servo doesn’t move to the expected angle, ensure the servo’s mechanical limits are not being exceeded. Most standard servos can rotate 180 degrees, but some might have a slightly smaller range.
By now, you should have a basic understanding of how to control a servo motor using Arduino. In the next part, we’ll discuss how you can expand this project into more advanced applications, including integrating multiple servos, using sensors for control, and creating more complex mechanical systems. Stay tuned!
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Update：2025-10-15
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