Datasheet

Shield, Lights, Servo Motors • Chapter 2
Robotics with the BOE Shield-Bot • 61
Standard Servos vs. Continuous Rotation Servos
Standard servos are designed to receive electronic signals that tell them what position to hold.
These servos control the positions of radio controlled airplane flaps, boat rudders, and car
steering. Continuous rotation servos receive the same electronic signals, but instead turn at
certain speeds and directions. Continuous rotation servos are handy for controlling wheels and
pulleys.
Connect the Servos to the BOE Shield
Leave the LED circuits from the last activity on your board. They will be used later to
monitor the signals the Arduino sends to the servos to control their motion.
Parts List
(2) Parallax continuous rotation servos
(1) BOE Shield with built and tested LED indicator circuits from the previous activity
Instructions
 Set your Shield’s power switch to position-0.
 Disconnect all sources of power from the Arduino including the USB cable
.
Between the servo headers on the BOE Shield is a jumper that connects the servo power
supply to either Vin or 5V. To move it, pull it upwards and off the pair of pins it covers, then
push it onto the pair of pins you want it to rest on. The BOE Shield-Bot’s battery pack will
supply 7.5 V. Since the servos are rated for 4–6 V, we want to make sure the jumper is set to
5V. Also, a steady 5 V voltage supply will support a consistent servo speed, and more
accurate navigation, than voltage that varies as batteries discharge.
 Make sure your BOE Shield’s power jumper is set to 5V; if not, set it now.
0 1 2
This jumper is set to 5 V.
DO NOT set the
jumper to Vin!