Noticeable servo performance differences

[desmobob]

What would one expect to be the differences in a $60 AGFRC 32kg coreless digital programmable servo and a similarly spec'd $140 Reefs servo used in a 1/10 trail runner/crawler? Besides higher expectations of quality and durability, I mean things I might notice in use.

I have two of the AGFRC 32kg servos and they seem plenty fast and strong but they make quite a racket... they make a pretty loud squealing sound in use. I'm not sure if I'd want to spend more than twice the money for a quieter servo, but I might consider it if there were other noticeable benefits. Or, is the squealing a function of the particular characteristics of the signal from the receiver or something that can be reduced with some sort of servo programming change?

 

[WickedFog]

What would one expect to be the differences in a $60 AGFRC 32kg coreless digital programmable servo and a similarly spec'd $140 Reefs servo used in a 1/10 trail runner/crawler? Besides higher expectations of quality and durability, I mean things I might notice in use.

I have two of the AGFRC 32kg servos and they seem plenty fast and strong but they make quite a racket... they make a pretty loud squealing sound in use. I'm not sure if I'd want to spend more than twice the money for a quieter servo, but I might consider it if there were other noticeable benefits. Or, is the squealing a function of the particular characteristics of the signal from the receiver or something that can be reduced with some sort of servo programming change?

The Reef's servos are a well known brand with a good reputation. But AGFRC actually makes gears and such for a lot of the big brands. So probably not much except price. You're likely just cutting out the middle man.

I've not used any AGFRC servos, but I have used the cheaper no-name Amazon 35kg servos, and those are probably made by AGFRC as well, and I've not had one fail.

Reef's does have a year warranty. But it doesn't cover gears or bearings. So I guess they only cover the motor and curcuit board. I have never owned a Reef's servo either, but I have heard good things about them from people on here.

The whole servo industry has gotten quite ridiculous with their pricing if you ask me. But I will say, my Tekin servos put a smile on my face

 

[hood52]

Have you ever tried taking apart your AGFRC servo's and making sure they're greased?

 

[desmobob]

Have you ever tried taking apart your AGFRC servo's and making sure they're greased?

I haven't... the noise is apparently an electronic noise not a mechanical squeal.

Electrical system noise optimization
Electrical noise usually manifests as high-frequency howling. First, check the PWM carrier frequency setting. Properly increasing the frequency can reduce audible noise, but the switching loss needs to be weighed. Improper cable routing will introduce electromagnetic interference. The power line should be separated from the signal line. If necessary, use shielded cable and ensure good grounding. Unbalanced motor phase current will produce specific frequency noise, which can be improved by re-tuning the drive parameters. Abnormal noise will also be caused when the encoder signal is disturbed. Check whether the encoder connector is in good contact and add a magnetic ring filter if necessary. Unstable power supply voltage will also cause noise.

 

[WickedFog]

There are some servos louder than others. The motors inside servos are like stepper motors used on 3d printers. They make an almost musical note. In fact, you can use them to play a song at the end of your prints. Or get really crazy...

 

[desmobob]

What's interesting is that I have the same AGFRC servos in my Origin Classic, where it's annoyingly loud, and in my H10 Optic, where it's very quiet.

I dug through my ham radio parts drawer and found a ferrite toroid large enough to fit the servo lead through, and a clamp-on ferrite choke. Both are Type 43 ferrite, which is meant to filter a much lower frequency than I think is involved but I figured it was worth experimenting with them.

I wound the servo lead through the toroid three times (as many turns as I had enough servo lead to wind) close to the servo with no effect on the noise. Two loops through the clamp-on ferrite was also ineffective.

Don't get the idea that I have any real electronics knowledge, because I certainly don't! I was able to memorize enough to pass my Technician and General class FCC Amateur Radio Operator (ham radio) tests and that's about the extent of it.

 

[Rocketzx1]

The Reef's servos are a well known brand with a good reputation. But AGFRC actually makes gears and such for a lot of the big brands. So probably not much except price. You're likely just cutting out the middle man.

I've not used any AGFRC servos, but I have used the cheaper no-name Amazon 35kg servos, and those are probably made by AGFRC as well, and I've not had one fail.

Reef's does have a year warranty. But it doesn't cover gears or bearings. So I guess they only cover the motor and curcuit board. I have never owned a Reef's servo either, but I have heard good things about them from people on here.

The whole servo industry has gotten quite ridiculous with their pricing if you ask me. But I will say, my Tekin servos put a smile on my face

Reefs servos are made by AGF, so you're definitely overpaying for an AGF servo. Save the cash and buy AGF.