Servo Driver Tool?

[TimmyD7]

Good Morning all,
I am a newbie working through servo issues on a stock used Senton 3S that I purchased recently, my first RC since the mid 80's. I recently saw a video where a guy was using a Spektrum XBC100 battery checker and servo driver while working on a couple of servos. It seems a servo driver could be a helpful diagnostic tool in to have in ones kit. Do any of you use one and feel it ads value to you? Also, I see simple servo drivers for $7-$12 on amazon, as well as the XBC100 ~$60. I do not plan on getting deep into this hobby, more just bashing for fun and stress relief on an occasional basis. Are the other features of the XBC100 of value to a recreational RC user or more valuable for those involved in track days and racing? Grateful for your thoughts, have a wonderful day!
Thanks,
Tim

 

[9x19]

I have one of the Amazon models, useful to me for centering the servo before installation.

 

[TimmyD7]

I have one of the Amazon models, useful to me for centering the servo before installation.

Thanks! Would you think it would also help assure a servo is operable prior to install, and troubleshoot a servo rebuild? Which model do you have? Thanks! Tim

 

[xjtorc]

I've been in the hobby for 30+ years and may be too simple minded, but I never understood the need for or benefit of a servo driver. Not sure what benefit is gained over just hooking the servo up to a receiver and testing it via the transmitter.

 

[TimmyD7]

I've been in the hobby for 30+ years and may be too simple minded, but I never understood the need for or benefit of a servo driver. Not sure what benefit is gained over just hooking the servo up to a receiver and testing it via the transmitter.

Thanks xjtorc,
In my case, I received a new stock servo that appears to be dead on arrival, and I thought this may confirm it. ( I have a single RC car, used but new to me) that I can test with and it is non-functioning with that truck (Arrma Senton 3S BLX 100 ESC and SLR300 Receiver). I also have considered attempting to rehab the failing servo, and thought this may help. Understood though, 30 years in the hobby and seems unnecessary.
I appreciate it!
Tim

 

[Beer_Goggles_RC]

Thanks xjtorc,
In my case, I received a new stock servo that appears to be dead on arrival, and I thought this may confirm it. ( I have a single RC car, used but new to me) that I can test with and it is non-functioning with that truck (Arrma Senton 3S BLX 100 ESC and SLR300 Receiver). I also have considered attempting to rehab the failing servo, and thought this may help. Understood though, 30 years in the hobby and seems unnecessary.
I appreciate it!
Tim

Almost thinking your receiver might be shot. The receiver is essentially the brain of the car. And if you're having both servo and ESC issues that points at either a receiver or a BEC problem.

Are you sure your receiver has power and is bound to the transmitter? If powered and bound then that should be plenty to test a servo.

 

[xjtorc]

Almost thinking your receiver might be shot. The receiver is essentially the brain of the car. And if you're having both servo and ESC issues that points at either a receiver or a BEC problem.

Are you sure your receiver has power and is bound to the transmitter? If powered and bound then that should be plenty to test a servo.

I second this.

When you power on the truck, is the motor getting power, but the servo is not? Are the servo wires definitely plugged into the receiver in the correct location (channel 1) and orientation?

 

[TimmyD7]

Almost thinking your receiver might be shot. The receiver is essentially the brain of the car. And if you're having both servo and ESC issues that points at either a receiver or a BEC problem.

Are you sure your receiver has power and is bound to the transmitter? If powered and bound then that should be plenty to test a servo.

Thanks BeerGoggles, When I hook up the jittery servo, I can run the truck. I also suspect the receiver accept that the original jittery servo allows the truck to run and drive well. This is why I am interested in testing the servo independent of the vehicle. It is kind of a mute point as I have 2 upgraded (S662, and a 25T horn) on the way from Jenny's, however if there is something failing in the receiver I thought it could be proven if a servo driver was able to get my 'new' servo to function. Moving forward, it seemed like it may be convenient to test a servo independent of the vehicle for troubleshooting/maintenance without risking the vehicles electronics. I guess I will also have 2 more data points on the receiver being suspect once the servos arrive.
Thanks again, your new high maintenance member!
Tim

 

[Beer_Goggles_RC]

Almost thinking your receiver might be shot. The receiver is essentially the brain of the car. And if you're having both servo and ESC issues that points at either a receiver or a BEC problem.

Are you sure your receiver has power and is bound to the transmitter? If powered and bound then that should be plenty to test a servo.

He provided some pics in his original diagnostic thread. The only the we can't see is how everything is plugged in lol

but on the s651 servos, i think the color should be grey/orange/black or signal/positive/negative

in that last picture the servo wire almost looks like its grey/black/orange at the plug??

Here are pics of the ESC and Receiver. The red light shown on the ESC would be blinking fast if it were a movie (with the new servo). There is a red light on the Reciever that turns on red whenever a signal to do something is given from the transmitter (with the old servo installed). Will update this thread once I have bound it with the new servo. Thanks all!

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[TimmyD7]

I second this.

When you power on the truck, is the motor getting power, but the servo is not? Are the servo wires definitely plugged into the receiver in the correct location (channel 1) and orientation?

When I power the truck on with the original jittery servo, the fans turn on and the truck runs and drives well with the exception of slow, sloppy turning due to the jittery servo). When I plug in the new servo, the receiver gives no response, and the ESC red light blinks fast. Adding the binding plug to attempt a re-bind has no effect, no response from any portion of the vehicle, including no fan operation whenever the new servo is plugged in. When I go back to the jittery servo, everything works as intended with no need to re-bind. It is almost like there is a low resistance in the new servo that robs all power from the receiver? Either way, I currently only have the two data points. 2 servos coming later this week will help inform. It does seem that there may be an issue with the receiver, but for whatever reason it is only showing up currently with the new servo.
Thanks again,
Tim

 

[Beer_Goggles_RC]

He provided some pics in his original diagnostic thread. The only the we can't see is how everything is plugged in lol

but on the s651 servos, i think the color should be grey/orange/black or signal/positive/negative

in that last picture the servo wire almost looks like its grey/black/orange at the plug??

 

[TimmyD7]

He provided some pics in his original diagnostic thread. The only the we can't see is how everything is plugged in lol

but on the s651 servos, i think the color should be grey/orange/black or signal/positive/negative

in that last picture the servo wire almost looks like its grey/black/orange at the plug??

Thanks Beer Goggles, I have made sure that my black is always on the same position as the two other cables going to the ESC and Fans (ACC). I have not verified that the gray and orange are not reversed on the plug, but I believe that is molded wire, so I would be very suprised if Spektrum had orange/gray/black as well as gray/orange/black spools at their factory. I will check that when I get home though.
Thanks again, I do appreciate all of the help and discussion!
Tim

 

[CertifiedMike]

I might have missed you mention... do you have the lcd programmer box from spektrum?

Look at your input voltage to see if its set correctly.

This issue sounds familiar sort of.

Check the rest of the settings while you're in there.

 

[TimmyD7]

I might have missed you mention... do you have the lcd programmer box from spektrum?

Look at your input voltage to see if its set correctly.

This issue sounds familiar sort of.

Check the rest of the settings while you're in there.

Hi Mike,
I have no specialty RC tools, and I am hoping this remains a mild hobby, I can't afford to get as into it as some of you! I literally just got a binding plug and a 2.5mm hex screwdriver yesterday. I do have a multimeter, and based on my current(pun intended) issue, can see how being able to drive a servo (without the vehicle) would give me more information, so I was asking if anyone finds a servo driver to be a valuable tool, and if they/you had thoughts on the simple ~$10 amazon box compared to the XBC 100. Does the lcd programmer box have the function of driving a servo? If so, does it capture the amperage? I just watched a video on it by spektrum, and the guy talked about browning out your ESC if the servo is drawing too much amperage. I think that would be consistent with my symptoms, and that that tool could provide a lot of diagnostic information. If the LCD programmer box you speak of has any of the servo driver functionality I was speaking to, then maybe that would be another tool I would consider. I do appreciate all the input, I am a total newbie.
Thanks!
Tim

 

[TimmyD7]

I might have missed you mention... do you have the lcd programmer box from spektrum?

Look at your input voltage to see if its set correctly.

This issue sounds familiar sort of.

Check the rest of the settings while you're in there.

Oh, and I don't think this lcd programmer box would do much for me, my ESC is circa 2007, a BLX 100 that I do not believe is programmable.
Thanks!
Tim

 

[CertifiedMike]

Oh, and I don't think this lcd programmer box would do much for me, my ESC is circa 2007, a BLX 100 that I do not believe is programmable.
Thanks!
Tim

It may mot be programmable. I don't know a ton about Spektrum.

 

[TimmyD7]

Well, I just ordered the XBC 100... And I told myself I got a good deal on this truck!

 

[Mrgoodwrench35]

I've never used a servo driver and come to think of it, I have one. Just dont see the point. I also have multiple cars so just swapping parts around is good enough for me.

You shouldn't have to re-bind just because of a new servo. Reset end points yes, re-bind, no. Make sure your steering trim was centered when you plugged in the new servo and locked the arm down. Thats all that should be required. Sounds like you got a junk servo out of the box. It happens. Less likely to happen if you buy good quality servos but as they say, good ain't cheap and cheap ain't good.

 

[CertifiedMike]

I've had a few weird random things happen to my Spektrum system. I had it shut down one day, think I had a flashing light... it was a while ago.
I plugged in the programmer, adjusted nothing, replaced nothing, and it worked fine.

I also have moved on from Spektrum. I feel like even their 'good' gear is just overpriced rtr stuff mostly.
Inviting Google into RC is a total deal breaker for me tho. Not another dime to Spektrum... ever.

 

[TimmyD7]

I've had a few weird random things happen to my Spektrum system. I had it shut down one day, think I had a flashing light... it was a while ago.
I plugged in the programmer, adjusted nothing, replaced nothing, and it worked fine.

I also have moved on from Spektrum. I feel like even their 'good' gear is just overpriced rtr stuff mostly.
Inviting Google into RC is a total deal breaker for me tho. Not another dime to Spektrum... ever.

Hi Mike, understood. As a newbie, I didn't choose spektrum on purpose, but thought I found a good deal on a fun truck. I do feel like I am learning something, though it all may be very application specific! Thanks and cheers!
Tim