Servo - August 2015

truly is an artist and is developing processes I’ve never seen done before (Figure 9).

This thread is a bit of a bonus for those of you reading this article. It provides the comprehensive progression of the newest addition to our pirate bar scene. If you read it from start to finish, you’ll see how I started in one direction and then mid build, totally abandoned all the work I’d done and went in an entirely different direction. I’ve already got an idea on how to repurpose the original mechanism so it wasn’t a total loss, but you’ll get an inside look at how some builds end up completely different than the original idea. I plan on doing an article on this build once it is completed with some added surprises, but enjoy the sneak peek for now.

I Want My Mask to be Moving and Talking Too!

The original instructions for this project came from Halloween2Go. (They are included in the first of his three how-to videos.) All are excellent and I recommend that you consider purchasing them.

I really like the concept for this design and have built several that are still in use in my display. However, I was interested in trying to simplify the build process as it does take a significant amount of fabrication to complete.

Once I discovered the Actobotics components from ServoCity, I knew there had to be a way that I could utilize them to make this an easier build. I spent some time on the site and came up with my original concept. I then called and talked to Kyle, one of ServoCity's technical representatives, and refined it until we came up with a workable plan. In no time, the parts arrived on my doorstep and the assembly began (Figure 10).

The primary design incorporates two servo blocks which greatly increases the mechanical load the servos are able to handle. They also greatly enhance the available mounting options which allow you to combine them in a number of different configurations. The rotate servo was installed in a cutout in the wood shoulder base to lower the profile (Figure 11). I used the Hitec HS-485HB for the rotate and nod servos, but went with the Hitec HS-645MG servo for the tilt. This servo load is considerably more than the other two as it has to lift the entire head back up after it looks down. The HS-645MG has over 50% more torque than the HS-485HBs and is able to handle the additional strain (Figure 12). Depending on your mask, you may be able to get by with the less expensive HS-485HB by adding a spring to the back of the assembly (Figure 13).

I ended up adding one just to make it easier for the tilt servo and it really made a big difference! This is a great trick that often allows you to get by with a lower torque