Servo - November 2016

2. Servo programmer — http://tinyurl.com/j2vfyfo

This super gadget gives you a tremendous amount of flexibility in the use of digital servos. It permits you the opportunity to adjust the speed, direction of travel, and end points of your servo. The large screen is easy to read and the unit allows you to test and program all Hitec digital servos.

3. Kill-A-Watt electricity usage monitor — http://store.nutsvolts.com/project-kits/tools- programming/sku16502

Determining the amount of power your creations are using is always a concern. There is no longer a need to wonder when you employ this useful item. Take the guesswork out of determining the consumption of a particular prop and keep from overloading your electrical circuits (Figure 10).

4. Digital multimeter — http://tinyurl.com/gvmavfe

This is one tool that should be in every prop builder’s toolkit. They come in a wide range of prices, but for most the added features may not be worth the extra expense.

Even an inexpensive unit will help diagnose a wide variety of problems. I feel it is such a critical piece of equipment that I carry one to all my speaking engagements where I will be demonstrating mechanisms and controllers. I do not leave home without it (Figure 11).

5. Smartphone camera lenses — http://tinyurl.com/ h5qc2nm

There are a variety of options available such as the 4-IN-

1 camera lens system for Olloclip. You can quickly choose to use the fisheye, wide angle, or 10X or 15X macro lens. You will find many opportunities to use this gift both in your project construction as well as your “off” time (we do have other hobbies besides building). 6. X2 battery charger — http://tinyurl.com/zo6mjyp Providing power to our props can be a challenge, and in some cases, we do not have access to a wall outlet. In these circumstances, we are forced to turn to battery power. Keeping batteries sufficiently charged can be a challenge. Using a charger such as the X2 can make this process a breeze. This power-packed twin-channel charger even allows you to control it via your smartphone (Figure 12).

Controllers

Let your creative juices flow and take your props to the next level with a controller upgrade.

1. LED dimmer — http://tinyurl.com/hl2k252

An often overlooked or under-appreciated feature in our displays is the quality of the lighting we use to focus attention where we want it. This handy little device allows you to adjust the intensity of your LED lighting to the proper levels. The devil is in the details, but this dimmer will assist you in achieving the perfect light levels (Figure 13). 2. PWM for wiper motor — http://tinyurl.com/h6lghh7 Wiper motors fulfill a very useful role for the prop builder. They provide an incredible amount of torque for the cost. They also allow you to select between high and low speeds. The motor speed can further be adjusted by a careful choice of the power supply voltages used. Even with these opportunities to dial in the speed in which the motor operates, we sometimes need even finer control. That is DIY Animatronics