Need help with config of continuous rotation servo

ESPHome
1

Hey, I have a continuous rotation sensor and trying to get it working. Mostly I have just clicking sounds only sometimes if I set the number value to like 75 it rotates. But not sure how long, it makes several rotations into that direction.

I am trying to get it running for x seconds into left and x seconds into right direction. So I later want to calibrate how long it needs to run until it has completed it task, maybe also with just a button for open/close.

Here is my config I have yet from videos, docs and samples

servo:
  - id: servo1
    output: output1  

output:
  - platform: ledc # For ESP8266 use: esp8266_pwm
    id: output1
    pin: GPIO16
    frequency: 50 Hz # MUST BE 50Hz

number:
  - platform: template
    id: servoSlider1
    name: Schacht Öffnung
    icon: mdi:sync
    optimistic: true
    min_value: -100
    max_value: 100
    initial_value: 0
    step: 5
    on_value:
      then:
        - lambda: !lambda |-
            id(servo1).write(x / 100.0);

I use an esp32-wroom-32d for the servo. Wiring should be correct because it can rotate but the config is a problem, anybody able to help please?

2

What servo you have and how it’s powered?

3

I got this 360 full metal

https://a.aliexpress.com/_EJqobu0

It is wired to VC on the esp32 wroom 32d board

4

That servo draws briefly ~1.2A when it starts movement and Esp is not able to supply it. You should power it directly from 5V(>1.5A) supply. If Esp is not powered from the same supply, you need common GND between servo and Esp.

5

Could you show the wiring how it should be if i power the servo from another power supply? I use a usb-c power supply for the esp and would need another one then for the servo.

6

Easiest way is to just split the cable.

image
image345×534 5.37 KB

Or use USB charger with two outputs, one directly to Esp usb connector and another to servo.
Remember to use >1.5A charger.

7

PXL_20250110_104103786
PXL_20250110_1041037861920×2550 192 KB

I have this usb charger with 5v 3A and 1 output, that should be good for esp and the servo right?

Wich cables from USB cable are the correct one? Red and black? Red is power and black ground i think?

Or better this one with 2 Outputs but just 5V and 2.1A

PXL_20250110_103744210
PXL_20250110_1037442101920×2550 242 KB

8

Yes, red 5V, blk GND. The 2.1A is fine and less sophisticated for simple use.

1 Like
9

Thanks for the help so far. Can you also help with the config? How can I add a button to move the servo for x amount of time left and a button for right?

10

I haven’t tried continuous servo with esphome.
You can try something like this:

button:
  - platform: template
    # ...
    on_press:
      then:
        - servo.write:
            id: my_servo
            level: -100%
        -delay: 700ms
        - servo.write:
            id: my_servo
            level: 0%
1 Like
11

While I haven’t used a continuous rotation servo before, I have connected two ‘regular’ servos to a ESP32cam to turn it into a PTZ camera. I’d share two tips that helped me greatly:

  1. Add a capacitor to the Vin and GND pins of the ESP32. Whenever you start a servo, it draws a huge amount of current and even if your supply is rated for it, there’s a chance that it could lead to a reboot of your chip. I don’t remember off the top of my head the capacitor size, I think it was a 22-100 uF. Adding this eliminated a lot of random behaviours with the ESP32
  2. Look into the multiple PWM channels available on the ESP32. My chip had a WS2812 LED strip along with the two servos and I found it is necessary to have the PWMs for each on different channels else they interfere with each other

Good luck with your project!

1 Like