Servo VS. Stepper motor

Hello, I'm new to the RPi B+, and im sure this isnt the best way to break the ice, just wanted to get some feedback from the community on what your thoughts were. Pro's and Con's would be awesome on comments if you could/would leave them please.

I'm attempting to use one to control a robot, web based(python), but need to know what would be the best approach to steering this damn thing would be?!?!?!

Top Comments

amgalbu over 10 years ago +7

Hi I think they cover different areas Servo are 1. easy to use (just connect a PWM output and that's all the hardware you require) 2. can not (easily) control speed. With servo, typically you set a new…
dougw over 9 years ago +2

Servos are lower power, cheaper and easier to use, however you will need a servo saver to prevent shock loads on the wheels from stripping the gears. If you use a steering linkage, be sure it can bend…
Former Member over 10 years ago in reply to timswift +1

Funny you should ask. I have no clue, truth be told. I'm kinda winging it right now. I'll be using a power drill for the forward and backward motion, that one i will probably use a servo for the trigger…

dixonselvan over 7 years ago

Steppers are slow, bulky and needs complex interfaces. Servos on the other hand are faster, compact and easy to use and interface. The applications of Servo is majorly in robotics! Which made it popular.

Pretty much every previous comment has covered up what I had to say. Just a re-iteration because it was irresistable to stay silent.

My vote to Servo always!
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mrosst92 over 7 years ago

As others have said, it depends on the application. Myself, I often want precision in positioning, so I prefer steppers or high-end servos with encoders, but I suspect in your case thats not as important, so plain servos may be fine.
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dougw over 9 years ago

Servos are lower power, cheaper and easier to use, however you will need a servo saver to prevent shock loads on the wheels from stripping the gears. If you use a steering linkage, be sure it can bend easily without damage when you run into a wall. If it is too stiff, it can destroy your gears.
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Former Member over 10 years ago

Servos are simpler to use, and are precise just like steppers. They can be used in a wide variety of projects. They can come in 180 degree rotation sizes, or continuous rotation. They are also generally cheaper than stepper motors.
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amgalbu over 10 years ago

Hi
I think they cover different areas

Servo are
1. easy to use (just connect a PWM output and that's all the hardware you require)
2. can not (easily) control speed. With servo, typically you set a new position and the servo electronics will make the DC engine turn as fast as possible to the new position
3. can be modified for continous rotation, but you have non control on speed

Stepper motors are
1. more difficult to use (they require external hardware to drive the motors)
2. more precise
3. can be controlled in speed

Hope this help
Ambrogio
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Former Member over 10 years ago in reply to timswift

Funny you should ask.
I have no clue, truth be told.
I'm kinda winging it right now.
I'll be using a power drill for the forward and backward motion, that one i will probably use a servo for the trigger and a relay for the switching of direction.
We will consider this as a Frankenstein type of robot....hehe....
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timswift over 10 years ago

I think servos are simpler to use.
Are you making a differential drive robot or one that drives like a car?

Tim
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