Video: Getting started with the Maestro

If I didn't want to power the motors via the batter pack what parts would I need to power from a wall plug?

Hello, Joe.

If you want to power your Maestro from a wall outlet, all you need is an appropriate wall power adapter:

https://www.pololu.com/category/196/wall-power-adapters

From there, I recommend using our DC Barrel Jack to 2-Pin Terminal Block Adapter to connect the power to your Maestro:

https://www.pololu.com/product/2449

- Patrick

Thank you Patrick, I also got additional info from a question in the forum:
https://forum.pololu.com/t/how-to-power-12-channel-servo-with-one-supply/18108/3

Is there any info on how I can add buttons or dials to control the servos similar to the video shown above?

Thanks,
Edson

Hello, Edson.

You can see how to connect buttons or switches in the "Attaching Servos and Peripherals" section of the Maestro user's guide. Additionally, you can find multiple example scripts for using inputs with servos in the "Example Scripts" section of the same user's guide.

-Derrill

Hi,
I am totally new to the world of robotics, servos, motors etc. What I am trying to achieve is basically having a computer case with a lid that can be opened from a windows application and it should be powered/controlled through a USB header. As the case is tiny (only 3L volume), I am looking for very small components and most motors, servos or linear actuators are way too big. I found your brushless DC motors like the 298:1 Micro Metal Gearmotor LP 6V https://www.pololu.com/product/1094
Is it possible to control this motor with the Micro Maestro?

thanks in advance,
Wolfgang

Hello.

Please note that our Micro Metal Gearmotors are brushed DC motors (not brushless). The Maestro cannot directly control a brushed DC motors like that. If you want to control a brushed DC motor through a USB interface, you could use something like our G2 Jrk Motor Controllers, but please note that you would have to add extra components like a potentiometer to do closed-loop position control like a servo. Alternatively, you could use a G2 Simple Motor Controller (SMC) which supports limit switches that you can use to stop the motor at the extremes of your range of motion.

The combination of a Micro Maestro servo controller and a micro servo is probably the more practical option, and it is fairly comparable in size to a Jrk or SMC paired with a Micro Metal Gearmotor, especially if you have to use additional components like a potentiometer or limit switches to get it to behave like you want.

If you want to continue the discussion or need more assistance in choosing components, please post a request for help on our forum, which is a much better place for this kind of discussion, and we would be glad to assist you further.

Brandon

we could really use a more advanced video for maestro servo controller like hook up to an Arduino board thank you

Hello, Colin.

Thank you for your suggestion. We will keep it in mind. In the meantime, you can find information about using the Maestro with an Arduino (such as connections and Maestro configuration settings) in the README of our Maestro Servo Controller library for Arduino. Additionally, that library has various examples. If you have additional questions, you can post a request for help on our forum, and we would be glad to help.

Brandon

Hi,

I have a question around mounting the Maestro controller.

I purchased the "Pololu RP5/Rover 5 Expansion Plate" as shown in the youtube video, and I have standoffs to mount the servos to that board but I am having trouble identifying the hardware needed to mount the maestro board.

I tried 2mm standoffs but the threaded portion is too big.

What size do I need for this and do you sell this hardware?

Thank you,
Jim

Hello. Jim.

In the video from this blog post, we just used some #2-56 screws to mount the Maestro directly to the Pololu RP5/Rover 5 Expansion Plate, but our #2-56 M-F standoffs (or #2-56 F-F standoffs if you prefer) should work to elevate it if that's what you are after. I am not sure what you mean when you say the threaded portion is too big, but if you continue having problems with it, you can post on our forum or email us with more details, such as pictures, and I would be happy to help there.

Brandon