karolh

I have a couple new analog servos that I would like to bench test before committing them to my model and flight but I don't have access to a servo checker, and am wondering what is the other best method to test /burn them in.

Karol

onewasp

Frankly I wouldn't bother.

If they are at all recent and of a reputable manufacturer they simply don't need it.

You can however shorten the flight life of the pots.

exeter_acres

My Feedback: (2)

install in an airplane and fly....

its more fun this way too......

XJet

The reliability of electronic devices tends to follow a curve that suggests they are far more likely to fail shortly after commissioning than for a long, long time after that so in theory, "soak testing" as you describe is a good idea.

However, the increased risk of failure early in a device's life is just that an increased risk the actual likelihood of failure is still very low.

Also, because servos involve a great number of mechanical components, it's more likely that any failure will be related to wear so as onewasp points out, you might be doing little more than reducing the useful life of the servo.

Personally, on sport-type models I don't bother soak-testing new servos but, on a larger/faster model I give them 10 minutes or so of "exercise" to ensure that there's nothing obviously wrong with them.

karolh

Well so far I've hooked them up and they all work, so I guess I'll just be satisfied with that and put them into service. Thanks guys.

Karol

RAMFlyer

My Feedback: (65)

Plug them into your receiver, sit down in front of the TV, fire up the transmitter, and move the sticks for 10 to 15 minutes. Exercises the new servos but doesn't tire you out...

Dick T.

My Feedback: (243)

Upper end Futaba transmitters have a servo tester built in. I have used that function for years to run new servos for a 20-30 minutes.

karolh

I guess that my Futaba 8UAF is not upper end enough

Karol

Dick T.

My Feedback: (243)

During the tenure of the 8U (an excellent system) the 9Z was the top end and had the servo test function. Since then, I believe it is in the 9 channel radios and up.

Oh well, guess you will have to wiggle the sticks.

Cherokee Flyer

You could always use one of these, they work great! JR product for $29.

MatchMaker

Key Features
Allows for the cycling of up to two separate servos at a time at variable speed rates.
Perfect for finding erratic servo behavior in the cycling mode.
Allows the precise digital centering of up to 2 servos at a time to help with setup on the building bench.
Overview
Setting up servos just got a whole lot easier, thanks to the new MatchMaker from JR®. The MatchMaker lets modelers accurately center servos, evaluate end points, and cycle servos at varying speeds, without ever having to switch on a transmitter. This is the perfect bench companion for any modeler looking to optimize servo performance and compatibility.

L.

balsabuster2003

This is what I use: www.york-electronics.com