Ok...what noise is normal for a servo?

Or more accuratly, how much noise?

I converted my nexstar to dual aileron servos...when they are close their end point, they hum what seems like alot. And its strange, if i change the end point(increase), they dont make the noise at the same amount of rotation that they did before, but close to their new end...is this normal?

Theservos are the futaba 3151s (i think)

if the servo is making noise then something is binding or its pushing against a mechanical stop. binding servos will ware down your battiers faster and ware out your servo in nuetral no noise
good luck

I agree with Jetmech05, when a servo makes noise, something is probably binding! Look at all parts of the system. Disconnect and inspect the various connections to see if you can pinpoint the cause of this extra effort the servo is being forced to make: servo arm to push rod connection, pushrod to control horn connection, hinges. Disconnect one servo to see if the noise emanates from one servo and not the other. Set-up the plane with the suggested throws stated in the owners manual. Does it still make noise, then? Do all you can to attempt to eliminate the noise. If you are still stuck, ask for help from an experienced person in your club. Noise means the servo is working and is using up your batteries.

Disconnect both servos and then operate them to the limits desired. Are they quiet? If so the problem is in the aileron/linkage. Perhaps you are simply trying to get too much deflection and binding at the extreme end. It is important to try to get close to the recommended throws by adjusting the linkages first and using the TX computer last. When linkage is set for recommended throws at ailerons, do they "buzz"? If so, find the bind and fix it.

pssssttt


3151's are digital servos....

assuming there is no binding in any of your linkages... some buzzing from digital servos is normal... it is the servo hunting and attempting to do whatever it can to stay centered.....

Even if they are digital, he described the noise as being more pronounced at certain deflections (I have to assume when he said "End Point" he was meaning maximum deflection). This then begs the question: if digitals are noisy, how are you digital guys determining if you've got mechanical problems? Oh, I'm not a Futaba guy, so maybe these radios are just real clunky and noisy! (That ought to get a rise out of the FUT-A-BA crowd)!

Nah, we just consider where the comment came from and feel sorry for you.

BTW, I feel all of the major brands are fairly equal and it is primarily a matter of picking the options you like best.

JR does mean "junior" doesn't it?

If the sound is changing at maximum deflection, the servo is probably trying to push the control surface further than it can move. With the EPA adjusted higher, I can definitely see this happening on a nexstar as they don't have a ton of allowable deflection in the ailerons.

Through normal uses, they will buzz though. They will buzz and center and they will buzz as they move but when the buzz changes there is a problem. It is so hard to describe this without some sort of demonstration. [:@]

i think it may be just normal buzzing, i turned the EPs down to where the servo only moved like 10 degress, and the ailerons were less than half of the recommended throws...but when the stick was full left or full right it would make them buzz (kind of a mix between a hum and a high pitched noise) ... if i set the EP higher, it wouldnt do it when it passed through where the EP was before, but would do it at the new EP...thats why it seemed so strange.

I have flapperons set up..it also does it when they come down just a little bit...

Im going to assume that im probably just overreacting (first digi servos ive used) and its normal, will make a point though to bring it up when i get out to the feild thiws weekend, and let someone else hear it...

RJM1982,
Do like Bruce said above, disconnect the control surface and then move the servo through it's range. If you still hear the buzzing then you are hearing "normal" buzz for the digital servos. But if you don't hear it then the buzz is being caused by binding, resistance, or range of motion causes.

Ken

I would unhook the linkage from the servo and move the surfaces.... as long as they are moving freely with no binding.... I'm betting you are OK....

of course... these are internet diagnosis.... and make sure whoever hears it, understands that they are digitals

Jr.? Who cares! As well as flying Mode One, I fly Airtronics radios! I also flew Kraft radios, back when they were the best!

I agree with you, I think one radio manufacture is probably as good as the next. Heck, I'm not so sure they all arn't the same manufacturer!

Yep, I had a KP7C back in the 70's. Loved it - pre computer.