Centering the steering servo on an RC car is a crucial step in ensuring that the vehicle drives straight and handles properly. An off-center servo can cause the steering wheel to lock up or become unresponsive, leading to potential safety hazards. Fortunately, centering the servo is a relatively simple process that can be done with minimal tools.
When it comes to centering a steering servo, there are a few different approaches that can be taken depending on the type of RC car and steering linkage. For cars with bellcrank type steering linkage, it’s important to ensure that the arm and linkage rod form a 45-degree angle when centered. On the other hand, for cars with servo saver type steering linkage, the servo saver should be centered with the servo arm perpendicular to the servo output shaft.
Whether you’re a seasoned RC car enthusiast or just starting out, knowing how to center the steering servo is an essential skill to have. In this article, we’ll cover the different methods for centering the servo, as well as some tips and tricks to ensure that your RC car is running at its best.
Table of Contents
Understanding RC Steering Servos
RC steering servos are small motors that are used to control the steering of an RC car. They work by receiving control signals from the receiver, which tell the servo where to go and what to do. The signals go through its three wires and control the motor. RC steering servos come in different types, sizes, and torque ratings, so it is important to choose the right one for your RC car.
Components of an RC Steering Servo
An RC steering servo consists of several components that work together to control the steering of an RC car. These components include:
- Motor: The motor is the main component of the servo that converts electrical energy into mechanical energy to control the steering.
- Gears: The gears are used to transfer the power from the motor to the output shaft.
- Potentiometer: The potentiometer is a small sensor that measures the position of the output shaft and sends a signal back to the receiver.
- Circuit board: The circuit board is responsible for processing the control signals and sending them to the motor.
Types of RC Steering Servos
There are two main types of RC steering servos: analog and digital. Analog servos are the older type of servo and are less expensive than digital servos. They work by receiving a continuous control signal from the receiver, which tells the servo where to go and how fast to move. Digital servos, on the other hand, are more advanced and precise. They work by receiving a series of digital pulses from the receiver, which provide more accurate control over the steering.
When choosing an RC steering servo, it is important to consider the torque rating, which determines the maximum amount of force the servo can apply at a right angle to a lever (servo arm). The torque rating of the servo should be matched to the weight and size of the RC car to ensure proper steering control.
How to Center RC Steering Servo
Centering the RC steering servo is an important step to ensure equal turning both ways of your RC vehicle. This procedure applies to both electric and nitro-powered RC cars. Follow these simple steps to center the steering servo:
Step 1: Disconnect the Steering Servo Arm
The first step is to disconnect the steering servo arm from the servo. This can be done by removing the screw that holds the arm in place. Once the arm is removed, turn on the transmitter and receiver and make sure they are both bound.
Step 2: Power Up the RC Car
Next, power up the RC car by connecting the battery to the ESC. Make sure the car is on a level surface and the wheels are pointing straight ahead.
Step 3: Center the Steering Wheel
With the RC car powered up, center the steering wheel on the transmitter. This can be done by adjusting the trim until the wheels are pointing straight ahead.
Once the steering wheel is centered, turn off the transmitter and receiver.
Step 4: Reconnect the Steering Servo Arm
Finally, reconnect the steering servo arm to the servo and tighten the screw. Turn on the transmitter and receiver and make sure everything is working properly. The steering servo should now be centered and the wheels should turn equally both ways.
It is important to note that some servo and arm combinations may not center correctly with the trims at -0-. In this case, remove the servo arm, center all the steering adjustments on the radio, then re-attach the servo arm as suggested above.
Testing the Centering of RC Steering Servo
Step 1: Turn on the RC Car
Before testing the centering of the RC steering servo, make sure the RC car is turned on and the steering wheel is centered. This will ensure that the servo is in a neutral position.
Step 2: Check the Steering Wheel
Next, check the steering wheel to make sure it is centered. If it is not, adjust it until it is centered. This will help to ensure that the servo is centered when the steering wheel is in a neutral position.
Step 3: Adjust the Steering Servo
Once the steering wheel is centered, it’s time to adjust the steering servo. To do this, remove the cover from the servo and locate the centering screw. Use a screwdriver to turn the centering screw until the servo arm is perpendicular to the servo body.
After adjusting the centering screw, replace the cover on the servo and turn on the RC car. Check the steering wheel to make sure it is still centered. If it is not, adjust the steering servo again until it is centered.
It’s important to note that some servo and arm combinations may not center correctly with the trims at -0-. In this case, remove the servo arm, center all the steering adjustments on the radio, and then reattach the servo arm as suggested above.
By following these steps, the centering of the RC steering servo can be tested and adjusted as necessary to ensure smooth and accurate steering of the RC car.
Conclusion
Centering the steering servo in an RC car is a crucial step that should not be overlooked. It ensures that the vehicle turns correctly and maintains optimal performance. As discussed in this article, there are several methods to center the steering servo, including using a servo centering tool or manually adjusting the endpoints.
It’s important to note that RC servos can develop issues over time, which can affect their performance. Therefore, it’s essential to regularly check the steering servo to ensure it is functioning correctly. If the servo is not centered correctly or has other issues, it may need to be repaired or replaced.
Additionally, it’s essential to follow the manufacturer’s instructions when centering the steering servo to avoid damaging the vehicle or the servo. Taking the time to properly center the steering servo will help ensure that the RC car performs at its best and lasts for a long time.
Overall, centering the steering servo in an RC car is a simple yet important task that can make a significant difference in the vehicle’s performance. By following the steps outlined in this article and regularly checking the servo’s performance, RC car enthusiasts can enjoy their hobby to the fullest.