RS Zip Zap Mini RC RF Servo Tutorial

I noticed in the video that the stalk has trouble going back up into the upright position with sharp erratic movements as it struggles. Is there a way to make the movement smoother?
 
Jesuit24 said:
I noticed in the video that the stalk has trouble going back up into the upright position with sharp erratic movements as it struggles. Is there a way to make the movement smoother?
Click to expand...

Having just built a servo set up just like this, from the video, it looks to me that since the helmet was balancing on a stand, a quick movement up-wards would have made the helmet fall over. The servo runs smoothly assuming you hold the button down. You may get shotty movement if the signal is week or the battery for your controller is dying
 
Another question; how much torque is needed to turn the rangefinder between the two points? Is the HS-77BB Low Profile servo essential? The reason I ask is I'm not so sure my head will fit in my helmet with the servo, even with the low profile option, so I was considering buying a Hi-tech mini servo instead, the difference being that with the smaller size, the servo has less power.

The recommended Low Profile servo used in this thread has a torque of 76oz/inch (5.5kg/cm), whereas the HS-225BB Mighty Mini has a torque of 67oz/inch (4.8kg/cm). Is there a minimum torque I should be looking out for?
 
I bought a mini RC. Not ZipZap because I can't get them in the UK and it seems they go for a lot of money these days. But despite the seller claiming it ran off four AAA batteries, it runs off two AA batteries. While I'm not chuffed what the remote control runs off, I've heard that I really need the servo to run off 6V. Can I run the servo off a different voltage to the remote? Because the board on the car recharges from the remote control, so I'm not sure if I'm limited to two AAs and a meagre 3V to power the servo.

Appreciate any help.
 
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I built one of these several years ago with the tutorial. I got it to work, but my topper has a self contained light unit and its a solid aluminum stalk. The 77B servo couldn't lift the dang thing back to starting position. All of the electronics are now in my basement somewhere. I might go dig them out and see if i can get it running again, but maybe with a more powerful servo.
 
Servo city has a calculator that will figure out the torque rating you need for the rf. I was going to try to figure it out tonight to see which I would need.
 
Thanks Jc, now that you mention it, I do remember someone trying to explain to me a formula for figuring that out. I'll have to check out the site. I'm pretty sure that's where I bought my old servo.

Thanks!
 
I did this and it works great! One question can I just use a motor? If I cut the stuff from the servo whats left? Looks like just a motor. The controls are on everything else.
 
IMG_1821.JPG

Great tutorial but I've seemed to run into a bit of a pickle. I didn't use a Transformers zip zap, rather it was a different one (still a zip zap but it was a Nissan 350Z haha). Anyway the controller's layout is different but all the hookups and wirings are pretty much the same. The board for the car itself, however, is not. The picture above shows what it looks like. The antenna is the long yellow wire, the short yellow and blue are the motor I believe and the black and red are the same but there isn't any red and white ones for power.

Has anyone used a different model zip zap and figured out what to do? I'd prefer to use this one as I've already taken apart this one and the controller has the build in switch plus the Transformers ones now are a bit expensive on ebay (anywhere between 20 and 50 dollars.
 
frb13 said:
I did this and it works great! One question can I just use a motor? If I cut the stuff from the servo whats left? Looks like just a motor. The controls are on everything else.
Click to expand...

You can't use just any motor since it only spins one way, as compared to a servo which can spin either way.
 
One year to the day! Funny. I went with a servo. I talked to you about two years ago at legoland. I asked if you were on the boards and you told me you did the rf servo zip zap set up. Still work great!
 
Hello everyone! I've had a servo kit for a while now from salamander king and found this link and it is very helpful. Especially the installing part. Here are my two questions, I have a resign stalk from my helmet kit from animefan. Would it be okay you think to drill and tap it with the 8/32 set screw? And where can I get the motherboard case fasteners? I have searched and mostly find a hardware set which had way to many if they are the right ones picture in this tutorial. Or, what would be an alternative method to install the servo, so it could be removable. I know most say just hot glue it in but I want to be able to pull it out if need be. Thanks so much for all your info!
 
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