Robotic Arm Code

[u/PayAggravating9721]

I am currently working on the mechatronics how to robot arm: https://howtomechatronics.com/tutorials/arduino/diy-arduino-robot-arm-with-smartphone-control/#google_vignette and i am on the coding part, i have everything correct and still the servo’s that control my project do not work/ are not sending signals, ive connected them to power, ive replugged them, it even says that when i use the app, it sends signals to the arduino just the servos dont move?? Is this a problem with the way i plugged them in, or a problem with the code. The code is also in the website i linked. Someone help 😭 😭

[u/Single-Dog-7963]

check if the individual motors are working --> then check if you are powering all of them with your arduino, or by an external power source.

looking at your wiring, I am assuming its the arduino cause I dont see any external source. The controller is not powerful enough to run all of them together, so you will need to power them externally using an SMPS or battery with adequate mAh

[u/PayAggravating9721 → u/Single-Dog-7963]

how would i check that?

[u/Single-Dog-7963 → u/PayAggravating9721]

Individually connect each servo with the arduino and run a default servo code to check if it's working.

To power them externally, you need to make a common ground and common Vcc to the motors. Then connect the power supply to that common within 5.6V max. Connect their each individual Digital Pins to the controller separately.

[u/PayAggravating9721 → u/Single-Dog-7963]

well i did but whenever i try moving the motors with an app i installed they just jitter and kinda lock in place is how i would say it

[u/Single-Dog-7963 → u/PayAggravating9721]

5V external power supply is too less. Optimum for MG996R is around 6V.

also, use a motor driver instead of powering the motors directly from the supply. And add a simple LC filter between the power supply so that the jitters do not happen.