The Difference between Analog and Digital RC Servos

42,899
0
Published 2020-01-06
In this video we take a look at the differences between analog and digital servos.

Support the Channel - Links to RCexplained T-Shirts:
www.radiocontrolinfo.com/shop/rcexplained-tees/
www.radiocontrolinfo.com/shop/rc-speed-club-tees/

If I were to grab a bunch of digital and analog servos, ripped the labels off and asked for you to hand me only the digital servo's, it would be very challenging. The reason is, there really isn't a difference between digital and analog servos on the outside. In fact, there really isn't much of a difference on the inside either. Both types of servos contain the same gear train, same 3 wire lead to the Rx, brushed motor, case, and even potentiometer to determine the servos position!

The large difference between the types of servos is in the circuit board. We explain this in more detail during the video as well as listing out the advantages and disadvantages of each.

Is it ok if my digital servo makes noise when there is no control input or external forces acting on the servo? The quick answer to this question is yes. It is quite normal for a digital servo to sing to you. The reason for this is because of the high frequency pulses that get sent to the motor within the servo. You are in fact hearing these high frequency pulses that the motor is receiving. Listen in near the end of the video to hear this.

All Comments (21)
  • @AndrewBlack343
    The pulse to the analogue servo is a requested position not an "on time". Small movements result from a small change in the duration of the on time not a small on time itself. You need to be clearer between the signal to the servo circuit board and the signal from the servo circuit board to the servo's motor itself.
  • @Mudsuitable
    I just bought my first real super high end servo and it screams like a banshee and it scared the hell out of me I thought I ruined it somehow, Thankfully you just calmed me down and put my fears to bed, Thank You Sir!
  • @Locoboy5150
    Thank you so much for this video! I am just getting back into R/C after about a twenty year break and I am dusting off all of my monster trucks and restoring them back into running order. My head was spinning with all of the advancements made in the R/C world while I was away all that time. I was so confused about the new digital servos but your video made everything so clear and simple. As for my trucks, I'll just stick to the affordable analog servos. One thing that I have discovered is that the approximately 20 years added to my age during my vacation away from R/C did not help my driving abilities at all. Thus, I highly doubt that I would notice the differences if I spent the cash and replaced all of my monster trucks' analog servos with digital ones. This is one case where getting older actually (unintentionally) helped me out! Thanks again for the video!
  • @BMR3
    Haven’t watched the video but I can already tell it’s a great topic! Love the videos and content man!
  • @ygreq
    Do you happen to have any suggestions for a very silent servo?
  • Some of the high-end servos don't make the high pitched noise when you try to move them. I've been trying to find out why, but no one seems to have any idea. You happen to know? Is there a stat in the description you can look for when purchasing one to ensure you get a quiet one?
  • @Kimchi_Studios
    Thanks dude! This is great info, straight to the point. Can't wait to ruin whichever one I order!
  • @mikaycatada1523
    Hey bro may i have a question Why is it my digital servo works only when using a servo tester. Doesnt work when im connecting it to my receiver?
  • Thank you so much. This is so helpful. I connected a analog servo (I have no idea about this before watching this video) to my Noble NB4 (default setting digital servo) which did not work. Finally figured out. By the way, very good speech in the video. I am a Youtuber too. I always have my thinking slower than talking. So lots of "ah" & "um" in videos. But your video is great.
  • @MauzyrockRC
    Love you channel! So if my digital servo whines after turning say, left and right, then stop, then it continues until I wiggle the wheel (tx) or apply some throttle. I have endpoints adjusted properly ( I think) so it is not reaching or straining. So this whine is ( mostly) fine? thanks.
  • @FunBitesTV
    Another great video, thank you ! Ps : Are the digital servo's more likely to give out or receive interference to/from esc's , vtx, etc ? Cheers
  • @amaninaroom8678
    thx for this information, good explanation !!! thats what i need to know
  • @JoeOvercoat
    Excellent use of your nouns, good sir. You cannot use them too much, where ‘it’ is over-used.