We value community feedback and are committed to continuous improvement at Promodeler Servos. Recent discussions have brought up several technical points that deserve clarification, and we appreciate the opportunity to address them directly and transparently. This feedback is crucial as we strive to deliver servos that not only meet but exceed the demands of RC enthusiasts.
Regenerative Braking and Power Backfeed in Servos
One point of discussion involved regenerative braking and its potential impact on receiver power. It was mentioned that Hitec introduced an external PAD (Power Absorption Device) to manage backfeed from their D-series servos, which utilize regenerative braking. We opted for an internal solution within each ProModeler servo to address this, acknowledging the unwieldiness of external devices for multiple servos.
It’s important to clarify that regenerative braking in servos, similar to hybrid cars or ESCs with braking, can indeed cause a momentary backfeed of power to the receiver when the servo arm stops and reverses direction. Hitec’s PAD serves to absorb this backfeed, particularly for ESC setups that cannot handle it. However, battery setups are generally unaffected by this phenomenon. This issue is receiver-independent and brand-agnostic; it’s a characteristic of regenerative braking itself.
Signal Pin Voltage Stability
Concerns were raised about the possibility of 10V on the signal pin. We want to assure our users that, regardless of battery voltage (red lead), ProModeler servos, like those from other major manufacturers, regulate the signal (white or orange wire) to 5V or 3.3V. Any voltage spikes are more likely to occur on the power bus, and our servo designs are engineered to differentiate and manage these appropriately.
Noble Potentiometers: Acknowledging the Correct Spelling
We appreciate the correction regarding our potentiometer supplier. It is indeed Noble, not Nobel, potentiometers that we utilize, manufactured by Teikoku Tsushin Kogyo. We value accuracy and have updated our materials to reflect the correct spelling.
ABEC-9 Bearings: Precision vs. Practicality
The discussion around ABEC-9 bearings and their necessity in servos is insightful. While we do source ABEC-9 bearings affordably, we acknowledge the point that the 2-micron tolerance of an ABEC-9 offers minimal real-world improvement over ABEC 3 or 5 bearings (6-8 micron tolerance) in low-speed servo applications. The precision of ABEC-9 bearings is truly relevant in high-speed applications like turbine bearings exceeding 100,000rpm.
The feedback is valid: ABEC rating is primarily a tolerance specification. A cheap ABEC-9 bearing made of lower quality material could indeed perform worse than a well-made ABEC-3 bearing in practical servo operation. We continuously evaluate our component choices, and this feedback reinforces our focus on R&D investments that translate to tangible performance benefits, such as superior motors and gears.
Brass Eyelet Dimensions for Optimal Grommet Function
Finally, the point about undersized brass eyelets is well-taken. The depth of the brass eyelets should indeed match the rubber grommets to ensure the screw properly clamps onto the eyelet without crushing the grommet. This is crucial for secure and effective servo mounting, especially in aircraft where loctite on wood screws is not always feasible, unlike in helicopters. We are reviewing our eyelet specifications to ensure they meet this requirement for optimal functionality.
Focusing on Real-World Performance and Key Differentiators
We thank the community for highlighting these technical aspects. It reinforces our commitment to transparency and continuous improvement. Moving forward, we will maintain our focus on promoting the genuine differentiators of ProModeler servos – performance, reliability, and robust design – while ensuring technical accuracy in all our communications. Your detailed feedback helps us refine our products and messaging to better serve the RC community.
