Product Specification: Polol Mini Maestro USB 18-channel servo controller
- Power supply: 5 V-16 V
- Power consumption: 40 mA*
- Number of channels: 18
- Transmission speed: 300-200000 bps**
- Control methods:
- USB - included program for PC
- Serial interface (UART) - e.g. communication with a microcontroller
- scripts stored in the controller memory
- Dimensions: 28 x 46 mm
* When connected via USB, the device downloads 10 mA more
** Self-detection function for speeds between 300 - 115200 bps
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Arduino compatible product The manufacturer provides a library in GitHub for Arduino users. |
Service driver description
The Maestro series are versatile servo controllers that can also interpret digital and analogue signals. With a variety of control options, a wide range of power supply voltages, and simple operation, Maestro is suitable for many servo projects. Depending on the number of servers used, the user can choose the appropriate version. 6, 12 , 18 and 24 channel modules are available.
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| Number of channels: | 6 | 12 | 18 | 24 |
| Number of analog inputs: | 6 | 12 | 12 | 12 |
| Number of digital inputs: | 0 | 0 | 6 | 12 |
| Width [mm]: | 21,6 | 27,9 | 27,9 | 27,9 |
| Length [mm]: | 30,5 | 36,1 | 45,7 | 58,4 |
| Weight [g]: | 3,0 | 4,2 | 4,9 | 6,0 |
| Pulse frequency: | 33-100 Hz | 1-333 Hz | 1-333 Hz | 1-333 Hz |
| Pulse range: | 64-3280 μs | 64-4080 μs | 64-4080 μs | 64-4080 μs |
| Script size: | 1 KB | 8 KB | 8 KB | 8 KB |
MicroController operation
The user can customize the controller to the needs of his project by choosing from three different communication interfaces:
USB computer application - the device connects to the computer via a mini USB cable. The controller is operated by means of an intuitive program, which allows, among other things:
- control the position of the trench
- setting the speed of rotation of the servo
- reading data from analogue and digital inputs
- setting logical values to I/O outputs
In order to use the USB control option, simply download the program to the disk (version: Windows , Linux ), run it and connect the controller to any USB port of your computer.
Serial Interface (UART) - the interface allows to connect Maestro with a central unit, which can be any microcontroller or runtime kit e.g. Arduino , STM32Discovery or Rasbperry Pi . Servomechanisms are supported by sending special character commands. Examples with description of the commands can be found in the manual .
Script - by selecting this option, the user can create and save to Maestro memory a selected sequence of events such as make the position of the servo dependent on the voltage level on the analogue input, to which any analogue sensor, e.g. gyroscope, accelerometer or rangefinder, will be connected . A description of the scripting language, together with examples of usage, can be found inthe manual .
A computer application that allows you to control the position and speed of the servers, read and write I/O states via USB cable .
Polol Mini Maestro outputs
The outputs are popular goldpin strips (raster 2.54), matching the standard servo connectors and connection cables .
On the board are located:
- miniUSB connector for connecting the system with a PC
- 5V power bus outputs to supply other systems
- power supply connectors for servos ( + and -)
- connectors for servos , outputs marked as a signal can also be used as analogue inputs and digital inputs/outputs operating at 5 V
- status LEDs
- Logic power connector (useful if the driver is not permanently connected to the USB port)
- UART serial communication interface connector (RX, TX)
Maestro controller output layout.
Examples of use
- projects using multiple servos, e.g. manipulator
- walking robots like Hexapody
- control of the servers via computer ( USB cable )
- use of channels as digital general purpose outputs
- use of analogue input channels e.g. to read information from sensors (e.g. Sharp 10-80cm) directly on a PC
- in versions 12, 18 and 24 one of the channels can operate as PWM output, so the motor controller (e.g. TB6612FNG ) can be operated.
Useful links
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