How to Use AC Servo Motors at Low Speeds

Servo motors are small motors that shift an output shaft into various angular positions based on input from a coded signal. Common applications of servo motors are seen in robots, puppets and radio-controlled cars and airplanes. The trick to running a servo motor at a lower speed is to vary the amount of current that the motor is receiving by attaching a voltage regulator between the power source and the motor. There are many types of voltage regulators available; always purchase one rated for the lowest level of voltage recommended for your motor. For example, if you have a servo motor recommended for 4 to 7 watts, purchase a voltage regulator that restricts to 4 watts.

Things You'll Need

• AC servo motor
• Step-down voltage regulator

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Instructions

1. • 1

     Locate the positive power source plug on the servo motor. It will be the only red cord. Plug it into the positive receiver of the voltage regulator.

   • 2

     Locate the negative power source plug on the servo motor. It will be black or brown. Plug it into the negative receiver of the voltage regulator.

   • 3

     Plug the positive output plug of the voltage regulator -- which should be red, and may be marked with a plus symbol ("+") -- into the power source.

   • 4

     Plug the negative output plug of the voltage regulator -- which will likely be black, and marked with a negative symbol ("-") -- into the power source. Your servo motor should now run at a slower speed when activated.