How to Use MG995 360° Servo with Arduino Nano for the First Time

The MG995 is a high-torque 360° servo motor widely used in robotics and mechanical projects. In this tutorial, we’ll show you how to control an MG995 360° servo motor with an Arduino Nano step by step.

What You’ll Need

Arduino Nano
MG995 360° servo motor
10µF capacitor (optional, for voltage stabilization)
External power source (5-6V) for the servo motor
Jumper wires
Breadboard

Step 1: Install the Arduino IDE

If you haven’t already, download and install the Arduino IDE from the official Arduino website.

Step 2: Pin Configuration for MG995

The MG995 servo has three pins:
1. Red (VCC): Connect to the positive terminal of the power supply (5-6V).
2. Brown (GND): Connect to the ground of both the power supply and the Arduino Nano.
3. Orange (Signal): Connect to a PWM-capable pin on the Arduino Nano (e.g., D9).

Step 3: Circuit Diagram

Connect the components as shown below:

Power Supply:
- Connect the servo’s VCC (Red) to the positive terminal of the external power supply.
- Connect the servo’s GND (Brown) to the GND of the Arduino and the power supply.
Signal Pin:
- Connect the servo’s Signal (Orange) pin to the Arduino Nano’s D9 pin.
Optional Capacitor:
- Place a 10µF capacitor between the servo’s VCC and GND for voltage stabilization.

Important: Do not power the servo directly from the Arduino Nano, as the servo motor may draw more current than the Nano can provide, potentially damaging your board.

Step 4: Arduino Code

Upload the following code to your Arduino Nano:

				
					#include <Servo.h>

Servo myServo; // Create a servo object

void setup() {
  myServo.attach(9); // Attach the servo to pin D9
}

void loop() {
  // Rotate clockwise
  myServo.write(0); // Send 0° signal
  delay(2000);      // Wait for 2 seconds

  // Stop the servo
  myServo.write(90); // Send 90° signal (neutral position)
  delay(2000);       // Wait for 2 seconds

  // Rotate counterclockwise
  myServo.write(180); // Send 180° signal
  delay(2000);        // Wait for 2 seconds
}

Step 5: How It Works

1. The Servo.h library simplifies controlling the servo.
2. The write() function is used to control the servo’s direction:
  - 0°: Full clockwise rotation.
  - 90°: Stop (neutral position).
  - 180°: Full counterclockwise rotation.
3. The delay functions allow time for the servo to move before changing its direction.

Testing Your Setup

Power up your Arduino Nano.
Observe the MG995:
- It should rotate clockwise for 2 seconds, stop for 2 seconds, and then rotate counterclockwise for 2 seconds in a loop.

Troubleshooting

Servo Not Moving:
- Check the wiring and ensure the power supply is sufficient.
Jerky Movement:
- Add a capacitor for voltage stabilization.
Arduino Resetting:
- Ensure the servo is not powered directly from the Arduino Nano.

Applications of MG995 360° Servo

Robot wheels or turrets
Pan-tilt systems
Conveyor belts
Automated steering systems

With this tutorial, you are now ready to integrate the MG995 360° servo motor into your projects. If you have questions or face issues, feel free to leave a comment below!

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Getting Started with the MG995 360° Servo Motor and Arduino Nano