Micro:bit servo control

[Ailstyn]

Hello, I trying to use the towerpro micro servos from adafruit (https://www.adafruit.com/product/169) with the BBC Micro:bit. So far, the most I've gotten out of it is a soft clicking noise and zero movement. I've tried using an external power source for the servo, but that did even less (eg: nothing). I can't see any reason they shouldn't be compatible, but I am stuck.

[adafruit_support_carter]

This guide uses a servo and might be useful:
https://learn.adafruit.com/micro-bit-ra ... troduction
See the info there helps.

If not, post a photo of your setup showing how you've connected the servo to the micro:bit.

[Ailstyn]

It's a little hard to see in the photo, but it is hooked up brown-GND, orange-3V, yellow-0.

IMG_20170921_132405.jpg (260.39 KiB) Viewed 839 times

[Ailstyn]

Sorry, should have mentioned: yes, I followed the instructions and that setup is the same as far as I can see. It produces the quiet clicking noise I mentioned, but no movement.

[adafruit_support_carter]

That seems OK. What does your program look like?

[Ailstyn]

Pressing either button makes the LEDs display the correct pattern, and the nonstop clicking.

screenshot.jpg (503.5 KiB) Viewed 833 times

[jerryn]

Just an observation. Is is possible that your white alligator clip is also contacting the pin next to P0 (P4).
Good luck!

[adafruit_support_carter]

How are you powering the micro:bit? Can you power it via battery?

[Ailstyn]

When I power it from the 2xAA pack for the micro:bit it does the nonstop clicking, if I power the board through the USB cable it clicks once, and then I think it resets because the screen goes black, shows the "on start" screen, and the computer re-mounts it.

[adafruit_support_carter]

if I power the board through the USB cable it clicks once, and then I think it resets because the screen goes black, shows the "on start" screen, and the computer re-mounts it.

I'm getting the same behavior. Not sure what's causing this but probably related to the servo drawing power.

When I power it from the 2xAA pack for the micro:bit it does the nonstop clicking

Batteries are working OK for me. Are yours fresh? And are they alkaline or rechargeable? (I'm using alkaline)

[Ailstyn]

I'm using the batteries the micro:bit shipped with, which are actually triple-A not double, and do not say what kind they are. The battery pack itself says "only carbon-zinc or alkaline", so I assume it's one of those. When the board is powered I put a voltmeter to it and it outputs a constant 2.8V. I'll try picking up some fresh alkaline batteries tonight and see if they work better.

[adafruit_support_carter]

I'm using the batteries the micro:bit shipped with

Hmmm. Same here. And I'm also using that exact same servo. Go over your wiring to make sure it's all solid. I'm using these:
https://www.adafruit.com/product/3255
straight into the servo connector, so it's a little cleaner.

[Ailstyn]

I bought some fresh AAA's and it's working for me now, which is a nice neat solution. I did try powering with external batteries but my wiring must have been bunk, I'll have to try it again sometime just so I know. For now the crisis is averted, thanks for the help!