Everything You Need to Know About Servos

Traxxas RTR models are thoughtfully equipped with servos that perfectly match their installed models. Nevertheless, if you've embraced the world of brushless power, added weighty accessories, or find yourself conquering extreme terrains regularly, you might consider elevating your model's performance with a more robust and durable servo. Traxxas proudly offers a range of optional upgrade servos designed to tackle even the most demanding RC applications. Take control of your RC adventure and experience unmatched precision and reliability with Traxxas upgrade servos

What's Inside a Servo?
The mechanics of a servo are simple. It’s basically just a gearbox; inside, a motor spins a set of reduction gears that turns the motor’s RPM into torque. Just like the transmission and power system in your RC car or truck, a servo may have more powerful motor and/or gear ratios optimized for torque (strength) or speed. “Speed,” in the case of a servo, refers to how quickly the servo can swing its output arm.

Understanding Servo Specs

When it comes to evaluating servo performance, two crucial specifications come into play: speed and torque. However, for the majority of RC enthusiasts, torque reigns supreme over speed. Torque, measured in ounce-inches (often abbreviated as "oz.-in."), holds the key to unlocking the true potential of servos. Now, you might be wondering, "What exactly is an ounce-inch?"

Torque

Picture yourself changing a flat tire on a car. As you position your lug wrench on one of the wheel nuts and exert pressure by standing on the wrench's end, you effortlessly loosen the nut. Now, imagine you weigh 180 pounds, and the lug wrench measures one foot in length. In this scenario, you are exerting a remarkable 180 foot-pounds of torque on the lug nut. Fascinatingly, an ounce-inch follows a similar principle, but on a smaller scale: inches instead of feet and ounces instead of pounds.

Visualize a servo with a torque rating of 400-ounce inches. If you attach a one-inch-long arm to its output shaft, that arm will exert a force of 400 ounces on the connected linkage. To put it into perspective, 400 ounces translates to a formidable 25 pounds of sheer power. Marvel at the capabilities of such a commanding servo, ready to tackle any challenge that comes its way. Prepare to witness a force that defies expectations and elevates your RC experience to unparalleled heights.

Speed

Servo speed, measured by the time taken for a 60-degree rotation of the output shaft, holds the key to seamless motion. For instance, a servo with a speed rating of 0.15 sec/60° completes a 60-degree sweep in just fifteen hundredths of a second. While a skilled driver on a racetrack may reap the benefits of a faster servo, it's important to note that most drivers can't perceive a mere difference of a few hundredths of a second in servo speed.

Nonetheless, the essence of servo speed lies in its ability to deliver precise and responsive movements. Every degree counts when it comes to achieving optimal control and manoeuvrability. Whether you're navigating tight corners or executing intricate makeovers, a well-calibrated servo will flawlessly translate your commands into action. Embrace the world of precision and elevate your RC experience with servos designed to deliver unrivalled speed, accuracy, and finesse. Get ready to witness a new realm of fluid motion where every millisecond makes a remarkable difference.

Check the Voltage When Comparing Specs
When comparing servo specs, be sure to note the voltage that the manufacturer says is required to achieve the stated performance numbers. For example, the Traxxas High-Torque 400 servo’s torque is stated as “400 ounce-inch @ 6.0 V.” That means the servo supplies 400 ounce-inches of torque when powered at six volts.Suppose you’re comparing the Traxxas 400 oz.-in. servo to another brand’s servo that claims “400 oz.-in. @ 7.4 V.” That servo appears to be equally powerful since it’s also rated at 400 ounce-inches, but since it needs 7.4 volts to achieve that torque, it will offer less torque when powered at six volts. In this example, that servo’s torque would drop to about 324 oz.-in. on six volts, making it considerably less powerful than the Traxxas servo at the same voltage. Always check voltage when comparing specs.

 Metal Gears, More Strength

Plastic gears are commonly used in many servos for 1/10 scale RC cars and trucks, which generally perform well for most applications. However, Traxxas high-torque servos feature metal gears to enhance their strength and longevity. By opting for a metal gear servo, you can enjoy the benefits of added durability. Traxxas also provides metal servo arms as upgrades for various models, further enhancing their performance.

Brushed, Coreless, and Brushless Construction

Similar to RC car power systems, servos are equipped with either brushed or brushless motors. Brushed motors come in two types: standard and coreless. Coreless motors provide faster and smoother servo action. Meanwhile, brushless motors offer enhanced performance, delivering maximum power, control, and precision.

The 2075X and 2075R servos feature standard motors and metal gears. The 2075X servo is commonly found in TRX-4 models, offering maximum torque. In contrast, the 2075R servo is specifically geared for greater speed and is a standard component of the Slash 4X4 Ultimate. Both the 2075X and 2075R servos are fully waterproof, ensuring their reliability even in wet conditions.

High-Torque 330 Blue

The High-Torque 330 Blue waterproof servo is a significant advancement in steering performance, offering more than double the torque compared to the 2075X and R servos. It is equipped with a coreless motor, an aluminum heatsink mid-case, metal gears, and dual ball bearings, delivering an impressive 330 oz.-in. of torque.

High-Torque 400 Red

Traxxas’ top-performing servo is the High-Torque 400 Red. This waterproof, premium servo is equipped with a powerful brushless motor that allows it to deliver 400 oz.-in. of torque at six volts. Like the 330 Blue, it has an aluminum heatsink mid-case, metal gears, and dual ball bearings. 

Servo Sizes

Servo sizes can be categorized into four main types: large-scale, standard, micro, and sub-micro. Traxxas equips their X-Maxx™ and Maxx™ monster trucks with large-scale servos for optimal performance. In Traxxas 1/16 scale models, micro servos are used, while sub-micro servos, the smallest size, are employed in the LaTrax 1/18 scale models. These sub-micro servos are also utilized in TRX-4 models to control T-Lock differentials and High/Low transmissions. For steering and, in the case of nitro models, throttle duties, standard-size servos are used in all other Traxxas models. Traxxas also offers metal-gear versions of their micro and sub-micro servos for added durability.

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Title: Everything You Need to Know About Servos