Abstract: Multichannel device controllers are disclosed. In one embodiment, a multichannel device controller includes a plurality of user selectable control modes for controlling a multichannel device and a plurality of user configurable settings for adjusting parameters associated with the plurality of user selectable control modes. A touchscreen displays a user interface corresponding to a selected one of plurality of user selectable control modes and receives user input indicative of a command to send to the multichannel device. A processor generates the command to send to the multichannel device based at least in part on the user input and the plurality of user configurable settings.

Abstract: Hobby mechanical kits are provided. Kits illustratively include a hobby servo motor having a rotatable output shaft. The output shaft has gear teeth distributed around an outer diameter of the shaft. Certain embodiments of kits also include a hobby servo horn and a channel. The hobby servo horn has an inner diameter with gear teeth that correspond to the hobby servo output shaft gear teeth. The channel has a first panel, a second panel, and a third panel. The hobby servo horn and one of the panels of the channel include a star-shaped connection point.

Abstract: Variable autonomy level control systems are provided. A control system illustratively include an analog communications support component, a digital communications support component, a processing component, and a motor controller. The processing component synthesizes inputs received from the analog and the digital communications support components to generate an output. The motor controller utilizes the output from the processing component to generate a control signal for a motor. In certain embodiments, the input from the digital communications support component includes an indication of an autonomy level, and the processing component synthesizes the inputs by applying the autonomy level to the input received from the analog communications support component.

Abstract: Hobby servo motor linear actuator systems are provided. In certain circumstances, a linear actuator system includes a lead screw attachment mechanism and a lead nut. The lead screw attachment mechanism is configured to be rotatably connected to an output shaft of a hobby servo motor assembly. The lead nut is configured to move linearly along the lead screw attachment mechanism as it is rotated. The system is optionally either open-looped or closed-loop. The lead screw attachment mechanism has an outer surface that can include multiple different types of threads such as, but not limited to, gear teeth and screw threads. The hobby servo motor assembly may include one hobby servo motor or multiple hobby servo motors that work together.

Abstract: Hobby servo blocks are provided. In certain circumstances, servo blocks may increase a servo's load-bearing capabilities by helping to isolate the lateral load from the servo spline and case. The extreme versatility of servo blocks allow users to create complex, extremely rigid, structures with ease using standard servos. The robust framework acts as a servo exoskeleton, greatly enhancing the mechanical loads the servo can withstand. Additionally, servo blocks may include a hub pattern that is repeated throughout the framework to allow endless attachment options.

Abstract: Multichannel device controllers are disclosed. In one embodiment, a multichannel device controller includes a plurality of user selectable control modes for controlling a multichannel device and a plurality of user configurable settings for adjusting parameters associated with the plurality of user selectable control modes. A touchscreen displays a user interface corresponding to a selected one of plurality of user selectable control modes and receives user input indicative of a command to send to the multichannel device. A processor generates the command to send to the multichannel device based at least in part on the user input and the plurality of user configurable settings.

Abstract: Hobby servo motor linear actuator systems are provided. In certain circumstances, a linear actuator system includes a lead screw attachment mechanism and a lead nut. The lead screw attachment mechanism is configured to be rotatably connected to an output shaft of a hobby servo motor assembly. The lead nut is configured to move linearly along the lead screw attachment mechanism as it is rotated. The system is optionally either open-looped or closed-loop. The lead screw attachment mechanism has an outer surface that can include multiple different types of threads such as, but not limited to, gear teeth and screw threads. The hobby servo motor assembly may include one hobby servo motor or multiple hobby servo motors that work together.

Abstract: Pan and tilt systems are provided. Pan and tilt systems illustratively include a pan hobby servo motor having a splined output shaft. The splined output shaft rotates about an axis of rotation. In an embodiment, an angular position of the splined output shaft is controlled based at least in part on a coded input signal and an external potentiometer. A pan auxiliary gear is illustratively rotatably coupled to the hobby servo motor splined output shaft. The pan auxiliary gear has an axis of rotation that is approximately parallel to the splined output shaft axis of rotation. In an embodiment, a tilt system is functionally engaged to the pan auxiliary gear such that rotation of the pan auxiliary gear is translated to the tilt system.

Abstract: Hobby servo blocks are provided. In certain circumstances, servo blocks may increase a servo's load-bearing capabilities by helping to isolate the lateral load from the servo spline and case. The extreme versatility of servo blocks allow users to create complex, extremely rigid, structures with ease using standard servos. The robust framework acts as a servo exoskeleton, greatly enhancing the mechanical loads the servo can withstand. Additionally, servo blocks may include a hub pattern that is repeated throughout the framework to allow endless attachment options.

Abstract: Hobby servo mounts are provided. In certain circumstances, a servo mount includes a top panel, a bottom panel, and a side panel. The top panel is configured to secure a hobby servo motor to the hobby servo mount. The bottom flange is configured to secure the hobby servo motor and the hobby servo mount to an operational environment. The side panel extends between and connects the top panel and the bottom flange. The top and bottom panels may be approximately parallel to each other, and the side panel may intersect the top and bottom panels perpendicularly or at an angle.

Abstract: Variable autonomy level control systems are provided. A control system illustratively include an analog communications support component, a digital communications support component, a processing component, and a motor controller. The processing component synthesizes inputs received from the analog and the digital communications support components to generate an output. The motor controller utilizes the output from the processing component to generate a control signal for a motor. In certain embodiments, the input from the digital communications support component includes an indication of an autonomy level, and the processing component synthesizes the inputs by applying the autonomy level to the input received from the analog communications support component.

Abstract: An apparatus for enhancing an operational capacity of a hobby servo motor having a splined output shaft is disclosed. An apparatus illustratively includes a spline receiving portion. The spline receiving portion includes a plurality of circumferentially distributed protrusions sized and dispersed so as to support a functional engagement of the apparatus to the splined rotatable output shaft. The spline receiving portion optionally includes a top receiving surface. When the spline receiving portion is functionally engaged to the splined rotatable output shaft, the top receiving surface is positioned proximate to and flushly engages a top surface of the splined rotatable output shaft. An apparatus may further include an elongated shaft. The elongated shaft has an outer surface and at least a portion of the outer surface is textured.

Abstract: Multichannel device controllers are disclosed. In one embodiment, a multichannel device controller includes a plurality of user selectable control modes for controlling a multichannel device and a plurality of user configurable settings for adjusting parameters associated with the plurality of user selectable control modes. A touchscreen displays a user interface corresponding to a selected one of plurality of user selectable control modes and receives user input indicative of a command to send to the multichannel device. A processor generates the command to send to the multichannel device based at least in part on the user input and the plurality of user configurable settings.

Abstract: Multi-rotation hobby servo motors are provided. In one embodiment, a hobby servo motor comprises a rotatable output shaft, a feedback mechanism, and a control circuit. The feedback mechanism generates a feedback signal that is indicative of rotation of the rotatable output shaft, and the control circuit utilizes the feedback signal to generate a control signal for the rotatable output shaft. The feedback mechanism is optionally an encoder such as, but not limited to, a magnetic encoder, an optical encoder, a rotary encoder, or a linear encoder.

Abstract: An apparatus for enhancing an operational capacity of a hobby servo motor having a splined output shaft is disclosed. An apparatus illustratively includes a spline receiving portion. The spline receiving portion includes a plurality of circumferentially distributed protrusions sized and dispersed so as to support a functional engagement of the apparatus to the splined rotatable output shaft. The spline receiving portion optionally includes a top receiving surface. When the spline receiving portion is functionally engaged to the splined rotatable output shaft, the top receiving surface is positioned proximate to and flushly engages a top surface of the splined rotatable output shaft. An apparatus may further include an elongated shaft. The elongated shaft has an outer surface and at least a portion of the outer surface is textured.

Abstract: Pan systems are provided. Pan systems illustratively include a hobby servo motor having a splined output shaft, a rotatable auxiliary shaft that is approximately parallel to the splined output shaft, and a one piece support frame. In an embodiment, the one piece support frame has a top panel, a center panel, a first side, and a second side. The top panel and the center panel are approximately parallel. The first side and the second side are approximately parallel. The top panel and the center panel are approximately perpendicular to the first side and the second side. The top and center panels illustratively each include a hobby servo motor aperture and an auxiliary shaft aperture. The hobby servo motor is positioned within the hobby servo apertures and the rotatable auxiliary shaft is positioned within the auxiliary shaft apertures.

Abstract: An adapter is provided for coupling an output shaft of a servo to an auxiliary shaft. The adapter includes an adapter body having a longitudinal axis extending from a first end to a second end. The adapter body includes a first bore centered on the longitudinal axis and extending into the first end a first distance. The first bore is configured to accept a portion of the auxiliary shaft. The adapter body also includes a second bore centered on the longitudinal axis and extending into the second end a second distance. The adapter also includes an engagement member positioned within the second bore. The engagement member is configured to accept and engage a portion of the output shaft of the servo.

Abstract: Embodiments of an apparatus for providing enhanced hobby servo motor operational capacity are disclosed. Embodiments include a hobby servo motor having a rotatable output shaft. The rotatable output shaft is splined in that it includes a plurality of circumferentially distributed splines. Embodiments also include a shaft attachment mechanism having a spline receiving portion that includes a plurality of circumferentially distributed protrusions sized and dispersed to support functional engagement of the shaft attachment mechanism to the rotatable shaft. The functional engagement is such that rotation of the rotatable shaft causes a corresponding rotation of the shaft attachment mechanism. The shaft attachment mechanism further includes an elongated shaft that is positioned inline with the rotatable output shaft when the shaft attachment is functionally engaged to the rotatable output shaft.