How to Control a Servo Motor with Arduino – Step-by-Step Beginner Project

Learn how to control a servo motor using Arduino in this beginner-friendly project. Includes circuit diagram, code, components list, and project expansion tips. Perfect for automation, robotics, and Arduino starters.

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Introduction

🔧 What is a Servo Motor?

A servo motor is a rotary actuator that allows for precise control of angular position. It typically consists of a DC motor, a gear system, and a feedback mechanism (usually a potentiometer) for position sensing. Servo motors are widely used in robotics, automation, RC vehicles, and embedded systems for tasks requiring movement within a specific range (usually 0° to 180°).

🔍 What This Project Does

In this project, we will control the position of a servo motor using Arduino. We’ll send angle commands via code to rotate the motor shaft to a desired angle.

🌍 Real-World Use Case

• Robotic arms and joints
• Camera gimbals
• Automated curtain systems
• Sensor orientation systems (e.g., solar trackers)

📘 Skill Level

Beginner – No prior experience required.

🎯 Expected Outcome

By the end of this tutorial, you’ll be able to:

• Understand servo motor basics
• Control a servo motor’s angle using Arduino code
• Experiment with angle-based movement

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Components Required

Quantity	Parts	Description	Buy Link
1	Arduino UNO	Microcontroller board	Buy on Elecsynergy
1	SG90 Servo Motor	Standard 180° mini servo motor	Buy on Elecsynergy
1	Breadboard	For wiring connections	Buy on Elecsynergy
3	Jumper Wires (Male to Male)	To connect servo motor	Buy on Elecsynergy
1	USB Cable	For Arduino power & code upload	Buy on Elecsynergy

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Circuit Diagram + Explanation

Servo Motor Wiring:

• Red Wire (VCC) → 5V on Arduino
• Brown/Black Wire (GND) → GND on Arduino
• Orange/Yellow Wire (Signal) → Digital Pin 9 on Arduino

Circuit Explanation:

• The servo receives power from the Arduino (5V, GND)
• The signal pin receives PWM signals from Pin 9 to determine the angle
• Arduino sends signals using the Servo library’s write() function

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Arduino Code – Commented Line-by-Line

#include <Servo.h>  // Include Servo library

Servo myServo;       // Create Servo object
int angle = 0;        // Variable to hold angle value

void setup() {
  myServo.attach(9);  // Connect servo to digital pin 9
  Serial.begin(9600); // Start Serial Monitor
}

void loop() {
  for (angle = 0; angle <= 180; angle += 1) {
    myServo.write(angle);        // Move servo to current angle
    Serial.print("Angle: ");
    Serial.println(angle);
    delay(15);                   // Wait for servo to reach position
  }

  for (angle = 180; angle >= 0; angle -= 1) {
    myServo.write(angle);        // Move servo back to 0
    Serial.print("Angle: ");
    Serial.println(angle);
    delay(15);
  }
}

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Working Explanation

• When powered on, the Arduino begins sweeping the servo from 0° to 180° and back.
• The Servo.h library simplifies sending PWM signals to the servo.
• Internally, the servo motor compares the received signal (pulse width) with its current position using its potentiometer and rotates accordingly.
• The delay ensures smooth and visible movement.

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Demo / Output Preview

The servo slowly moves from 0° to 180° and back in a continuous loop.

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Troubleshooting & Tips

• Servo not moving?
  • Double-check wiring to 5V, GND, and signal pin
  • Ensure proper pin is specified in myServo.attach()
• Jittery movement?
  • Power servo via external 5V supply if drawing too much current
• Servo not sweeping fully?
  • Try using smaller delays or test individual angles like 90°, 45°, etc.
• Arduino freezing?
  • Avoid overloading Arduino’s 5V pin with large servos

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Project Expansion Ideas

• Use Potentiometer to Control Servo Angle
• Add IR or Bluetooth Remote Control
• Control Multiple Servos for Robotic Arm
• Automated Servo Control Based on Sensor Input (e.g., LDR or Ultrasonic)

Encourage the user to experiment by modifying angle limits, adding buttons, or controlling via sensors.

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Conclusion

This project introduced you to controlling a servo motor using Arduino. You learned how to wire a servo, write code for angle-based movement, and expand your project further.

🧠 What You Learned:

• Basics of servo motors
• Using Servo.h library
• Writing PWM-based angle control logic
• Expanding projects using sensors or user input

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🛒 Buy the Complete Kit

👉 Buy Now from Elecsynergy

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