<![CDATA[Component recommendations: Rotate a servo using signal from a linear encoder]]>Greetings all. I'm looking for some help on what components to start with for a small project. Details below:

( I've played around with Raspberry Pi, and am a proficient Python coder but a beginner a beginner on the M5Stack system. )

  1. I read a signal from a vernier calliper in real time using a setup like this:
    https://www.instructables.com/Caliper-Data-Interface/
    This signal represents a real time measurement of linear displacement of a machine component.

  2. The signal feed from the calliper is passed to a Python function (currently on a Raspberry Pi) to work out the displacement D in mm.

  3. A function f is and applied to D to return an angle R; R = f(D). This happens in the Python code (currently on a Raspberry Pi).

  4. Finally a small 9g micro-servo (~3V) (in fact, a prism mounted on the servo) is rotated by the angle R.

The setup works on a Pi but is a mess of wires and breadboards. I'd like to use M5Stack to make a portable and field-usable device.

Some requirements:

  1. System should have a screen and button interface to select different functions f and various modes (calibration, operation etc). Once of the cores, but not sure which one. Happy to go with the most powerful one.
  2. System should have a battery module with enough to power the servo. System should be rechargable, and once charged, should not require external power in operation. Which battery module?
  3. Do I need any other components to read the encoder signal or generate the servo signal?
  4. What kind of wiring? Encoder has a 4 wire ribbon, and servo has a 3 wire ribbon.

Would appreciate your help to get me started.

Many thanks,

Zed Bee

]]>https://community.m5stack.com/topic/6243/component-recommendations-rotate-a-servo-using-signal-from-a-linear-encoderRSS for NodeTue, 12 May 2026 18:49:51 GMTWed, 20 Mar 2024 21:30:43 GMT60<![CDATA[Reply to Component recommendations: Rotate a servo using signal from a linear encoder on Wed, 03 Apr 2024 08:58:46 GMT]]>@ajb2k3 said in Component recommendations: Rotate a servo using signal from a linear encoder:

For a Start M5Stack uses Micropython and so you already know how to program it

What kind of Linear encoder are you thinking of

Many thanks @ajb2k3.

Linear encoder: it'll be a set of digital vernier calipers with a 4-pin data output - very similar this post by Martin Thalheimer: https://shorturl.at/anNRU

Level shifting: Same as in Martin's post, my encoder outputs a 1.5V signal, while microcontrollers typically require a higher voltage input 5V(?). Ideally, I'd like an M5Stack component to handle the level shifting, rather than making another circuit board dangling between the devices .

Updated question

  • Have a linear encoder with a 1.5v signal output similar to https://shorturl.at/anNRU
  • Have a 5v micro servo
  • Need to read the displacement d on the encoder, and rotate the servo by an angle a = f(d)
  • Need help selecting the correct M5Stack components that:
    -- includes a microcontroller, screen & buttons interface, and rechargeable battery (one of the cores. Which one?)
    -- reads the 1.5v signal from the encoder and handles the level shifting internally (or doesn't need level shifting?)
    -- runs a Python script that applies the transformation a = f(d) (the core)
    -- rotates servo by angle a (servo controller).
]]>https://community.m5stack.com/post/24658https://community.m5stack.com/post/24658Wed, 03 Apr 2024 08:58:46 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Component recommendations: Rotate a servo using signal from a linear encoder on Fri, 22 Mar 2024 06:38:14 GMT]]>For a Start M5Stack uses Micropython and so you already know how to program it

What kind of Linear encoder are you thinking of

]]>https://community.m5stack.com/post/24522https://community.m5stack.com/post/24522Fri, 22 Mar 2024 06:38:14 GMT