Testing an Align DS410M

[dam74]

Hi,

I've sold off my Trex450 Sport via eBay a few weeks back now and have had one complaint about one of the DS410M servos that it doesn't work. Even though it worked fine before I sold the item so I've asked the seller to return the item to me for testing. The only issue is that I have no test equipment.

My question is, given that the servos are digital is there a way that they can be tested easily using 4.8-6V power source. I only really need to test full throws and midpoint but I'm guessing I can't do this easily??

My thoughts is that I might have to make a little program on a microcontroller, have a few Atmel AVRs lying about and make it generate a PWM signal out on one of the ports.

Edit:

Guessing the PWM signal needs to be roughly 3-3.3V?

[callum]

I would be careful about the buyer, He might be scamming you by sending a faulty DS410m. When yours is perfectly fine.

As regards to testing, I saw a servo tester in a youtube video a while back. Not sure how much they cost,

But I would plug the servo in, and give stick inputs for a fair amount of time and see if anything might be dodgey

[Paulice]

This might help.
Servo Pulser, Servo Tester, Testing Servos, PWM

[acwman]

I have a Jeti control box that tests servos...

but to be honest with you, the 410 servos are pretty unreliable. Even if it was working when you had it, it may have gone wrong after the chap powered the heli up. I've had several 410 servos that worked fine one flight, and then powering up for the next flight it just died.

Shame I just gave away my remaining 410 servos, as you could of had one to send him...

[dam74]

I don't have any TX/RX to test the servo so the only means of testing it is to get one of the southampton lads to test it for me or come up with a test rig myself using a microcontroller that generates PWM signals.

I am very wary of this buyer as I do think he is trying to scam me. Before I even sent the item he asked me why I don't have a refund policy. Then as soon as he recieves the item claims that one of the servo is dodgey.

I've looked at the servo and the tamper tape that is put on it has been broken so it's been opened.

He's filed a case against me on eBay aswell even though the item was shipped with additional items that weren't listed in the sale such as a swash plate leveller, allen keys and some lubricants. It makes me laugh as he's pleading poverty in the case saying that he says he doesn't earn much. I've looked at his previous eBay purchases and from what I can gather has about four helicopters and then in one of his last posts in the case dispute says he hopes his 6 years of uni didn't go to waste in becoming an Electronic Engineer. Well if he's an Electronics Engineer I can gaurantee he's earning more than me!

[dam74]

Nice huh. eBay has awarded the case in his favour. They have asked him to send the item back and once the item is recieved (determined by tracking information), then I will have to make a full refund.

Even though the person has been flying the helicopter.