10 things you need to know about servos - Servo 101 and FAQ

Here is a detailed explanation of rc servo technology and all the terms related to torque, speed, servo arms, BECs, ESC, voltage, amp draw. This will allow you to get the best servo for your needs. This servo how to will answer faqs about the best servo for crawlers, buggies, slash, off-road and onroad cars as it explains how servo motors work.
Shop all servos at amainhobbies.com - snp.link/4f413d7c
Savox 1210 - snp.link/33d98220
Reefs 444 - snp.link/fa591f11
Powerhobby 729 - www.powerhobby.com/powerhobby...
3Brothers 311 - www.3brothersrc.com/product-p...
Traxxas 2255 - snp.link/464f148b
MKS X5 - snp.link/817dca23
Savox 1272 - snp.link/e015f599
Traxxas 2250 - snp.link/2148f427
Buy your kits and upgrade parts from this Amainhobbies link to support RC Review: snp.link/6640d084
Join the RC Review Facebook Group here: / 302319827122846 for early videos and extra footage.

[@alanhafer828]

Awesome video!! You have answered so many of my questions in the last several videos you have produced! THANK YOU VERY MUCH!!!! 👍👍👍👍😀

[@RCReviewChannel]

Really appreciate that comment

[@madcow9705]

"600 oz in lbs is... (with extreme confidence) I am not sure." This is my kind of channel. subscribed

[@tymega7680]

37.5 lbs

[@TheWright1]

Good info on the servos! How about a detailed video on what is a BEC and how to install and set them up?

[@RCReviewChannel]

Will do.

[@TheKeeganc]

Your information is invaluable! You’ve saved me a lot of money and time in trying to figure out how to set up my TRX-4! Thank you!!!

[@dr34m3r_]

I appreciate these videos! 👍🏾 Had my first run yesterday since doing my single Servo conversion to the TRX2255 in my Revo 2.0. (replacing the dual 2075 stock setup) Worked out great! No issues...run-time seemed just as long as the stock setup. (even though I see from your tests the 2255 draws alot of Amps!)

[@swiftangel88]

Thank you for your excellent informative take on servos, been in the hobby for years and I learned a few new things.

[@mikestewart4752]

New to RC and I find your videos very informative. Thank you for sharing your knowledge.

[@edwardbrown3599]

As a long time flyer all I have to say is VERY GOOD!!!

[@CarminesRCTipsandTricks]

This was very useful Francis!! Your Servo Tester is nearly a GAME CHANGER!! Thank you for making LIARS out of some Servos that we had taken for granted. Invaluable information!! Carmine ✈🚂🚙

[@lectro88]

This is an older video but I always enjoy your knowledge, presentation and "Blunt Honesty" Thank you so much.

[@stubbyholder9792]

WOW! Reading through (some of) the comments, I'm amazed at the amount of self perceived intelligent people!!! I've no doubt that you could go much deeper than you have into the world of Servos, but realise it is what it is....a thorough but non scientific/engineering/mathematician explanation of the basics, with just enough of the technobabble to help people new to the scene like me to have a 'working' understanding. I'm so new I'm still trying to learn the names of all the different parts. This video has given me a very good understanding of servos, and a very rock solid bases to work from....appreciated :)

[@joespafford6499]

Im semi noob to hobby, however, I really appreciate y'all doing these videos. Id be lost. Still running stock on scx 10.2 deadbolt crawler. Just stripped horn 😂. Great job rc review

[@matthewcragg3607]

Good introductory material to get newbies oriented.

[@racerj2.03]

Very informative. I have been in the hobby for MANY YEARS, DECADES EVEN!! Most of what is covered in this video I have prior knowledge of, some I did not. But I was impressed about the knowledge this video imparted to the viewer. Good Show sir! Just Saying.

[@RCReviewChannel]

Thank you! We're in a unique opportunity to learn so trying to share the info. The hard part is trying to explain and organize the info to many.

[@wademoulton5109]

Thank you. This video was so helpful and very informative.

[@izzy1446]

well done that man ,, he explained things simply , because some of us are .

[@XecutionStyle]

Thank you and love the way you explain! Dynamic torque is really what we're after because it relates response time to a change in load i.e. Power. So the other servos report a consistent measurement, but it's one that doesn't correlate as strongly with what we want.

[@RCReviewChannel]

Glad it was helpful!

[@JacobWinkle]

Just stumbled across your channel due to my traxxas slash 4x4 vxl. Stock servo, I noticed today it's moving slower. Probably somethings up but not sure yet. I watch your videos on how heat can be a factor in torque but I don't think that's my issue I am dealing with. Just trying to decide what servo to upgrade to now. Your channel so far has been more informative then I even had questions for because I didn't know what kind of questions to ask in the first place. Subscribed for sure. Thanks for the information.

[@BigHead104]

Super informative video! I’m a legit noob, so there were parts in the beginning I didn’t quite understand. Either way, I’ve subscribed. 👍🏻👍🏻

[@fredwaldrop3810]

Nice vid, thank you for clarifying all that info for us!

[@RCReviewChannel]

Right on.

[@NANNIRC]

Hello! Very well explained! useful for beginners and not.....Thank you and Ciao! Nanni

[@magnusjohansson295]

Very good and informative indeed!

[@douglaselliott8298]

Hugely informative, thank you! So far the Savox 1231SG gets my two thumbs up. A trusted name-brand, massive torque and perfunctorily quick at 6.0-volts, and $30 cheaper than others with similar performance. But it's NOT advertised waterproof which rules out playing U-boat commander or in snow or mud.

[@unclefranj8460]

Very helpful -thank you!

[@carnivorouslee]

I do love my savox servos! Gotta have a good b.e.c with them though.

[@starchaeser]

great video! just got into rc drift

[@rccrawlersmid-wales645]

Awesome work! 👍😀

[@PeterGreenProductions]

So interesting, such great information, thank you❗

[@zonegamma8197]

your channel is incredible you are my reference

[@paulrakis]

HI great video sir. I just got the powerhobby 729 brushless servo for my Kraton EXB i love it. very fast and car handles like a dream. amazing servo for the price out performs savox and MKS by far for the price and other named brands which are more expensive. I had a savox 1268SG great servo but powerhobby and cheaper and better. Not sure how they do it but looks like a servo take over for power hobby. Keep up the great videos

[@corabbring8198]

Thanks for the info, very usefull!

[@fubarmodelyard1392]

Learned a lot. Thanks

[@je2916]

You did a great job at explaining servos. Maybe side by side comparison with the servo installed in the cars.

[@ImTheDigitalAlchemist]

Very informative video - thank you!

[@RCReviewChannel]

Very welcome!

[@Thepreppersbunkeroutdoors]

What is important to me is reliability, longevity, customer support, and parts availability- i know those are things you really cant test... but when i get a nice servo- i want to run it for a long time and forget about it.

[@bluecrabnitroracing4499]

I do like your servo videos, I wish you would do a comparison for us racers dirt racers I mean. Cuz I I don't crawl but I do like the information on servos and I'll pay a fortune for the ones that I have now and I have a wide variety of them. Thank you

[@rcfun2552]

Love your channel. I'm fairly new to the hobby and seen many of your videos. I've tested my luck with Amazon products and would like to see a review on the servos. I'm currently running a power hd 20kg. Keep up the awesome work/play.

[@Boss-dr2zk]

The power HD 20kg is a good servo, the Annimos 20kg is not. My current servo is the JX HV7032MG 32kg-cm 0.09sec/60° for 35$ running in my Axial capra

[@JunNakatsugawa]

Love this video. I am pretty new to the RC world, would love to know the difference between 3 wired & 5 wired servos

[@ml1186]

Thank you for your review, excellent information to get started :)

[@RCReviewChannel]

Glad it was helpful!

[@terrenceonmin770]

very informative..👍👍

[@MrRickTic]

Thank you for all the info. Ive learned alot from your videos. Would love to see some more about BECs. What they are and when u would need them.

[@RCReviewChannel]

Oh man, we just created a device to measure all the output of ESC's and BECs. We can publish that and then measure the output of one control servo using all these different power sources.

[@discusdog]

I like seeing the amp draw of the servos at stall,as your rig does. That is useful information. I run a 10 amp bec usually so there is lots of headroom. servo runs cooler and it takes load of the esc so it runs cooler as well

[@aaronrohrer3202]

Ah wish you mentioned ohms law with your voltagecurrent relationship. Very good information for a theoretical person like me tho!! You should review some kinematics and solid mechanics, would help a lot in your videos. Some of the areas where you dont sound so certain like with the static and dynamic measuring standards, these areas of physics would go along way.

[@77dxr]

Great servo series. Perhaps you could include some JX servo's, they have some interesting stuff such as 12v brushless and brushed 46kg servos and now a bigblock 70kg servos! And at quite decent prices.

[@jasongregory3950]

I like you. A wealth of info. Great attitude.

[@RCReviewChannel]

I appreciate that!

[@mesocorny1727]

I like the fact that on portek 170 you can take it out the wire. It makes it a lot easier putting a servos into a race truggy and buggy I can get the exact length I need so I don't have to worry about any extras flapping around and getting into moving parts.

[@RCReviewChannel]

Interesting insight.

[@albert3361]

Great explanation on servos. How do I get to the play list on servos?

[@andrewsumner5388]

Great reviews I appreciate your help…

[@RCReviewChannel]

Glad to help

[@icnd1]

Patiently waiting on the GMade Komodo Double Cab build

[@RCReviewChannel]

that's getting finished very soon. Just need to test and film.

[@NordicRC]

Excellent.

[@surendransuppiah]

Very informative

[@RCReviewChannel]

Glad you think so!

[@rcpete7055]

You really sound/talk like my meditation teacher 'Geshe kelsang Gyatso' have u ever heard of him 👍 Another great video 😊 always happy to leave a gracious comment 😊👍

[@CPB24421]

I had a bunch of questions before I found this video, now I have none.. thank you

[@RCReviewChannel]

That is the best testimonial for our video. Thank you!

[@rafavamos9814]

Thank You!

[@johnkenmuir8814]

Thank you for your time and knowledge. I would like to upgrade the servos on my e-revo 2.0. I want to keep the dual setup. I’m looking at the savox 1210, power hobby 729 and traxxas 2255. (This is my 1st RC. I am a complete novice) do I need a bec? will 1 bec work with both servos? Any help will be appreciated. If you happen to have a setup I should buy that would be great. I prefer to have a comfortable amount of power in the servos. The electronics in my truck are stock right now.

[@chrisvinicombe9947]

Thanks for the vid.

[@RCReviewChannel]

Right on. Hope it helps some folks out.

[@chevyLsx]

I am overwhelmed with information, and based on what I have seen on your videos, you are definitely an expert.so, if it's not too much trouble, what servo would you recommend for an new xmaxx? I will go with whatever you suggest. Thanks in advance

[@christopherowen2309]

What is the best brushless waterproof servo and aluminium servo arm for the CEN ford Puma?

[@johnsdad092009]

I would like to see the BLS--H50B tested its almost 800 oz inches @8.4v iits steel helical geared for 85.00

[@ASC63Funky]

Hi thanks for all your work on Servos i have gained great knowledge from your videos. I have recently decided to upgrade my servos on my FTX DR8 and FTX Zorro I was told by my Hobby shop that the Etronics ET2063 would be best for the price and the spec boasting 32.3 kg @ 0.10 of a Sec at 8.4 volst . The issue is the the ESCs on both the RCs have 6volt BEC @ 2 Amps so in my mind the rating on the Servo will drop due to the reduced voltage. Question is how much by, a third or more? How is this culculated and is this the correct conclusion . All the best and thanks again.Alex from the UK

[@doug148877]

Great info as always, great job! Anybody have thoughts on the ecopower wp120t? I've got one in my Capra and I swear I'm not getting enough throw. Going to try a slightly longer servo arm next.

[@RCReviewChannel]

We have that. We'll publish soon.

[@megamax2756]

Very informative ty😎🤙

[@RCReviewChannel]

Any time!

[@bugsy742]

Thank you 🙏

[@seth9145]

I like Savox. Pricier but they do they job and tend to last awhile. Importance to me is torque, metal gear construction, and waterproof.

[@johnqpublic4012]

Some of the information in this video is about a very specific type/class of servos common in larger RC. But if the goal here is a general servo FAQ..they aren't all 6+V. For example, I'm using 3.7V micro servos. Size-wise they aren't all 20x40x40. There are significantly smaller and larger servos. I'm using 12x23x23 (4g), and 6x16x16 (2g)....my smallest is about the size of the tip of your thumb. I'm using 28T and 40T (also non standard) horns with built-in dampeners. I'm also using 9gs with clutches. Servo savers will be rendered obsolete as more servos incorporate internal clutches...no savers required to prevent stripping. So the information in the video is good...but it is more narrowly focused than I expected based on the title.

[@thercadventurer4422]

Hey thanks bro good info but I still have a couple of questions because I am looking to replace the original servo in my Volantex v792-4 atomic rc boat because it is very light I want a light servo with longterm strength because boats take alot of turn time and the rudder takes alot of forces during the servos engagement so I am looking for a low cost (under $50) lightweight as weight is an rc boats speeds enemy that packs a punch and is tough as nails and waterproof and have fallen down the servo rabbit hole so I am looking at some low voltage options like spt 25kg waterproof or the power HD 25kg low voltage or the turnigy 595 v2 so what do you think? And/or do you have any other suggestions? And what is the deal with the low voltage servos and them being marked as 6.6v so are they made more specifically for esc ran servos?? Or does it not matter???

[@angelgarciawizner2503]

Hello, I want to ask you one thing. What kilograms do you recommend in a servo for a 2kg lcg crawler? The esc I'm going to use is the hobbywing quickrun 1080 crawler edition

[@cottonwoodcreative]

just curious what you have to say about oblique gears. this video covers alot of what i need to know about servos. I am thinking about drop shipping some servos from china and the one supplier has offered me a good model brushless motor. I know oblique gears should be able to handle more force but i just wanted to know if you have any experience with them?

[@matthewgonzalez2360]

Great Video. I hope you can help me out with servo replacements. I bought a Redcat 64 Impala and 79 Monte Carlo. Both steering servos failed out of the box. Redcat just sent me their OEM (BS285-026) discontinued replacement servos. At this point, I just prefer to replace them with metal servos. Something that won't break the bank since these cars are just for slow and low. I have been looking online and can't seem to find one the same size. Are you familiar with the servos for these cars?

[@brianonthego]

What is the norm degrees of travel for a 1/10 scale crawler steering servo? 90 degrees, 180 degrees?

[@janiesablan9743]

I didn't see the links you've said to post in description about weight/torque conversions of servos. I know I can easily convert via app or google, but was wondering if you had some special servo converter online tool everyone knows or uses by chance?

[@jerel6201]

I have been enjoying this series. As someone who is getting back into the hobby after a long hiatus I have been obsessively consuming any information on the tech changes (there are many) in the hobby since I was last apart of it. Are you publishing a table of the servo test results somewhere online that we can use as a quick reference as to how the servo's tested?

[@RCReviewChannel]

Yes, we'll definitely publish a reference when done. Just got back into our childhood hobby too. :)

[@robertabrams91]

Hi...what servo would you use in a proline pro mt 4x4 running a mamba x esc and a castle creation 2400kv sensered motor ..thanks in advance

[@unglaubichuberlieber8048]

greetings, my 400kg-cm has arrived, use 24v, 24a, anything i need to interface between this servo and my battery pack??? and thanks for the detailed demo !!!

[@kings17court]

5:52 This is the exact servo that my son recently purchased from Amazon, and is having problems with. It's for his RedCat Blackout XBE Pro. After the replacement, the arm just wants to go through the floor. After unmounting it, but with the wires still connected, when powered , the arm just wants to rotate. Is this normal? Is there some type of programming that is required? Is the servo possibly defective?

[@josephcaruana9165]

Kindly, have you made a video regarding water proofing and are the Chinese servos around $50 good enough because some of them specific that they are 50kg or more and with speed of 0.09/60⁰ with brushless motor, metal gears, waterproof etc?

[@discusdog]

Durability and torque where we run you need both or it's a short run. I'm running a promodeler 470blhv in my trx been solid. Wroncho is a noisey savox Sa 1230 bec on everything I own except the trx 4 mamba x does not need it.

[@RCReviewChannel]

great share

[@mofatjippyfransisco713]

Great asset to the RC community ! There is one servo on Amazon I can't find any info on, but it looks very interesting...its the BETU 45KG...any plan on using your awesome testing equipment on that one anytime ? It's in the mid price level, around 60 bucks...picked one up for my new Kraton EXB ( Early black Friday sale )...will be installing soon..just can't find ANYTHING on this servo ? Really good reviews, looks good...will be using it on 8.4v to get the full 45KG rating.

[@isaiahfurrow7414]

I'm trying right now to find something good in the 50-60$ range, doesn't need 300-400 oz, for casual trail and light crawling.... Also, looking for one good servo, for a Bomber on 2.2 tires, but think I have figured out what to do for that... If you have any suggestions for good servo options, without stepping up to the $80+ range, it would be most appreciated...

[@juancbran564]

What's the best servo for a hydraulic excavator

[@paulcohen1555]

How a DIGITAL servo operates? What is the input signal in contrast to the input to an analog servo? How it looks on a scope on it's extreme positions?

[@smrtrbl86]

Does anyone know what the voltage is from the esc to the steering servo on a TRX-4 high trail? XL-5 HV 3s esc and a 2075x servo. Just upgraded to a Savox SW-1212SG+. It doesn't seem any faster than my stock setup. But it does seem to be stronger. Which is what I was looking for. There were some hard technical turns that it would turn the wheels until the rc was rolling.

[@trialnterror]

Did you talk about the differences between 180 degrees and 270 degrees and can you use ether one on 1/10th trucks.

[@jay140261]

I am a noobie in the hobby but amazed that there is so much to this hobby (like it is probably in any) and impressed at how thorough your method is. Thanks very much. I was thinking about the 2255 from Traxxas and realise that it is actually a waste of money on comparison to the Reef for instance. Many thanks!

[@RCReviewChannel]

Well said!

[@igorg9538]

for a trx4 Im looking at a coreless amazon 35kg servo at $45CAD. Ive been running a 20Kg one and so far si good but will profit from the extra torque (I have a Castle BEC to power it up). Are these amazon ones pretty much comi g from the same place but labeled doffere tly?. Anything you would recommend?. Thax in advance

[@shingod700]

Can you please measure the amazon 35kg servo?

[@tamerhussein489]

Hi Kuya, thank you for taking the time to make this video, I’m learning every day. My question is a little outside your video subject but I’m an electronics idiot but I’m not a dumb guy, so I’m hoping to tap your expert opinion for some advice. I’m trying to pull the rope on a lifejacket CO2 manual inflator (No, using the auto inflator is not an option) using either a servo or a solenoid with a button as the trigger on off. So, I’ve guessed the torque pull required on the rope is probably 3 to 5kg and this is a one-time use one time pull device I’m trying to build. I don’t even know if that is even possible to press a button once and get enough torque from a servo or solenoid to pull a rope? Would the servo keep spinning or would it stop after the button is released? Any advice or suggestions would be most greatly appreciated! Thank you so much! Salamat..

[@haideraljassani6468]

You are amazing

[@wallacestrawberry256]

Could you run a brushless servo on a brushed ESC and motor

[@joeytravis1953]

What is a really good servo upgrade for a arrma kraton 4s v2.5

[@sasorgonitecreations]

Hi, can a servo drain your lipo battery fast??? I have the blue cased 35kg water proof servo in the middle of your servo displays. Only getting 5-10min out of a 4000mah 3s (new batteries) in my 1/10 rc car - JLB J3speed

[@stopthephilosophicalzombie9017]

@RC Review Hi, I am trying to control a sewing machine foot pedal for a double amputee. Do you know of any RC servos that are powerful enough to get into the ~5-10lb torque range?

[@yerbua9162]

My scx24 jeep just got a new emax servo. When I turn all the way either direction but more commonly left, it makes the motor either cut out or surge. Any help is appreciated. Good videos also, you've helped me with my trx4 many times. Thank you.

[@bugsy742]

Check that it isn’t crushing any wires at full extension 👍

[@IIMRCrashII]

thank you

[@RCReviewChannel]

You're welcome

[@jimiwith2eyes]

Most important thing for me is bang for my buck!!!! Just because a servo cost $150 doesn't mean it'll be better in my Crawler than a $19.95NZD servo afterall if I had a $150NZD servo I need to replace my battery & install a BEC meaning that $150NZD servo has know cost me $250NZD for little improvement....................... Oh but wait I now have a much greater risk of breaking steering & ripping the tires from the rims too..................

[@patrickmcintyre8023]

Lots of information here. I am looking at putting a 25Kg servo in a 1/10 scale "on road only" car. It passes all the information you gave but the decision was narrowed down by matching the color with my motor/heat sink and esc/heat sink combo. I came here to find the best placement for the servo and how to mount it. I could put the servo gear on top or the side. Who knows which way will work best? Not me. I have a bunch of space inside. I want to get the most travel out of the steering.

[@BoooRocK]

i have Traxxas Sledge and servo is compatible with 7.4 volts. Can i buy “Traxxas 2260” and use it to up the voltage from 6V to 7.4V without changing the stock BEC? Or how can i up the voltage to 7.4V without changing the stock BEC?

[@anthonycarnathan5101]

Help me pick a good servo for my Bezgar1. Steering is kinda week.

[@elisamuelhernandez3636]

Please make a video on the best servo money can buy!

[@millerrc5829]

Check out pro Modler servos www.promodeler.com/

[@lee4speed]

please cover getting servo back to center

[@paulrakis]

great video. Are bush-less servos better for bashing? does anyone on here know thanks. looking at the Powerhobby 729MBL.

[@TheDoozie43]

Old post, but that’s a good servo. Brushless motors are more efficient, so less likely the need for a bec or 7.4 receiver pack.