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A platform designed to convert any brushed DC Motor to a smart continous servo

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Alex-C-EE/DCServo-AE

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DCServo AE

License: CERN-OHL License: MIT Project Status: WIP

Transform any Brushed DC motor into a high-precision smart servo

Features โ€ข Getting Started โ€ข Documentation โ€ข Contributing โ€ข Community

DCServo AE Project Banner

๐Ÿšจ Project Status

This project is currently under active development by a single person.

โš ๏ธ IMPORTANT: Manufacturing anything from this repository is not recommended at this time as designs are still being validated and tested.

๐Ÿค Call for Contributors

We're actively seeking contributors with expertise in:

  • CAD/Mechanical Design
  • Specifically needed: Casing design for shaft-mounted versions
  • Hardware validation and testing

๐ŸŽฏ Project Overview

DCServo AE is an open-source platform that transforms standard Brushed DC motors into continuous smart servos with high precision control. Our focus is on delivering:

  • โšก High Torque output capabilities
  • ๐Ÿ”„ High RPM performance
  • ๐Ÿ“ Precise Positioning through absolute encoding
  • ๐Ÿ”Œ Plug-and-Play implementation

Platform Variations

All versions utilize the STM32G0 microcontroller series, chosen for its:

  • ๐Ÿ’ฐ Cost-effectiveness
  • โšก Powerful timer peripherals
  • ๐ŸŽฎ Advanced control capabilities
Version Description Status
High Power For industrial applications ๐ŸŸก In Development
Low Power For hobbyist projects ๐ŸŸก In Development
High Voltage 24V+ systems ๐ŸŸข Planning
Low Voltage Battery-powered devices ๐ŸŸข Planning

โœจ Core Features

Hardware Highlights

  • ๐Ÿ”Œ Plug and Play Integration

    • Compatible with extended/dual axis shaft motors
    • Requires magnet mounting for absolute encoding
    • Minimal design considerations needed
  • ๐Ÿ“ Absolute Position Encoding

    • Magnetic absolute encoders for precise positioning
    • No homing or recalibration needed after power loss
    • Reliable position feedback
  • ๐ŸŽ›๏ธ Modular Architecture

    • Multiple configurations available
    • Scalable from hobby to industrial applications
    • Compact form factor (as small as 12mm diameter)

Software Features

  • ๐Ÿ”“ Open Source

    • Full hardware design files
    • Complete firmware source code
    • Comprehensive documentation (WIP)
  • ๐ŸŽฎ Control Interfaces (Planned)

    • CAN bus
    • UART serial
    • PWM input

๐Ÿ› ๏ธ Getting Started

Current Manufacturing Notes

If you wish to help test the current designs:

๐Ÿ“ /Export           - Pre-exported Gerbers for each version
๐Ÿญ JLCPCB           - Files optimized for JLCPCB manufacturing
โš ๏ธ Manual Assembly  - Currently requires hand soldering (SMT optimization coming soon)

Build Instructions

Hardware

  1. Access design files in the /hardware directory
    • KiCad 8.0 format PCB and schematics
    • Separate directories for each version
    • Complete BOMs included

Software

  1. Find firmware in the /software directory
    • Written in C for STM32
    • Includes all necessary drivers
    • Configuration templates provided

๐Ÿ“š Documentation

๐Ÿšง Documentation is currently under development

Planned documentation will cover:

  • Hardware assembly guides
  • Software configuration
  • Control interface specifications
  • Performance tuning
  • Application examples

๐Ÿ‘ฅ Contributing

We welcome contributions! Here's how you can help:

  1. ๐Ÿ› Report Issues

    • Use GitHub Issues for bugs
    • Suggest improvements
    • Request features
  2. ๐Ÿ’ป Submit Pull Requests

    • Hardware improvements
    • Firmware enhancements
    • Documentation updates
  3. ๐Ÿค Join Discussions

    • Participate in GitHub Discussions
    • Join our Discord community
    • Share your implementations

๐ŸŒŸ Similar Projects

Projects that inspired DCServo AE:

  • Mechaduino

    • Stepper motor focus
    • Open-source architecture
  • MotCTRL

    • BLDC motor controller
    • Advanced control algorithms

๐Ÿ“œ License

๐Ÿค Community

๐Ÿšง Community platforms are being established

Future platforms will include:

  • Hackaday.io project page
  • Discord community
  • YouTube channel for tutorials and demos

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