Transform any Brushed DC motor into a high-precision smart servo
Features โข Getting Started โข Documentation โข Contributing โข Community
This project is currently under active development by a single person.
โ ๏ธ IMPORTANT: Manufacturing anything from this repository is not recommended at this time as designs are still being validated and tested.
We're actively seeking contributors with expertise in:
- CAD/Mechanical Design
- Specifically needed: Casing design for shaft-mounted versions
- Hardware validation and testing
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:
- โก High Torque output capabilities
- ๐ High RPM performance
- ๐ Precise Positioning through absolute encoding
- ๐ Plug-and-Play implementation
All versions utilize the STM32G0 microcontroller series, chosen for its:
- ๐ฐ Cost-effectiveness
- โก Powerful timer peripherals
- ๐ฎ Advanced control capabilities
Version | Description | Status |
---|---|---|
High Power | For industrial applications | ๐ก In Development |
Low Power | For hobbyist projects | ๐ก In Development |
High Voltage | 24V+ systems | ๐ข Planning |
Low Voltage | Battery-powered devices | ๐ข Planning |
-
๐ Plug and Play Integration
- Compatible with extended/dual axis shaft motors
- Requires magnet mounting for absolute encoding
- Minimal design considerations needed
-
๐ Absolute Position Encoding
- Magnetic absolute encoders for precise positioning
- No homing or recalibration needed after power loss
- Reliable position feedback
-
๐๏ธ Modular Architecture
- Multiple configurations available
- Scalable from hobby to industrial applications
- Compact form factor (as small as 12mm diameter)
-
๐ Open Source
- Full hardware design files
- Complete firmware source code
- Comprehensive documentation (WIP)
-
๐ฎ Control Interfaces (Planned)
- CAN bus
- UART serial
- PWM input
If you wish to help test the current designs:
๐ /Export - Pre-exported Gerbers for each version
๐ญ JLCPCB - Files optimized for JLCPCB manufacturing
โ ๏ธ Manual Assembly - Currently requires hand soldering (SMT optimization coming soon)
- Access design files in the
/hardware
directory- KiCad 8.0 format PCB and schematics
- Separate directories for each version
- Complete BOMs included
- Find firmware in the
/software
directory- Written in C for STM32
- Includes all necessary drivers
- Configuration templates provided
๐ง Documentation is currently under development
Planned documentation will cover:
- Hardware assembly guides
- Software configuration
- Control interface specifications
- Performance tuning
- Application examples
We welcome contributions! Here's how you can help:
-
๐ Report Issues
- Use GitHub Issues for bugs
- Suggest improvements
- Request features
-
๐ป Submit Pull Requests
- Hardware improvements
- Firmware enhancements
- Documentation updates
-
๐ค Join Discussions
- Participate in GitHub Discussions
- Join our Discord community
- Share your implementations
Projects that inspired DCServo AE:
-
- Stepper motor focus
- Open-source architecture
-
- BLDC motor controller
- Advanced control algorithms
- Hardware: CERN Open Hardware License
- Software: MIT License
๐ง Community platforms are being established
Future platforms will include:
- Hackaday.io project page
- Discord community
- YouTube channel for tutorials and demos