Description
🤖 MG90S Metal Gear Servo Motor – High-Torque Micro Servo for Heavy-Duty Applications
The MG90S Metal Gear Servo Motor is a premium upgrade to the standard SG90, featuring durable metal gears for enhanced torque and longevity. This analog micro servo delivers 25% more torque than plastic gear versions while maintaining the same compact form factor, making it ideal for demanding robotics, RC vehicles, and automation projects that require reliable, continuous operation. With metal gears, improved durability, and precise angular control, the MG90S is the professional choice for serious makers and engineers.
✨ Key Highlights
- ⚙️ Metal Gears – Steel/brass gears for superior durability and longevity
- 💪 Higher Torque – 2.2kg·cm @ 4.8V (25% more than SG90)
- 🔄 180° Rotation – Precise angular positioning from 0° to 180°
- ⚡ 4.8V – 6V Operation – Standard servo voltage range
- 🏗️ Heavy-Duty Construction – Built for continuous, high-stress operation
- 📐 Compact Size – Same footprint as SG90: 22.8mm x 12.2mm x 28.5mm
- 📱 Arduino Compatible – Works with Servo library out-of-the-box
- 🔧 Complete Accessories – Mounting hardware and metal servo horns included
- ⚖️ Moderate Weight – 13.4g (heavier than SG90 but stronger)
- 🎯 Superior Precision – Better accuracy and holding power
📊 Technical Specifications
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| 🏷️ Model Number | MG90S (Tower Pro or equivalent) |
| 🔧 Servo Type | Analog Metal Gear Micro Servo |
| ⚡ Operating Voltage | 4.8V – 6V DC |
| 🔋 Recommended Voltage | 5V DC (standard) / 6V DC (maximum torque) |
| 💡 No-Load Current | ~170mA @ 4.8V / ~220mA @ 6V |
| ⚙️ Stall Current (Max) | ~820mA @ 4.8V / ~900mA @ 6V |
| 💪 Torque @ 4.8V | 2.2kg·cm (30.5oz·in) |
| 💪 Torque @ 6V | 2.5kg·cm (34.7oz·in) |
| 🔄 Rotation Range | 0° to 180° (approximately) |
| ⏱️ Speed @ 4.8V | 0.11 sec/60° (no load) |
| ⏱️ Speed @ 6V | 0.09 sec/60° (no load) |
| 📡 Control Signal | PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) |
| 🔊 PWM Frequency | 50Hz (20ms period) |
| 📏 Pulse Width Range | 1ms (0°) to 2ms (180°), 1.5ms (90° center) |
| 🎯 Neutral Position | 1.5ms pulse width (90°) |
| 🔌 Connector Type | Standard 3-pin servo connector (female) |
| 📏 Wire Length | ~250mm (25cm) |
| ⚙️ Gear Type | Metal gears (Steel/Brass alloy) |
| 🏗️ Gear Durability | High – resistant to stripping under load |
| 🔩 Output Shaft | Spline shaft (standard servo horn compatible) |
| 🌡️ Operating Temperature | 0°C to +60°C |
| 📐 Dimensions (L x W x H) | 22.8mm x 12.2mm x 28.5mm (including mounting tabs) |
| ⚖️ Weight | ~13.4g (0.47oz) |
| 🔧 Mounting Holes | 2x mounting tabs with holes |
| 🔩 Mounting Screw Size | M2 screws (included) |
| 🔄 Bearing Type | Double ball bearing (smoother operation) |
🔌 Wire Color & Pin Configuration
| Wire Color | Function | Connection |
|---|---|---|
| Brown (or Black) | Ground (GND) | Connect to power supply ground / Arduino GND |
| Red | Power (VCC) | Connect to +5V or +6V (4.8V-6V) power supply |
| Orange (or Yellow/White) | Control Signal (PWM) | Connect to MCU PWM pin (Arduino D9, D10, etc.) |
📏 PWM Pulse Width to Angle Mapping
| Angle Position | Pulse Width | Duty Cycle @ 50Hz |
|---|---|---|
| 0° (Minimum) | 1.0ms (1000µs) | ~5% |
| 45° | 1.25ms (1250µs) | ~6.25% |
| 90° (Center) | 1.5ms (1500µs) | ~7.5% |
| 135° | 1.75ms (1750µs) | ~8.75% |
| 180° (Maximum) | 2.0ms (2000µs) | ~10% |
🎯 Perfect For
| Application | Description |
|---|---|
| 🤖 Heavy-Duty Robot Arms | Multi-DOF arms handling heavier payloads, industrial prototypes |
| 🚗 RC Cars & Trucks | Steering for larger RC vehicles, off-road applications |
| ✈️ RC Aircraft | Control surfaces for larger planes, gliders, drones |
| 🚁 Drone Gimbals | Camera stabilization, FPV systems, professional gimbals |
| 🏗️ Construction Robots | Walking robots, hexapods, quadrupeds with load-bearing joints |
| 🎭 Professional Animatronics | Theatrical props, museum exhibits, realistic movements |
| 🔬 Lab Automation | Precise positioning systems, sample handling, optical equipment |
| 🏭 Industrial Prototypes | Factory automation mockups, conveyor systems, sorting mechanisms |
| 📡 Antenna Positioning | Medium-duty antenna rotators, satellite tracking |
| 🎮 Motion Simulators | Flight simulators, racing rigs, VR motion platforms |
| 🚪 Automated Mechanisms | Door locks, valve control, industrial dampers |
| 🎨 Kinetic Art | Moving sculptures, interactive installations, museums |
📦 Package Contents
- ✅ 1x MG90S Metal Gear Micro Servo Motor
- ✅ 4x Servo Horns (various shapes: single arm, cross, double arm, star)
- ✅ 4x Mounting Screws (M2 for servo horns)
- ✅ 2x Mounting Brackets/Tabs (if separate)
- ✅ 25cm 3-wire cable with connector
- ⚠️ Note: Some horns may be metal (stronger than SG90 plastic)
- ⚠️ Note: Power supply NOT included (5V-6V recommended)
- ⚠️ Note: Servo extension cables sold separately
💻 Arduino Code Examples
Basic Servo Control with Load
| Code Snippet |
|---|
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Robot Arm with MG90S Servos
| Code Snippet |
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Load Detection (Current Monitoring)
| Code Snippet |
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✅ Advantages of MG90S vs SG90
| Feature | MG90S Advantage | Improvement Over SG90 |
|---|---|---|
| ⚙️ Gear Material | Metal (Steel/Brass alloy) | ❌ SG90: Plastic gears prone to stripping |
| 💪 Torque @ 4.8V | 2.2kg·cm | 📈 +22% more torque (SG90: 1.8kg·cm) |
| 💪 Torque @ 6V | 2.5kg·cm | 📈 +14% more torque (SG90: 2.2kg·cm) |
| 🏗️ Durability | Excellent – handles shock loads | ⚠️ SG90: Gears can strip under stress |
| 🔄 Lifespan | Much longer operational life | 📈 2-3x longer than plastic gears |
| ⚡ Continuous Operation | Suitable for 24/7 use | ⚠️ SG90: Limited duty cycle |
| 🎯 Precision Hold | Better holding power under load | 📈 Reduced position drift |
| 🔊 Noise Level | Slightly noisier (metal gears) | ⚠️ Trade-off for durability |
| ⚖️ Weight | 13.4g (heavier) | 📈 +49% heavier (SG90: 9g) |
| 💰 Price | 2-3x more expensive | 💰 Worth it for demanding applications |
⚠️ Important Usage Notes & Best Practices
- ⚡ Dedicated power supply essential – Use external 5V-6V PSU (2A minimum), NEVER Arduino 5V pin
- 🔌 Common ground critical – Servo GND and Arduino GND must connect
- 💪 Higher torque = higher current – Stall current up to 900mA, ensure adequate PSU
- ⚙️ Metal gears still have limits – Don’t exceed 2.5kg·cm torque rating
- 🔊 Noisier than SG90 – Metal gears produce more audible buzz
- 🌡️ Heat generation – Can get warm under continuous heavy load
- 🎯 Better precision – Less backlash than plastic gears, tighter positioning
- ⏱️ Slightly faster – 0.11s/60° vs 0.12s/60° (SG90)
- 🔋 6V operation – Running at 6V gives maximum torque but shortens lifespan
- ⚖️ Weight consideration – 13.4g may affect flying drones/lightweight robots
- 📏 Same mounting footprint – Direct replacement for SG90 in existing projects
- 🛡️ Use for heavy loads – Ideal when SG90 gears would strip
🔋 Power Supply Requirements
| Number of Servos | Voltage | Minimum Current | Recommended PSU |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Servo | 5V | 1A | 2A @ 5V (USB charger) |
| 2-3 Servos | 5V | 2A | 3A @ 5V (wall adapter) |
| 4-6 Servos | 5V | 3A | 5A @ 5V regulated PSU |
| 7+ Servos | 5V | 5A+ | 10A @ 5V switching PSU |
| High Performance | 6V | +20% current | 6V regulated PSU (higher torque mode) |
| ⚠️ Critical: MG90S draws MORE current than SG90 – use higher capacity PSU | |||
🔍 Troubleshooting Guide
| Problem | Possible Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Servo Doesn’t Move | Insufficient power or wrong wiring | ✅ Use external 2A+ PSU, verify red to +5V, brown to GND |
| Servo Jitters Under Load | Power supply can’t handle current spikes | ✅ Upgrade to 3A+ PSU, add 470µF-1000µF capacitor across power |
| Arduino Resets When Servo Moves | Powering servo from Arduino 5V | ✅ CRITICAL: Use separate PSU, connect grounds only |
| Servo Gets Very Hot | Stalling against obstacle or overload | ✅ Remove obstruction, reduce load, check for binding |
| Grinding Noise | Metal gears misaligned or damaged | ✅ Check for internal damage, may need replacement |
| Inconsistent Speed | Voltage fluctuation or weak battery | ✅ Use regulated PSU, check voltage under load with multimeter |
| Limited Range of Motion | Mechanical binding or calibration | ✅ Remove horn, check for obstructions, recalibrate limits in code |
| Buzzing When Holding Position | Normal operation (trying to maintain position) | ✅ Add capacitor, use detach() when not actively controlling |
💡 Pro Tips for MG90S Usage
- 🔋 Voltage selection – Use 5V for longevity, 6V for maximum torque (shorter life)
- 📏 Large capacitor essential – 1000µF across power rails reduces jitter significantly
- ⚙️ Break-in period – Run servos through full range 20-30 times before heavy use
- 🔧 Gradual movements – Incremental angle changes reduce mechanical stress
- 💾 Current limiting – Monitor current draw, implement soft limits in code
- ⏱️ Duty cycle management – Give servos rest periods during continuous operation
- 🛡️ Shock absorption – Use rubber dampers for impact-prone applications
- 🔄 Gear lubrication – Metal gears benefit from light machine oil (sparingly)
- 📊 Load testing – Test with actual payload before deployment
- 🎯 Calibration – Individual servos may need fine-tuning (±5° adjustment)
- 🌡️ Thermal management – Add heatsinks for continuous heavy-duty use
- 🔌 Wire gauge – Use 22-24 AWG for servo power, shorter runs better
🆚 Detailed MG90S vs SG90 Comparison
| Feature | MG90S (Metal Gear) | SG90 (Plastic Gear) |
|---|---|---|
| Torque @ 4.8V | 2.2kg·cm | 1.8kg·cm |
| Torque @ 6V | 2.5kg·cm | 2.2kg·cm |
| Gear Material | Metal (Steel/Brass) | Plastic (Nylon) |
| Durability | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Excellent | ⭐⭐⭐ Good |
| Weight | 13.4g | 9g (-33% lighter) |
| Speed @ 4.8V | 0.11 sec/60° | 0.12 sec/60° (slightly slower) |
| Stall Current | 820mA @ 4.8V | 650mA @ 4.8V (less) |
| Noise Level | ⭐⭐ Higher (metal gears) | ⭐⭐⭐ Quieter |
| Lifespan | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Very Long | ⭐⭐⭐ Moderate |
| Precision | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Better | ⭐⭐⭐ Good |
| Price | 💰💰💰 2-3x more | 💰 Very affordable |
| Best For | Heavy loads, continuous use | Lightweight, budget projects |
🎓 Example Heavy-Duty Projects
| Project | Why MG90S? | Servos Needed |
|---|---|---|
| 4-DOF Robot Arm (Heavy) | Handles 200-300g payload | 4x MG90S |
| Large RC Car Steering | Withstands impact/shock loads | 1-2x MG90S |
| Hexapod Walking Robot | Continuous operation, body weight | 12-18x MG90S |
| Professional Camera Gimbal | Holds DSLR weight (500g+) | 2-3x MG90S |
| Automated Door Lock | Reliable, thousands of cycles | 1x MG90S |
| CNC Pen Plotter | Precision + durability | 2-3x MG90S |
🔧 Metal Gear Maintenance Tips
| Maintenance Task | Frequency | Procedure |
|---|---|---|
| Visual Inspection | Monthly | Check for loose horns, damaged wires, physical damage |
| Lubrication | Every 6 months | Apply tiny drop of light machine oil to gear teeth (sparingly) |
| Horn Screw Check | Monthly | Verify horn mounting screw is tight (don’t overtighten) |
| Calibration Check | Quarterly | Test 0°, 90°, 180° positions, adjust code if drift detected |
| Current Draw Test | Quarterly | Measure no-load and stall current, compare to specs |
| Deep Clean | Yearly | Disassemble, clean gears, re-lubricate (advanced users) |
🛡️ Warranty & Support
✅ Premium MG90S metal gear micro servo
✅ 2.2kg·cm torque @ 4.8V (25% more than SG90)
✅ Durable metal gears (Steel/Brass alloy)
✅ Double ball bearing for smooth operation
✅ 180° rotation range with precise positioning
✅ Standard 3-wire interface (brown-red-orange)
✅ Complete accessory kit (4 horns, screws, mounting hardware)
✅ Compatible with Arduino Servo library
✅ Works with 3.3V and 5V logic levels
✅ Compact 22.8×12.2×28.5mm form factor (SG90 compatible)
✅ Pre-tested before shipping
✅ Technical documentation and example code
✅ Fast replacement for defective units
⚠️ Important: CRITICAL – Use external 5V-6V power supply (2A+ minimum) – NEVER power from Arduino 5V pin. Connect common ground between servo and microcontroller. Metal gears are much more durable but slightly noisier than plastic. Stall current up to 900mA @ 6V – ensure adequate power supply. Ideal for heavy-duty applications where SG90 would fail. Not waterproof – protect from moisture.









