Description
🤖 SG996R High-Torque Servo Motor – Analog Metal Gear Servo for Heavy-Duty Applications
The SG996R High-Torque Servo Motor is a robust standard-size analog servo featuring durable metal gears and powerful torque output. Delivering up to 10kg·cm of torque, this servo is designed for demanding applications requiring significant power such as robot arms, RC vehicles, industrial automation, and heavy-duty mechanisms. With its metal gear train, double ball bearings, and reliable analog control, the SG996R offers professional-grade performance at an affordable price point, making it the ideal choice for projects that require more power than micro servos but cost-effective operation.
✨ Key Highlights
- 💪 High Torque Output – 10kg·cm @ 6V (9kg·cm @ 4.8V)
- ⚙️ Full Metal Gears – Steel/brass gears for extreme durability
- 📐 Standard Size – Industry-standard form factor: 40.7mm x 19.7mm x 42.9mm
- 🔄 180° Rotation – Precise angular positioning from 0° to 180°
- ⚡ 4.8V – 6V Operation – Standard servo voltage range
- 🏗️ Heavy-Duty Construction – Built for continuous operation
- 🔩 Double Ball Bearing – Smooth operation under high loads
- 💰 Cost-Effective – Professional performance without digital servo premium
- 🔧 Universal Mounting – Standard servo mounting pattern
- 🌐 Widely Compatible – Works with all servo controllers and Arduino
📊 Technical Specifications
| Specification |
Details |
| 🏷️ Model Number |
SG996R (Tower Pro or equivalent) |
| 🔧 Servo Type |
Analog High-Torque Metal Gear Servo |
| 📏 Size Category |
Standard Size Servo |
| ⚡ Operating Voltage |
4.8V – 6V DC |
| 🔋 Recommended Voltage |
6V DC (optimal performance) |
| 💡 No-Load Current |
~450mA @ 4.8V / ~600mA @ 6V |
| ⚙️ Stall Current (Max) |
~1800mA @ 4.8V / ~2200mA @ 6V |
| 💪 Torque @ 4.8V |
9kg·cm (125oz·in) |
| 💪 Torque @ 6V |
10kg·cm (139oz·in) |
| 🔄 Rotation Range |
0° to 180° (approximately) |
| ⏱️ Speed @ 4.8V |
0.20 sec/60° (no load) |
| ⏱️ Speed @ 6V |
0.17 sec/60° (no load) |
| 📡 Control Signal |
PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) – Analog |
| 🔊 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, JR/Futaba compatible) |
| 📏 Wire Length |
~300mm (30cm) |
| ⚙️ Gear Type |
Full metal gears (Steel/Brass alloy) |
| 🏗️ Gear Ratio |
High reduction for maximum torque |
| 🔩 Bearing Type |
Double ball bearing (output shaft) |
| 🔩 Output Shaft |
Standard 25T spline (25-tooth) |
| 🌡️ Operating Temperature |
0°C to +60°C |
| 📐 Dimensions (L x W x H) |
40.7mm x 19.7mm x 42.9mm (including mounting tabs) |
| ⚖️ Weight |
~55g (1.94oz) |
| 🔧 Mounting Pattern |
Standard servo mounting (48mm hole spacing) |
| 🔩 Mounting Screw Size |
M3 screws (standard servo mounting) |
| 📦 Case Material |
High-impact ABS plastic |
🔌 Wire Color & Pin Configuration
| Wire Color |
Function |
Connection |
| Brown (or Black) |
Ground (GND) |
Connect to power supply ground / Controller GND |
| Red |
Power (VCC) |
Connect to +6V (4.8V-6V) power supply |
| Orange (or Yellow/White) |
Control Signal (PWM) |
Connect to PWM pin (Arduino, servo controller) |
📏 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 |
| 🤖 Robot Arms |
Medium to heavy-duty robotic arms, payload up to 1kg |
| 🚗 RC Vehicles |
RC cars, trucks, buggies, steering and suspension systems |
| ⛵ RC Boats |
Rudder control for medium-sized vessels, sailing boats |
| ✈️ RC Aircraft |
Control surfaces for medium planes, gliders, trainer aircraft |
| 🏗️ Construction Models |
Scale construction equipment, working models, demonstrations |
| 🎭 Animatronics |
Animated props, hobby animatronics, educational displays |
| 🚪 Automation Projects |
Door openers, valve control, automated mechanisms |
| 📷 Camera Systems |
Pan-tilt platforms, camera sliders, gimbals |
| 🔬 Educational Projects |
University labs, STEM education, robotics workshops |
| 📡 Antenna Control |
Antenna rotators, directional control systems |
| 🎨 Kinetic Art |
Moving sculptures, interactive art, installations |
| 🌱 Garden Automation |
Greenhouse vents, irrigation control, automated systems |
📦 Package Contents
- ✅ 1x SG996R High-Torque Metal Gear Servo Motor
- ✅ 4x Servo Horns (various shapes: single arm, cross, double arm, star)
- ✅ 8x Mounting Screws (4x M3 for case, 4x for servo horns)
- ✅ 4x Rubber Grommets (vibration dampening)
- ✅ 4x Brass Eyelets (for grommet installation)
- ✅ 30cm 3-wire cable with connector
- ⚠️ Note: External power supply REQUIRED (2A minimum @ 6V)
- ⚠️ Note: NEVER power from Arduino – use dedicated PSU
- ⚠️ Note: Servo extension cables sold separately
💻 Arduino Code Examples
Basic Servo Control
| Code Snippet |
#include <Servo.h>
Servo myServo; // Create servo object
void setup() {
myServo.attach(9); // Attach to pin 9
Serial.begin(9600);
Serial.println("SG996R Servo Test");
// Move to center position
myServo.write(90);
delay(1000);
}
void loop() {
// Controlled movement for loads
Serial.println("Moving to 0°");
for (int angle = 90; angle >= 0; angle -= 2) {
myServo.write(angle);
delay(30); // Smooth movement
}
delay(500);
Serial.println("Moving to 180°");
for (int angle = 0; angle <= 180; angle += 2) {
myServo.write(angle);
delay(30);
}
delay(500);
// Return to center
myServo.write(90);
delay(2000);
}
|
Multi-Servo Robot Arm
| Code Snippet |
#include <Servo.h>
Servo base, shoulder, elbow, gripper;
void setup() {
base.attach(3); // SG996R - Base rotation
shoulder.attach(5); // SG996R - Shoulder
elbow.attach(6); // SG996R - Elbow
gripper.attach(9); // MG90S - Gripper
Serial.begin(9600);
// Initialize to home position
base.write(90);
shoulder.write(90);
elbow.write(90);
gripper.write(30); // Open
delay(2000);
}
void moveArm(int b, int s, int e, int g) {
base.write(b);
shoulder.write(s);
elbow.write(e);
gripper.write(g);
}
void loop() {
// Pick sequence
Serial.println("Moving to pick...");
moveArm(45, 70, 120, 30); // Open gripper
delay(1000);
gripper.write(90); // Close gripper
delay(500);
// Place sequence
Serial.println("Moving to place...");
moveArm(135, 80, 100, 90);
delay(1000);
gripper.write(30); // Open gripper
delay(500);
// Return home
Serial.println("Returning home...");
moveArm(90, 90, 90, 30);
delay(2000);
}
|
RC Steering Control
| Code Snippet |
#include <Servo.h>
Servo steering;
const int POT_PIN = A0; // Potentiometer for steering input
void setup() {
steering.attach(9);
Serial.begin(9600);
steering.write(90); // Center steering
}
void loop() {
// Read potentiometer value
int potValue = analogRead(POT_PIN);
// Map to servo angle (0-180°)
int angle = map(potValue, 0, 1023, 0, 180);
// Apply steering
steering.write(angle);
// Debug output
Serial.print("Steering: ");
Serial.print(angle);
Serial.println("°");
delay(15); // Smooth control
}
|
✅ Advantages of SG996R Servo
| Feature |
Benefit |
| 💪 High Torque |
10kg·cm @ 6V – 4x more than MG90S, sufficient for most projects |
| ⚙️ Full Metal Gears |
Steel/brass gears provide excellent durability and longevity |
| 💰 Cost-Effective |
Professional performance without digital servo premium |
| 📐 Standard Size |
Industry-standard footprint – universal compatibility |
| 🔩 Double Ball Bearing |
Smooth operation with minimal friction under load |
| ⚡ Reliable Analog Control |
Simple, proven technology – fewer components to fail |
| 🏗️ Robust Construction |
Built for continuous operation in demanding environments |
| 🔧 Easy Integration |
Standard mounting and connector – plug-and-play |
| 🌐 Wide Availability |
Popular model with global availability and support |
| ⚖️ Good Value |
Excellent torque-to-price ratio for standard servos |
⚠️ Important Usage Notes & Warnings
- ⚡ External power supply required – Use dedicated 2A+ PSU @ 6V
- 🔌 NEVER power from Arduino – 2.2A stall current will damage board
- 💪 Respect torque limits – Don’t exceed 10kg·cm rating
- ⚙️ Smooth movements recommended – Gradual angle changes reduce stress
- 🔊 Moderate noise – Metal gears produce audible buzz when active
- 🌡️ Monitor temperature – Servo gets warm under continuous load
- ⚖️ Standard weight – 55g suitable for most applications
- 🔋 6V recommended – Optimal balance of torque and lifespan
- 📏 Add capacitor – 1000µF-2200µF across power reduces jitter
- 🔌 Use proper wire gauge – 18-20 AWG for power connections
- 🛡️ Common ground essential – Servo GND and Arduino GND must connect
- ⚠️ Analog servo limitations – Wider dead-band than digital servos
🔋 Power Supply Requirements
| Number of Servos |
Voltage |
Minimum Current |
Recommended PSU |
| 1 Servo |
6V |
2A |
3A @ 6V regulated PSU |
| 2-3 Servos |
6V |
4A |
5A @ 6V switching PSU |
| 4-5 Servos |
6V |
8A |
10A @ 6V industrial PSU |
| 6+ Servos |
6V |
12A+ |
15A+ @ 6V or multiple PSUs |
| ⚠️ Note: Each SG996R can draw up to 2.2A stall current |
| 💡 Tip: Add margin – multiply servo count by 2.5A for safe sizing |
🔍 Troubleshooting Guide
| Problem |
Possible Cause |
Solution |
| Servo Doesn’t Move |
Insufficient power or no signal |
✅ Use 3A+ PSU @ 6V, verify PWM signal with oscilloscope |
| Jittering/Shaking |
Power supply voltage drop |
✅ Add 2200µF capacitor across power, upgrade PSU capacity |
| Arduino Resets |
Powering servo from Arduino 5V |
✅ Use external 6V PSU, connect grounds only |
| Servo Gets Hot |
Stalling against obstruction |
✅ Remove obstacle, reduce load, add cooling breaks |
| Grinding Noise |
Damaged gears or debris |
✅ Disassemble, clean, inspect gears, replace if needed |
| Slow Response |
Low voltage or heavy load |
✅ Ensure 6V supply, verify load within 10kg·cm rating |
| Position Drift |
Analog dead-band or wear |
✅ Normal for analog servos, consider digital upgrade |
| Erratic Behavior |
Signal interference or noise |
✅ Separate power/signal wires, add ferrite bead, shielded cable |
💡 Pro Tips for SG996R Usage
- 🔋 6V operation optimal – Best balance of performance and longevity
- 📏 Large capacitor recommended – 2200µF minimum across power rails
- ⚙️ Break-in period – Cycle through full range 20-30 times before use
- 🔧 Gradual movements – Incremental angle changes extend lifespan
- 💾 Monitor performance – Track response time, detect wear early
- ⏱️ Rest periods – Allow cooling during continuous operation
- 🛡️ Vibration isolation – Use rubber grommets (included) for mounting
- 🔄 Periodic lubrication – Light machine oil on gears every 6 months
- 📊 Load testing – Test with actual payload before deployment
- 🎯 Calibration – Individual servos may need ±5-10° adjustment
- 🔌 Wire management – Keep power wires short, 18 AWG minimum
- 💰 Cost savings – Analog is cheaper than digital for similar torque
🆚 SG996R vs MG995/MG996R Comparison
| Feature |
SG996R (Analog) |
MG995 (Analog) |
MG996R (Digital) |
| Control Type |
Analog |
Analog |
Digital |
| Torque @ 6V |
10kg·cm |
11kg·cm |
11kg·cm |
| Speed @ 6V |
0.17s/60° |
0.17s/60° |
0.14s/60° (faster) |
| Dead-Band |
~5µs (analog) |
~5µs (analog) |
<1µs (digital) |
| Holding Power |
⭐⭐⭐ Good |
⭐⭐⭐ Good |
⭐⭐⭐⭐ Better |
| Precision |
⭐⭐⭐ Good |
⭐⭐⭐ Good |
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Excellent |
| Price |
💰💰 Moderate |
💰💰 Moderate |
💰💰💰 Higher |
| Best For |
Budget-conscious projects |
General heavy-duty use |
Precision applications |
🎓 Example Projects
| Project |
Why SG996R? |
Servos Needed |
| 4-DOF Robot Arm |
Good torque, affordable for multiple servos |
4x SG996R |
| RC Car Steering |
Reliable analog control, proven design |
1x SG996R |
| Pan-Tilt Camera Mount |
Sufficient torque for DSLR cameras |
2x SG996R |
| Automated Door Lock |
Reliable operation, good holding power |
1x SG996R |
| Solar Panel Tracker |
Handles panel weight, cost-effective |
2x SG996R |
| Hexapod Robot |
Affordable for 12-18 servo project |
12-18x SG996R |
🔧 Torque Calculation Guide
| Load Weight |
Arm Length |
Required Torque |
SG996R Suitable? |
| 500g |
10cm |
5kg·cm |
✅ Yes (50% load) |
| 800g |
10cm |
8kg·cm |
✅ Yes (80% load) |
| 1kg |
8cm |
8kg·cm |
✅ Yes (80% load) |
| 500g |
18cm |
9kg·cm |
✅ Yes (90% load) |
| 1kg |
12cm |
12kg·cm |
❌ No (exceeds rating) |
| 1.5kg |
10cm |
15kg·cm |
❌ No (use larger servo) |
| Formula: Torque (kg·cm) = Weight (kg) × Arm Length (cm) |
🛡️ Warranty & Support
✅ Professional-grade SG996R high-torque metal gear servo
✅ 10kg·cm torque @ 6V (9kg·cm @ 4.8V)
✅ Full metal gear train (Steel/Brass alloy)
✅ Double ball bearing output shaft
✅ Standard size form factor (40.7×19.7×42.9mm)
✅ Reliable analog control circuitry
✅ Standard 3-pin servo connector (JR/Futaba compatible)
✅ Complete accessory kit (horns, screws, grommets, eyelets)
✅ Compatible with all servo controllers and Arduino
✅ Robust construction for continuous operation
✅ Pre-tested before shipping
✅ Technical documentation and mounting diagrams
✅ Fast replacement for defective units
⚠️ IMPORTANT WARNINGS: NEVER power from Arduino or USB – use dedicated 3A+ power supply @ 6V. Stall current reaches 2.2A – ensure PSU can handle peak loads. Add capacitor (2200µF minimum) across power rails. Servo generates heat under load – ensure adequate ventilation. For multiple servos, calculate total current needs. Use heavy-duty wiring (18 AWG minimum). Not waterproof – protect from moisture. Analog servo has wider dead-band than digital versions – consider digital upgrade for precision applications.
