DCServo AE

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

Features • Getting Started • Documentation • Contributing • Community

🚨 Project Status

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

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

🤝 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

🎯 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:

• ⚡ High Torque output capabilities
• 🔄 High RPM performance
• 📏 Precise Positioning through absolute encoding
• 🔌 Plug-and-Play implementation

Platform Variations

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

• 💰 Cost-effectiveness
• ⚡ Powerful timer peripherals
• 🎮 Advanced control capabilities

Version	Description	Status
High Power	For industrial applications	🟡 In Development
Low Power	For hobbyist projects	🟡 In Development
High Voltage	24V+ systems	🟢 Planning
Low Voltage	Battery-powered devices	🟢 Planning

✨ Core Features

Hardware Highlights

• 🔌 Plug and Play Integration

  • Compatible with extended/dual axis shaft motors
  • Requires magnet mounting for absolute encoding
  • Minimal design considerations needed

• 📏 Absolute Position Encoding

  • Magnetic absolute encoders for precise positioning
  • No homing or recalibration needed after power loss
  • Reliable position feedback

• 🎛️ Modular Architecture

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

Software Features

• 🔓 Open Source

  • Full hardware design files
  • Complete firmware source code
  • Comprehensive documentation (WIP)

• 🎮 Control Interfaces (Planned)

  • CAN bus
  • UART serial
  • PWM input

🛠️ Getting Started

Current Manufacturing Notes

If you wish to help test the current designs:

📁 /Export           - Pre-exported Gerbers for each version
🏭 JLCPCB           - Files optimized for JLCPCB manufacturing
⚠️ 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

📚 Documentation

🚧 Documentation is currently under development

Planned documentation will cover:

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

👥 Contributing

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

1. 🐛 Report Issues

   • Use GitHub Issues for bugs
   • Suggest improvements
   • Request features

2. 💻 Submit Pull Requests

   • Hardware improvements
   • Firmware enhancements
   • Documentation updates

3. 🤝 Join Discussions

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

🌟 Similar Projects

Projects that inspired DCServo AE:

• Mechaduino

  • Stepper motor focus
  • Open-source architecture

• MotCTRL

  • BLDC motor controller
  • Advanced control algorithms

📜 License

• Hardware: CERN Open Hardware License
• Software: MIT License

🤝 Community

🚧 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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