What is it?

This kit bundles two Dynamixel AX-12A motors and a simple frame with my DynaFeather Featherwing breakout. When paired with a Feather controller of your choice, this kit should have everything you need to start using Dynamixel robot servos with Circuitpython or Arduino - it's a good starting point for a remote-controlled camera pivot, a nerf sentry turret, an automatic laser pointer for your cat, whatever you can think of. At 1.5 N*m of torque, AX-12 motors are considerably more powerful than the average RTC servo, and can handily pivot projects the weight of a 5 lb brick or higher.

If you're just looking for the Dynafeather, rather than a full kit, you can buy it separately here.

Contents:

• 2x AX-12A Dynamixel Servos
• 2x Robotis FP04 plastic frames, with screws and bushings/washers
• 2x 150mm Dynamixel cables
• 1x 3D printed base
• 1x 12V 2A power supply
• 1x DynaFeather featherwing breakout

IMPORTANT NOTE: this kit does NOT include a Feather!

Since picking a Feather controller specific to your project is kind of the whole point, you'll need to pick one up yourself, either from Adafruit or from a 3rd party creator here on Tindie! Here are some suggestions, if you're not sure what to get.

• For all-purpose robots: Feather M4 Express
• For Bluetooth robots: Feather nRF52840 Express
• For robots that need a lot of processing power: Feather STM32F405 Express
• For robots that need to be REALLY FAST: NXP MIMXRT1011 Feather (note, Circuitpython for this core is still in alpha)
• For WiFi robots: FeatherS2

Why did you make it?

Dynamixels are a very powerful motor for robotics projects, with great torque for their weight, daisy chain cabling, and all kinds of options like automatic shutoff, speed control, and continuous rotation mode. However, their half-duplex UART communication protocol and special controllers make them a little inaccessible compared to PWM driven hobby servos. My goal was to make a simple, no frills board and accompanying library for Circuitpython that makes them trivial to control with the common Feather board layout. This kit combines the Dynafeather with all the accessories you need to get started, without having to order big packs of them directly from Robotis.

DynaFeather Features

• Three molex connectors for attaching AX or MX series Dynamixel servos
• UART half-duplex controlled with a SN74HC126 buffer
• Direction control can be moved from D12 to D5 via solder jumpers
• 2x5.5mm power jack for 12V power cable (cable not included)
• Alternative screw terminal for 12V battery power
• 12V to 5V LDO can power the feather independently of USB, selectable with shunt switch

Notes:

• Use the shunt switch to avoid supplying the host Feather with both USB and Dynamixel power at once.
• The Dynafeather is tested with AX-12 and MX-64 motors, it may work with other Dynamixels but check the datasheets first for compatibility.
• Different Dynamixels may require different voltage levels so do not mix them in on the same voltage line without researching first.
• Using many Dynamixels at once might require extra capacitors on the line, see Robotis store for options. You should not need any extra capacitance for this kit.
• Circuitpython library for Dynamixels (mine)
• Arduino code for Dynamixels (not mine, untested)