Test with a multimeter

Servo motor

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Now: V+ to GND: short circuit check

5 V CircuVanta 6000 counts · auto range DCAUTO•)))HOLDFUSE− HOLD LIGHT OFFV⎓V~Ω•)))FmA⎓ mA400 mACOMVΩ Brown wire: GND 1 GND Red wire: V+ 2 V+ Orange wire: signal 3 PWM
Pin 1: Brown wire: GND (GND) Pin 2: Red wire: V+ (V+) Pin 3: Orange wire: signal (PWM)

Red probe Not connectedBlack probe Not connected

Hold the probe and drag it to the tip of a leg. Tapping works too: first pick the probe, then the leg.

Set the range to continuity.

Test setup: Setup: it powers the servo with 5 V and sends a mid-position pulse over the signal wire; the multimeter is in series to measure current. Press the “Power on” button.

Measure step by step

A servo contains a motor, gears, a position potentiometer and a control board; the resistance between its wires gives no meaningful value. With the multimeter you only check that there is no short circuit and how much current it draws when powered. It cannot show the rotation, the angle or the torque.

Forcing it by hand: plastic gears break easily. Power the servo from a separate source and keep the GNDs common.

  1. 1V+ to GND: short circuit check
  2. 2Signal to GND: short circuit check
  3. 3No-load current when powered