Servo, DS145CLHV

The DS145CLHV is a 12-bit (4096), 333Hz, micro-size high voltage (HV) digital servo built on a case CNC-machined from a solid billet of 6061-T6 aircraft aluminum. Equipped with dual ball bearings, and steel gears (for durability), it outputs 145 oz-in (+9 pounds of force) and has a transit time of 0.05sec/60° . . . and there's nothing else like it in the world!

But it gets better because to help withstand the abuse to which it'll inevitably be subjected, we Swiss-machine then press three bronze inserts into the aluminum pockets (where the steel gear shafts experience their greatest forces) for added reinforcement.

• Specs - useful if you're curious about the raw numbers, dimensions, etc.
• Comparison - a guide regarding how it compares to other products.
• TL;DR - gets down into the weeds with the nitty gritty - it's for the detail-oriented.
• Reviews - short and sweet with real names and places - no BS.

INTRODUCTION:

Part of what makes the ProModeler DS145CLHV so compelling for special applications like pylon racing, jets, and SPA competitors is that unlike hobby-grade servos, it's built to meet military standards (and meets these tests).

MIL-STD-810G-Part 16

• Shock - Test Method 516.6
• Vibration - Test Method 514.6

In part, this is due to the requirements of our primary customer. However, because we're modelers and have knocked a servo off a workbench, experienced crashes, and know a thing or two about engine/motor/prop vibration (plus how a summer afternoon pop-up rain shower may drench a model before landing), it means these tests are important for civilian users as well.

It's unlikely many customers have experience with a sub-micro servo quite like this. The sheer amount of power is basically unheard of for the class. This means taking special precautions more usual for physically larger servos. Anyway, mounting this servo with foam tape is not recommended and is to be viewed with special caution. Our point isa servo of this physical size developing the torque is unusual enough to require four-hole mounts instead of two-screws. Trust us, there's a reason! Also, while seeking to optimize for weight, we decided the trade-off for a special size 25-tooth spline made sense in the application. While the servo comes with a servo arm, we offer accessory arms in both nylon as well as aluminum. Click to open a new tab for 300/400-series micro arms.

- Optional micro-series servo arms are available in both nylon and aluminum

Note:

These are tiny servos with even tinier gears and operating them manually via the servo horn may damage them. This damage is not covered by warranty. Please do not treat these like a standard size servos. You've been warned. Also, operating voltage is 4.8-8.4V, but optimal performance is obtained with a 2S LiPo instead of a BEC. This is because LiPos deliver the required current without voltage spikes, noise, or otherwise adversely affecting the delicate avionics (15C or better is recommended). After all, synthetic orange colored Tang may have gone to the moon, but it doesn't compare to freshly squeezed orange juice. Same thing when it comes to feeding your avionics!

COMPETING SERVOS

In the micro class there are plenty of competitors, but they only win on price. Strong statement? Yup, but we can prove it. Eyeball the list for a feature comparison (on a servo-by-servo basis) of the servos listed (alphabetically) below.

• ProModeler DS145CLHV . . . @8.4V, 145 oz-in, 0.05sec/60°, $69.99
• Hitec HS-5087MH . . . @7.4V, 60 oz-in, 0.13sec/60°, $39.99
• Hitec D89MW . . . @7.4V, 118oz-in, 0.11sec/60°, $TBD

Note; if you're considering a competing micro-class servo, one which isn't on this list, please let us know and we'll be happy to create another Head-2-Head comparison!