Powering the Navio Servo Rail

[ssmith-81 (Sean)]

Hello, I have a question on configuring the power for the servo rail of the navio 2. So I have the basic power module for the Navio/raspberry Pi setup: https://ca.robotshop.com/products/power-module-navio

As can be found in the Navio documents, this only powers the Navio/ Raspberry Pi, and the servo rail needs to be powered separately. My current setup does not have an ESC (or a built in BEC). Therefore, it seems I need to purchase an external BEC. My first question is, would a simple BEC like this: Amazon.ca

or this: Amazon.ca

suffice?

My next concern is, I am very unknowledgeable with electronics, so how exactly would I connect this type of connection to the battery? Should I use a completely separate battery to power the servo rail? Most tutorials online have an ESC in the configuration it seems.

Thanks in advance.

[ssmith-81 (Sean)]

Maybe it would be possible to use this UBEC: Amazon.ca

with this battery connector: Amazon.ca

[olesia.riman]

Hi Sean,

We haven’t tested this BEC, but any 5V BEC should work for your case. Your BEC should also be connected to the PDB.

We recommend separating the power of sensitive electronics (RPi, Navio) and servos, which can draw high currents and cause spikes on the power rails.

[ssmith-81 (Sean)]

Hi Olesia,

The power module (in the attached image) for the Navio/RPi acts as a mini power distribution board with a single port? Would I need to solder a new connection for the 5V BEC->Servo rail?

Or would I need a separate battery all together for the BEC->servo rail? Sorry for the basic questions, I am not experienced with electronics. The reasoning behind the power separation makes sense. It is just the connection details and setup that confuses me.

[olesia.riman]

Sean,

You cannot power the servo rail using the power module; it’s for powering Navio. Using the BEC is the best way to provide power to the servos.