Based on user reports and Emax support bulletins, here are solutions to frequent problems:
| Symptom | Likely Cause | Fix | |---------|--------------|-----| | Jittering at neutral | Deadband too narrow or dirty pot | Add small deadband in software (e.g., ignore ±5 μs changes) | | No movement, buzzing | Stalled or voltage droop | Check power supply: must deliver >1A peak per servo | | Inaccurate positioning | Worn potentiometer | Replace servo (pot is non-serviceable) | | Overheating | PWM frequency >100Hz | Reduce to 50Hz | | Gears grinding after crash | Stripped internal gear | Replace gear set (available separately) |
#include <Servo.h>Servo myServo;
void setup() myServo.attach(9); // Signal on pin 9 // The Servo library automatically uses 5-10 microsecond dead band Emax Es08ma Ii Datasheet
void loop() myServo.write(0); // 1.0ms pulse (CCW) delay(1000); myServo.write(90); // 1.5ms pulse (Center) delay(1000); myServo.write(180); // 2.0ms pulse (CW) delay(1000);
The Emax ES08MA II is an upgraded version of the classic ES08A. The most significant change is the gear train. While the original ES08A used nylon gears, the "MA" designation signifies Metal gears (specifically brass and aluminum), while the "II" indicates the second generation of this metal-geared design. Based on user reports and Emax support bulletins,
This is the heart of the Emax ES08MA II Datasheet for anyone writing microcontroller code (Arduino, STM32, ESP32, Raspberry Pi Pico).
| Parameter | Value | | :--- | :--- | | Operating Voltage | 4.8V – 6.0V (4.8V nominal, 6.0V max recommended) | | Stall Torque | 2.0 kg·cm @ 4.8V / 2.5 kg·cm @ 6.0V | | Speed | 0.12 sec/60° @ 4.8V / 0.10 sec/60° @ 6.0V (no load) | | Dead Band Width | ≤ 5 µs (typical) | | Rotation Angle | 180° (approx. 1200–1800 µs PWM; 90° per side typical) | | Connector | JR/Futaba type (3-pin 0.1" spacing) | | Wire Gauge | 28 AWG, ~150mm length | | Dimensions | 23 x 12.2 x 27 mm (L x W x H) | | Weight | ~12.8g ± 0.5g |
| Voltage | Speed | Unit | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | 4.8V | 0.12 sec/60° | seconds | | 6.0V | 0.10 sec/60° | seconds | void loop() myServo
Interpretation: With a speed of 0.10 seconds at 6V, this is considered a medium-fast servo. It is not a race servo (like a 0.06 sec unit), but it is perfectly adequate for flight control surfaces on a 1-meter wingspan plane or dynamic leg movement in a small robot.
One of the main selling points of the ES08MA II is its metal gear train. Let's disassemble (conceptually) the gear stages:
Compared to the nylon gears of the ES08A (plastic version), the metal gears provide:
Trade-off: Metal gears transmit more vibration and are slightly noisier. They also add 2g of weight compared to the plastic version.
Critical Note for Builders: Do not power this servo directly from an Arduino or Raspberry Pi 5V pin. The stall current over 1A will brown out your microcontroller. Use a dedicated 5V UBEC (Battery Eliminator Circuit) or servo driver board with external power.