Control Servo Position with Potentiometer

A potentiometer-controlled servo motor system that allows precise manual positioning through a simple rotary input.

The system works by reading an analogue voltage from the potentiometer and converting it to a corresponding angle for the servo motor. As the potentiometer is turned, its resistance changes, which alters the voltage at the Arduino’s analogue input pin. This voltage is then mapped from the Arduino’s 10-bit range (0-1023) to the servo’s operational range of 0-180 degrees. The Arduino continuously updates the servo’s position based on the potentiometer’s current setting, creating smooth, real-time control.

Parts List

• 1× Arduino Uno
• 1× Standard servo motor
• 1× 10kΩ potentiometer
• Jumper wires
• Breadboard

Assembly Instructions

1. Place the potentiometer on the breadboard.
2. Connect the potentiometer’s centre pin to Arduino analogue pin A0.
3. Connect the potentiometer’s outer pins to Arduino 5V and GND.
4. Connect the servo’s signal wire to Arduino digital pin 9.
5. Connect the servo’s power wire to Arduino 5V.
6. Connect the servo’s ground wire to Arduino GND.