3 · Outputs & actuators
Servo driven by a potentiometer
Intermediate15 min
Goal
Make the servo arm follow the knob position.
Why it matters
Your first direct input → output control, the basis of robotics.
What you need
- Arduino UNO board
- Push button
- 10 kΩ potentiometer
- SG90 servo motor
Nothing to buy: every component below is simulated in the browser.
Steps
- 01Read A0.
- 02map(value, 0, 1023, 0, 180).
- 03Apply the angle to the servo, with a short delay.
This tutorial runs inside the Circuitly simulator: your wiring and your code are checked automatically at every step.
Frequently asked questions
- Do I need to buy hardware for this tutorial?
- No. Everything runs in the browser: Circuitly simulates the board, the components and the code. Real hardware is optional if you want to rebuild the circuit afterwards.
- Which components are used?
- Arduino UNO board, Push button, 10 kΩ potentiometer, SG90 servo motor. They are already available in the simulator library.
- How long does it take?
- About 15 minutes, intermediate level, in 3 guided steps.
- What should I know before starting?
- The previous tutorial in the series, “Drive a servo motor”, is enough preparation. No software install is required.
- Is the code provided and checked?
- The simulator checks your wiring and your code automatically at every step, and shows the commented solution if you get stuck.
For teachers
Get the teaching pack: 6 ready-to-run sessions
Full progression, objectives, student steps and an assessment grid — printable, free.
One address, no spam: just the pack and classroom updates.