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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

  1. 01Read A0.
  2. 02map(value, 0, 1023, 0, 180).
  3. 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.

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