Pololu Maestro - Manual (Page 22)

4. Using the Maestro Control Center
The Maestro’s USB interface provides access to all configuration options as well as support for real-time control,
feedback, and debugging. The Maestro Control Center is a graphical tool that makes it easy for you to use the USB
interface; for almost any project, you will want to start by using the control center to set up and test your Maestro.
This section explains most of the features of the Maestro and the Maestro Control Center.
4.a. Status and Real-time Control
The Status tab in the Maestro Control Center.
The Status tab is used for controlling the Maestro’s outputs and for monitoring its status in real time. A separate row
of controls is displayed for each of the Maestro’s channels. In the screenshot above, there are 12 channels displayed
because the Maestro Control Center is connected to the Mini Maestro 12-channel servo controller. When the Maestro
Control Center connects to Maestro models with more or fewer channels, it displays more or fewer channels on the
screen.
For a channel configured as a servo or output, the checkbox enables the output, dragging the slider adjusts the target
setting of the channel, and the green ball indicates the channel’s current position. For example, if the channel is set
to a relatively slow speed, when the slider is moved to a new position, the green ball will slowly move until it has
reached the slider, indicating that the output has reached its target. For more precise control, a target value may also be
entered directly into the “Target” input box. The slider is automatically scaled to match the minimum and maximum
values specified in the Settings tab.
For a channel configured as input, the slider, green ball, “Target”, and “Position” display the current value of the
input. There is no control available for inputs. The inputs on channels 0–11 are analog: their values range from 0 to
255.75, representing voltages from 0 to 5 V. The inputs on channels 12–23 are digital: their values are either exactly
0 or exactly 255.75.
Pololu Maestro Servo Controller User's Guide © 2001–2014 Pololu Corporation
4. Using the Maestro Control Center Page 22 of 73