MG946R Digital Metal Gear Servo Motor – 180° High Torque, Arduino Compatible
The MG946R is a high-torque digital servo motor designed for robotics, RC vehicles, mechanical positioning, and automation projects. Featuring a metal gear transmission, digital control circuitry, and a standard 3-wire servo interface, it provides controlled angular movement for applications requiring reliable positioning and mechanical strength.
With a listed stall torque of 13kg·cm at 6V, an operating voltage range of 4.8V to 6.6V, and a nominal rotation range of 180°, the MG946R is suitable for robotic arms, steering mechanisms, grippers, and Arduino-compatible projects.
The servo features an upgraded digital control system designed to improve response and centering performance compared with conventional analog servos.
Key Features
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Digital Servo Control: Provides responsive positioning and improved control performance.
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High Torque: Listed stall torque of 13kg·cm at 6V and 10.5kg·cm at 4.8V.
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Metal Gear Transmission: Designed for durability in mechanically demanding applications.
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180° Rotation: Supports controlled angular positioning within its mechanical travel limits.
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Wide Operating Voltage: Operates from 4.8V to 6.6V DC.
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Fast Response: Listed operating speed of 0.17sec/60° at 6V.
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Low Dead Band: Listed dead-band width of 1µs for precise control response.
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Standard PWM Control: Compatible with common hobby servo control signals.
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Arduino Compatible: Works with Arduino and other suitable servo controllers.
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JR/Futaba-Compatible Connector: Standard 3-pin servo connection.
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32cm Cable: Provides convenient wiring for robotics and RC installations.
Technical Specifications
| Parameter |
Specification |
| Model |
MG946R |
| Product Type |
Digital Servo Motor |
| Control Type |
Positional Servo |
| Gear Material |
Metal |
| Operating Voltage |
4.8V–6.6V DC |
| Stall Torque at 4.8V |
10.5kg·cm |
| Stall Torque at 6V |
13kg·cm |
| Operating Speed at 4.8V |
0.20sec/60° |
| Operating Speed at 6V |
0.17sec/60° |
| Nominal Rotation Range |
180° |
| Dead-Band Width |
1µs (listed) |
| Listed Operating Temperature |
0°C to +55°C |
| Idle Current |
Approximately 10mA |
| No-Load Operating Current |
Approximately 170mA |
| Stall Current |
Approximately 1200mA |
| Dimensions |
40.7 × 19.7 × 42.9mm |
| Weight |
Approximately 55g |
| Cable Length |
32cm |
| Connector |
3-Pin JR/Futaba-Compatible |
| Control Signal |
PWM Servo Pulses |
| Typical Control Frequency |
50Hz |
| Power Supply |
External Regulated DC Supply |
Note: The values above are based on the supplied product specifications. Actual performance may vary with load, supply voltage, and manufacturer version.
Wire Configuration
| Wire Color |
Function |
Connection |
| Red |
Positive Power |
4.8V–6.6V DC |
| Brown / Black |
Ground |
GND |
| Orange / Yellow / White |
Control Signal |
Servo PWM Output |
Arduino UNO Connection Example
| MG946R Servo |
Arduino UNO |
| Red Wire |
External Regulated 5V–6V Supply |
| Brown / Black Wire |
External Supply GND |
| Orange / Yellow Wire |
Digital Pin D9 |
| External Supply GND |
Arduino GND |
Connection Instructions:
- Connect the servo's red wire to a suitable external regulated power supply.
- Connect the servo ground wire to the external power supply ground.
- Connect the servo signal wire to Arduino digital pin D9.
- Connect Arduino GND to the external power supply ground.
- Install or enable the Arduino Servo library.
- Upload the control program and test the servo using a limited movement range.
- Increase the movement range gradually while checking for mechanical interference.
Important: The listed stall current is approximately 1.2A. Select a power supply with sufficient current capacity and avoid powering the servo directly from an Arduino 5V pin.
Arduino Example Code
#include <Servo.h>
Servo myServo;
void setup() {
myServo.attach(9);
myServo.write(90);
delay(1000);
}
void loop() {
myServo.write(45);
delay(1000);
myServo.write(90);
delay(1000);
myServo.write(135);
delay(1000);
}
This example demonstrates positional servo control using the Arduino Servo library.
Note: Actual angular travel depends on the servo's pulse-width limits and mechanical configuration. Avoid commanding positions beyond the supported range.
Applications
- Robotic arms and grippers
- Arduino robotics projects
- RC cars and steering mechanisms
- RC boats and mechanical control systems
- Robotic joints and linkages
- Pan-and-tilt mechanisms
- Mechanical positioning systems
- Educational robotics
- DIY automation projects
- Embedded motion control
- Servo-controlled mechanisms
- Engineering prototypes
Important Notes
- The MG946R is a positional servo motor, not a continuous rotation servo.
- The nominal 180° rotation range depends on the servo version and supported PWM pulse widths.
- The listed torque values are stall-torque ratings and should not be treated as continuous operating torque.
- Use a regulated external power supply capable of handling startup and peak current.
- Do not connect the servo motor directly to a microcontroller GPIO power output.
- The servo controller and external power supply must share a common ground.
- Operating near stall conditions for extended periods can cause overheating and mechanical damage.
- Avoid forcing the output shaft beyond its mechanical limits.
- The 1µs dead-band specification describes control sensitivity and does not guarantee absolute positioning accuracy.
- Servo speed depends on operating voltage, load, and mechanical conditions.
- The MG946R is not waterproof unless specifically stated by the manufacturer.
- For ESP32 and Raspberry Pi applications, use a suitable servo PWM output or dedicated servo controller.
- Confirm servo horn compatibility and mechanical dimensions before installation.
- The servo's internal feedback system does not provide external position feedback to the microcontroller.
Package Includes