Servo, DS160CLHV

Description

This DS160CLHV is one of 4 ProModeler mini-size digital servo alternatives. Sharing the same hybrid construction as the DS110CLHV, this one is rated at 160oz-in instead of 110oz-in. Featuring the same look due to hybrid (plastic/aluminum) construction, the 160 and 110 have coreless motors. Costlier alternatives in the mini-class include the 160BLHV and 205BLHV.

More expensive due to an all-aluminum case, these also have brushless motors and an up-rated gear train. Anyway, outputting 160 oz-in and transiting in 0.06 sec/60°, many pilots view this DS160CLHV as our best compromise of all possible features in the mini-class. Perhaps you will also.

Note; minis like this are ideal for 60-inch span 3D planes from the likes of Extreme Flight. They’re also good in 80N jets and EDFs, old school 60-size pattern planes, pylon racers, 1/12th scale racers, plus 500-class helicopters.

Don’t let its mini size fool you because this digital servo packs a punch. After all, 160 oz is the same as 10 lbs . . . or more than the models themselves may weigh! This means you can use them in a 89″ P-51 Mustang if you’re savvy enough to realize size isn’t everything. Of course, a serious pilot’s overriding concerns revolve around how well it centers and what it weighs, right? With respect to centering, due to our using a genuine Japanese Nobel potentiometer (the best money can buy) along with MIL-SPEC components, you get the best centering in the industry. And since the case is made of CNC-machined aircraft aluminum plus impact resistant engineering polymer (reinforced with bronze bushings at the steel gear shafts pockets), you get lust-worthy light weight plus slop-free performance that endures season after season.

Better components. Better servos. The formula is simple. Decisions regarding what go into ProModeler servos aren’t made in accounting to optimize price and profit, but in engineering. The reasonable price comes about because of a better business model that eschews the old way of doing things (importer + distributor + hobby dealers). Why? it’s because they all get a cut at your expense. With us you’re smartly cutting out the middlemen by dealing direct so you save money while getting a better servo!

Note: operating voltage is 4.8-8.4V, but optimal performance is obtained with a 2S LiPo instead of a BEC. This is because LiPos deliver the required current without voltage spikes, noise, or otherwise adversely affecting the delicate avionics (25C or better is recommended). After all, synthetic orange
colored Tang may have gone to the moon, but it doesn’t compare to freshly squeezed orange juice. Same thing when it comes to feeding your avionics!

Other Resources

For detailed specifications and dimension drawings, select the Specs tab above. Also, there’s an even-handed look at the competition in the Comparison tab. Meanwhile, TL;DR is chock full of nitty-gritty details so if you love delving deeply into stuff some find too tedious to read, don’t overlook this tab.

Note; when the trade off between reduced torque for greater speed is attractive, eyeball our DS110CLHV because it’s basically the same servo (but with different gearing). Outputting 110 oz-in at an über speedy 0.035sec/60° this servo is actually fast enough for tail rotor use – just be sure to verify your gyro supports a servo with a 1520?s neutral (most do). Anyway, aggressive 3D pilots really favor this servo.

Finally, if the thought of mini-size servos – but with brushless instead of coreless motors – are your cup of tea, our DS160BLHV and DS085BLHV (760?s) are the very top-of-the food chain. Thing is, they go for nearly 100 bucks a pop so they’re not for everybody. However, with an all-aluminum case plus a brushless motor, these are our take-no-prisoners approach to a mini-size servo for those who want the very best . . . and damn the expense! You know who you are.

Note:

These are mini-size servos with very small gears and operating them manually via the servo horn may damage them. This damage is not covered by warranty. Please do not treat these like a standard size servos. You’ve been warned. Also, operating voltage is 4.8-8.4V, but optimal performance is obtained with a 2S LiPo instead of a BEC. This is because LiPos deliver the required current without voltage spikes, noise, or otherwise adversely affecting the delicate avionics (15C or better is recommended). After all, synthetic orange colored Tang may have gone to the moon, but it doesn’t compare to freshly squeezed orange juice. Same thing when it comes to feeding your avionics!