Item specifics
Description
MG996R MG995 Product Overview
The MG996R and MG995 are classic high‑torque analog servos widely used in robotics, RC models (cars, boats, airplanes), and robotic arms. The MG995 delivers 13kg/cm torque (at 6V), while the MG996R is an upgraded version offering 11kg/cm torque (at 6V) with faster response. Both feature metal copper gears and coreless motors for durability and long life. Operating voltage ranges from 3 to 7.2V, with a maximum rotation angle of 180 degrees, dead‑band around 4‑5µs, and JR/FUTABA compatible connectors. Suitable for 1/10, 1/8 RC cars, biped robots, robotic arms, and fixed‑wing aircraft.
MG996R MG995 Core Features
High Torque Output： MG995 provides 13kg/cm at 6V; MG996R (upgraded) provides 11kg/cm at 6V with faster speed (0.14s/60° vs 0.13s/60°). Both can easily drive robot arm joints, steering linkages, and control surfaces.
Metal Copper Gears + Coreless Motor： Full metal (copper) gears resist wear and impact, lasting longer than plastic gears. Coreless motor offers high power density, fast response, and lower energy consumption.
Wide Operating Voltage： Supports 3V‑7.2V, compatible with 2S LiPo (7.4V with caution) or 4.8‑6V NiMH/regulated supplies. Best performance at 6V.
180° Rotation Angle： Maximum angle approx. 180°, meeting most steering, joint, and rotation control needs. Precise position control via PWM signal.
Standard Size & Mounting： 40.7×19.7×42.9mm, 55g – standard medium servo size, compatible with common servo brackets and mounts. Includes servo horns, screws, vibration‑damping grommets, etc.
Wide Operating Temperature： MG995: -30℃ to +60℃; MG996R: 0℃ to 55℃ (mainland version). Suitable for cold or hot environments.
Multiple Gear Material Options： Available in metal gear or plastic gear versions (for select models) – choose based on load and budget.
Compatible with RC Equipment： JR/FUTABA universal connector. Works with standard receivers or servo controllers via PWM signal (20ms period, 0.5‑2.5ms pulse width for 0‑180°).
MG996R MG995 Applications
RC Cars & Boats： Steering control for 1/10, 1/8 touring cars, off‑road trucks, monster trucks, rock crawlers, RC boats – fast, precise steering response.
Robot Joint Drive： Joint motion for biped robots, robotic arms, mechanical hands – 11‑13kg torque sufficient for light to medium mechanisms.
Fixed‑Wing Aircraft/Helicopters： Control surface actuation (aileron, elevator, rudder) for 50‑90 grade methanol planes and 26‑50cc gasoline planes.
Industrial/Educational Robotics： Arduino/STM32‑controlled robotic arms, pan‑tilt units, grippers – simple PWM control and rich libraries.
DIY Maker Projects： Robotic hands, actuated doors, simulator cockpits, etc. with servo driver boards.
MG996R MG995 Key Advantages
High Torque at Low Cost： MG995 and MG996R offer 10+ kg/cm torque at an affordable price, ideal for entry‑level robotics and model steering – far better value than similarly sized high‑end digital servos.
Durable Metal Gears： Metal gears resist stripping far better than plastic, making them suitable for high‑load, high‑impact model and robot applications.
MG996R – Upgraded Version of MG995： Faster response and smoother operation with smaller dead‑band (5µs), making it a drop‑in upgrade for MG995.
Multiple Gear Material Versions： Choose metal gears for heavy loads or plastic gears for cost‑sensitive, light‑duty projects.
Standard Size for Easy Installation： Compatible with common servo brackets and mounting holes, easy to swap or integrate into existing designs. Abundant accessories available.
Excellent Open‑Source Support： Arduino’s Servo library, STM32 PWM drivers, and Raspberry Pi pigpio – simple code and plenty of project references.
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FAQ:
What is the difference between the MG995 and MG996R servo? Which one is better?
Both are high‑torque metal‑gear servos with a similar form factor. The MG996R is the updated version of the MG995, featuring a redesigned PCB, improved controller IC, and a smaller dead‑band. In practice, the MG996R has less jitter, smoother rotation, and slightly better centering accuracy. Both can deliver around 10 kg·cm at 4.8 V and up to 13 kg·cm at 6 V. If you are starting a new project, the MG996R is the recommended choice, but the MG995 remains widely used in existing designs.
What is the operating voltage range of the MG996R/MG995 servo, and how much torque does it produce?
The servos are rated for 4.8 V to 6.0 V DC. At 4.8 V, the torque is approximately 9–10 kg·cm; at 6.0 V, the torque rises to 12–13 kg·cm. Many users run them at 7.2 V from a fully charged 2S Li‑po battery, but this exceeds the manufacturer's specification and can cause overheating or premature gear wear. For reliable long‑term operation, keep the supply voltage at 6 V or below and use a dedicated high‑current power source (at least 2 A per servo under load).
Can I power the MG996R directly from an Arduino 5 V pin? Why does the servo cause the Arduino to reset?
Never power an MG996R or MG995 from the Arduino's on‑board 5 V regulator. These servos can draw 1–2 A under load, which far exceeds the Arduino's maximum current (typically 500 mA). The voltage drop will cause the Arduino to brown‑out and reset. Always use a separate battery or bench power supply for the servo, and connect the servo's ground to the Arduino GND to share the reference. The PWM signal (white/orange wire) connects directly to a digital pin on the microcontroller.
What is the standard PWM control signal for the MG996R? How do I set the angle?
The servo is controlled by a 50 Hz PWM signal. A pulse width of 1.0 ms typically corresponds to 0°, 1.5 ms to 90°, and 2.0 ms to 180°. The exact pulse range may vary slightly between individual servos. Using the Arduino `Servo` library, you simply call `servo.write(angle)` and the library generates the correct pulse. The default library assumes a pulse range of 544–2400 µs for full travel.
Is the MG996R a 180‑degree or 360‑degree servo? Can I make it rotate continuously?
The standard MG996R and MG995 are both 180‑degree (or slightly less) position‑control servos; they move to a specific angle within that range. If you need a servo that rotates continuously, you must purchase a dedicated 360‑degree version (which is actually a speed‑controller servo, not a position servo). Do not attempt to mechanically modify a 180‑degree servo for continuous rotation unless you are experienced—the internal potentiometer stop must be removed and the pot replaced with a fixed resistor divider.
Why does my MG996R jitter or overshoot when holding a position? How can I fix it?
Jitter and overshoot are usually caused by one of three things: (1) an unstable or too‑low supply voltage under load; (2) a noisy or imprecise PWM signal; or (3) a dead‑band that is too narrow for the load. First, check the power supply with an oscilloscope or a large capacitor (1000 µF) across the servo supply terminals. In software, you can read the exact angle command and avoid sending the same value repeatedly if the position hasn't changed. Some jitter is inherent to analog‑feedback servos, but the MG996R's improved controller makes it noticeably smoother than the MG995.
Are the gears in the MG996R/MG995 truly all metal? Can they strip under load?
The servo uses a metal output shaft and a mix of metal and plastic gears. The primary drive gears are hardened steel, but there is usually one sacrificial plastic gear designed to protect the motor and electronics from severe overload. The servo can handle high torque, but if the load exceeds its mechanical limit (e.g., the steering linkage on a large RC car hits an obstacle), the plastic gear may strip. This is a deliberate design choice to prevent damage to the more expensive motor and controller board.
How does the MG996R compare to a micro servo like the SG90? When should I upgrade?
The SG90 is a small plastic‑geared servo with a torque of about 1.2 kg·cm—approximately one‑tenth of the MG996R. The SG90 is suitable for lightweight, low‑power applications such as moving a small sensor or a miniature pan‑tilt. The MG996R is designed for heavy‑duty tasks: steering mechanisms in RC cars, robotic arms, boat rudders, and industrial grippers. If your project requires more than 1 kg·cm of torque or needs to withstand shock and vibration, switch to the MG996R.
Can I control two or more MG996R servos from a single Arduino? How do I wire them?
Yes, you can control up to 12 servos with the standard Arduino `Servo` library. Each servo needs its own signal wire connected to a separate PWM‑capable digital pin. For the power wiring, run a thick (AWG 18‑22) red wire from the external battery or BEC to all the servo red wires, and a similar black wire for the grounds. The Arduino's GND must be connected to this common ground. Never daisy‑chain the power through the Arduino; always supply the servos from a parallel power bus.
What are the most common applications for the MG996R/MG995 in robotics and RC vehicles?
These servos are used in 1/8 and 1/10‑scale RC cars for steering, in RC boats for rudder control, in robotic arms for joint actuation, in bipedal and hexapod walking robots, in automatic door locks, and in heavy‑duty pan‑tilt camera mounts. Their combination of high torque, metal gears, and low cost makes them a workhorse for any project that needs reliable, powerful position control under load.