MG996R 9KG 180 Degree High Torque Servo Motor

Specifications

• Operating Voltage: 4.8V to 7.2V DC (5V or 6V Recommended)
• Stall Torque (4.8V): 9.4 kg-cm (130.5 oz-in)
• Stall Torque (6.0V): 11 kg-cm (152.8 oz-in)
• Operating Speed (4.8V): 0.19 sec/60 degrees (at no load)
• Operating Speed (6.0V): 0.15 sec/60 degrees (at no load)
• Rotation Angle: 180 Degrees (0 to 180 sweep)
• Gear Type: All Metal Gears (Brass & Aluminum)
• Bearing Type: Dual Ball Bearing
• Weight: 55 grams
• Spline Count: 25T (Standard Futaba size)
• Connector Wire Length: ~300mm (JR/Futaba universal connector)

Applications

• Robotic Arms & Hexapods: The primary choice for elbow and shoulder joints requiring high holding torque.
• RC Vehicles (Cars, Trucks, Buggies): Excellent for 1/10 and 1/8 scale steering mechanisms handling rough terrain.
• Pan & Tilt Mechanisms: Stable movement for heavy cameras or large sensor arrays.
• Automated Dispensers & Latches: Reliable actuation for heavy mechanical locks or feeding systems.
• Animatronics: Smooth, sweeping motions for large-scale displays.

Unlock New Capabilities

• If you've mastered the basic SG90 9g Micro Servo for sweeping ultrasonic sensors or moving small flags.
• This MG996R unlocks: Heavy lifting. You can now build multi-axis robotic arms capable of picking up actual objects, direct-drive large RC steering columns, and actuate significant mechanical loads.
• Effort/Requirements: Intermediate. Unlike tiny servos, the MG996R draws significant current (up to 900mA+ under load, and over 1.2A stall). You CANNOT power this directly from an Arduino's 5V pin. You will need a dedicated external power supply (like a 2A or 3A buck converter or a 6V battery pack) and must tie the grounds together.

Virtual Technician & Wiring

• ⚠️ CRITICAL WARNING: Do not draw power for the MG996R directly from your microcontroller (Arduino, ESP32, Raspberry Pi). The current draw will cause a brownout, resetting your board, or potentially frying the voltage regulator. Always use an external power source!

Standard Wiring Guide:

• Brown Wire: Ground (Connect to External Power Supply GND AND Microcontroller GND)
• Red Wire: VCC / Power (Connect to External Power Supply Positive, 4.8V - 7.2V)
• Orange Wire: PWM Signal (Connect to Microcontroller PWM Pin, e.g., Arduino Pin 9)

Package Includes:

• 1 x MG996R 9KG 180 Degree High Torque Servo Motor

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

• Can I power the MG996R directly from my Arduino?
  No. It draws too much current (often >1A under load). Use a dedicated external power supply (5V-6V) and connect the grounds.
• What is the difference between MG995 and MG996R?
  The MG996R is an upgraded version. It has a redesigned PCB and IC, resulting in better centering accuracy, smoother movement, and less "jitter" than the older MG995.
• Is this a 180-degree or 360-degree continuous rotation servo?
  This specific model is a 180-degree positional servo. You command it to a specific angle between 0 and 180 degrees, and it holds that position.
• What does "9KG torque" mean?
  It means at a distance of 1 cm from the center of the servo shaft, the motor can hold a weight of 9 kilograms (when powered at 4.8V).
• What type of gears are inside?
  The MG996R features an all-metal gear train, typically a combination of brass and aluminum, for high durability under load.
• Does it fit standard RC mounts?
  Yes, it fits standard 1/10 and 1/8 scale RC mounting points. Dimensions are 40.7 x 19.7 x 42.9 mm.
• What is the spline count for the servo horn?
  It uses a standard 25-Tooth (25T) spline, compatible with Futaba and many aftermarket metal horns.
• Why is my servo jittering or buzzing when sitting still?
  This usually indicates a power supply issue (not enough current), or the servo is constantly fighting a mechanical load to maintain its commanded position. Ensure your power supply is rated for at least 2A.
• Can I use this with an ESP32 or Raspberry Pi (3.3V logic)?
  Yes, the control signal (Orange wire) can usually be driven by 3.3V logic, but the power (Red wire) MUST be at least 4.8V from an external source.
• Is the MG996R waterproof?
  No, it is not waterproof. Do not submerge it or use it in heavy rain without custom waterproofing enclosures.
• What is the maximum safe voltage?
  The maximum rated voltage is 7.2V. Exceeding this will burn out the internal motor or control board. 6.0V is the sweet spot for maximum safe performance.
• Why do the plastic horns strip easily?
  While the internal gears are metal, the included horns are plastic. Under extreme loads (nearing the 9kg limit), the metal spline will strip the plastic horn. Upgrade to an aluminum 25T horn for heavy applications.
• How long are the wires attached to the servo?
  The built-in cable is approximately 30cm (300mm) long with a standard JR-style female connector.
• What PWM frequency does this servo expect?
  It operates on a standard 50Hz PWM signal (a 20ms period).
• What pulse width corresponds to 0 and 180 degrees?
  Typically, a pulse width of 1000 µs (1ms) corresponds to 0 degrees, and 2000 µs (2ms) corresponds to 180 degrees. 1500 µs is dead center (90 degrees).
• Are there ball bearings inside?
  Yes, the MG996R features dual ball bearings on the output shaft for smoother rotation and reduced friction under heavy lateral loads.
• Can I convert this to continuous rotation?
  While technically possible by disassembling it, removing the physical stop, and modifying the potentiometer, we highly recommend buying a purpose-built 360-degree continuous rotation servo instead.