16-Channel PWM Servo HAT for Sale in South Africa - Local Stock & Support at Communica

Control Multiple Servos with Ease

Whether you're building a robotics arm, animatronics project, or an IoT prototype, precise control of multiple servos is essential. The 16-Channel PWM Servo HAT offers a plug-and-play expansion for Raspberry Pi and other compatible single-board computers (SBCs), allowing you to drive up to sixteen standard servos or PWM outputs independently. This is invaluable for South African makers, education labs, and industrial automation prototypes requiring scalable and reliable motion control.

Key Features

• Based on the PCA9685 controller for accurate, jitter-free PWM output
• Powers and controls up to 16 servos from a single Pi HAT slot-no complex wiring
• Chainable: Stack multiple HATs for even more channels when needed
• Wide operating voltage for both logic and servo rails (typically 3.3V/5V logic, 5-6V power for servos)
• Compatible with Raspberry Pi models (A+, B+, Pi 2, Pi 3, Pi 4, Zero, Zero W)
• Open-source Python and C libraries for rapid setup and control

Communica stocks 16-channel PWM Servo HATs from popular brands such as Adafruit and SB Components, making it easy to source parts, accessories, and support locally without international shipping delays or customs.

Typical Applications

• Robotic arms and grippers for STEM education
• Animatronic heads and kinetic art installations
• DIY home automation blinds or vents
• Model railway points and signals
• Raspberry Pi-powered drone control

Technical Specifications

Servo Power Considerations

When operating multiple servos, total current draw adds up quickly. If each micro servo draws 500 mA at peak and you use 8 servos, supply:

Total Current = Number of Servos x Peak Current per Servo = 8 x 0.5A = 4A

For larger standard servos, make sure to size your 5-6V DC power supply accordingly. Communica stocks suitable mains adapters and fused cabling in the Power Supplies collection.

Wiring Example (Basic ASCII Layout)

Raspberry Pi GPIO Header
   |
[16ch PWM HAT]---[External 5V DC Supply]
  |           |\
Servo 1    Servo 2 ... Servo 16

Quick Selection & Local Buying Tips

• Check local stock on Communica's Robotics & Prototyping collection page
• Filter by brand (e.g. Adafruit, Waveshare, SB Components) for trusted quality
• Pick up from Samrand, Pretoria, or Cape Town branches after reserving online
• Bundle with breadboards, jumper cables, and suitable power adapters for a full build

Sources

• Adafruit 16-Channel PWM/Servo HAT Product Page
• Raspberry Pi PWM Servo HAT Documentation
• Communica Robotics & Prototyping Collection
• Communica Branches & Trading Hours
• NXP PCA9685 Datasheet