This DS180DLHV outputs 180oz-in of torque. It's one of five in the DL-series. These are as alike as 5-peas in a pod. By this meaning they're built exactly the same.
Point being, it doesn't matter whether you disassemble a 90oz-in, 130oz-in, 180oz-in, 270oz-in, or 360oz-in DL-series servo, once you've seen one, you've seen them all.
Reason is, they're all built on the same chassis, or center case. They also share the same bronze reinforced polymer upper case, stainless steel gear train (different ratios), plus the polymer electronics cover.
Fundamental differences come down to both their respective gear ratio and the actual motor itself. Both of these are the factors, which affect output torque and speed. So basically, all five are the same-same construction-wise.
What you get
Speaking to the aluminum center case, we call it the porcupine because we use so many assembly bolts (ten in total, six for the transmission section, plus four more for the electronic cover). Point being, the center case component is the foundation element to which everything is bolted. Instead of being cheap molded plastic, it's CNC-machined from a solid billet of 6061-T6 aircraft aluminum.
Note; cooling fins are milled into the case to help the servo shed head better when it's working hard.
Also, take note of the tiny o-rings beneath the bolt heads.
By the way, our DL-series servos are - by far - our most popular servos. Something like 80% of total sales within the standard-class are DL-series. The other series exist for specialized purposes.
Means odds are pretty high, depending on who you are as a pilot, the maneuvers you like to perform, and your budget, selecting from amongst the DL-series will probably suit you perfectly.
Major point being, servos don't know in what they're installed. So there's no such thing as car-servos, or servos for helicopters, or airplanes.
As regards fixed wing models (airplanes), servos don't care if they're installed in a trainer, sport model, warbird, or turbine. The only thing that matters is the model's size (so you aren't torque limited because DL-series only extend to 360oz-in), plus how you intend to fly it, and your budget.
Don't believe me? Then take it from a repeat customer!
Let's touch on a little bit about these, and then we'll help you figure out if you're a candidate for a set of DL-series, or something else. First thing you need to know is what the part number on the label means.
For example, the DS180DLHV label breaks down the letter number combination to inform you of what it is. Why does this matters? Simple, it's because of one major benefit. You don't need to consult the internet to suss out what you've got in your hands.
Like maybe a few years later when the model in which they were originally installed is long gone. Picture this; you're rooting around in your servo drawer for something for a new model. So because our model numbers are actually useful (because they describe what they are), you don't need to waste time looking it up to suss out what you've got . . . the label tells you everything!
And yes, we recognize DL-series servos may seem like they're expensive because a full set will adds up to a lot of dough. So while we're truly sorry about this, it can't be helped. Reason is we go the extra mile to which, ordinary imports don't go.
What does the extra mile mean? Examples include an alloy center case with cooling fins, Allen head bolts (instead of cheap Phillips). Speaking of the bolt, these have o-rings beneath each head!
But there's more.
For example, another benefit to owning a set of DL-series servos is they meet these 8 different MIL-STDS. Is this important to you? Depends, but for sure it's a big deal for our primary customer.
What else do you get? Servos where the PCB (printed circuit board) is protected against vibration and shock. Who cares? You should! Why is this?
Simple, it's because engines vibrate and the vibrations propagate throughout the air frame. Added to which, airframes themselves also vibrate due to aerodynamic loading (maneuvers). Also, steering servos in RC cars and trucks experience a special kind of hell, as do servos used for nose gear steering, which similarly, absorb a ton of shock from the landing gear strut.
Bottom line? The world of servos isn't an especially kind place!
Added to which, and hopefully it never happens to you - but - we've knocked one off the workbench. So this added protection of the electronics is important because it's not the fall that hurts . . . it's the sudden stop! Hence, we use potting compound for added protection of the delicate electronic components.
Added protection
Potting compound is the white stuff slathered all over the PCB. The stuff oozes in between components before it sets up.
After is sets up, it protects against shock and vibration. Less well built servos don't give you this level of protection (maybe because it costs extra money, and maybe being as it's inside, you'll never know).
So we've touched on the center case, and the electronics, what about the gear train? With less well made servos you'll see mention of all-metal gears. Thing is metals include aluminum, brass, and steel. And amongst all of these materials, there are also different grades.
Gear train and seal
For example, with your DL-series servos you're not just getting all-steel but rugged stainless steel gears.
Can you believe it gets better? It does because while it's a small touch, after the bull (big) and pinion (little) gears are pressed together, they get spot welded, too for added reliability.
So now let's look at other the small details. Speaking about more of the stuff hidden inside of the servos, which other manufacturers don't show you. As for why not, while we have an opinion (because like belly buttons, we all have one) we'll leave it to you to speculate. Meanwhile, it's said the God is in the details.
And nowhere is this more true that with the transmission section reinforcement. So next, let's touch on how you benefit from bronze inserts.
Hardpoints
The major benefit of using plastic is it helps hold down cost. It's also very light. The downside is it's not especially strong. So to reinforce the polymer case components against the wear and tear accumulated over the years (and to help protect against sudden shock and impact), another example of ProModeler going the extra mile is we Swiss turn bronze inserts. These serve as hardpoints to strengthen the polymer components.
And just like that, by reinforcing where the steel gear shafts are fitted within the transmission section, the hardpoints increase the strength of material against which the shafts fit. Now, instead of the shafts bearing against plastic (80MPa) the loads are transmitted instead through bronze (470MPa).
Basically, you get the strength of an all metal case without the added expense (or weight).
Wrap up
We like to say the reason you get servos is we use better parts. We've even made this our slogan.
Component parts where we feel you get more include better center case, better transmission section, better PCB, better gears, better bolts, better o-rings and seals . . . just flat out better than the other guys. Thing is, all that matters is what you think! So how do we compare to the other guys?
If you'd like to delve deeper, e.g. to see exactly how we actually compare and contrast (apples-to-apples) against maybe the world's most popular servo, then review this;
And to learn more about RC servo motors, what drives the servo itself, then review these two articles;
So that's it. If you have further questions, reach out by phone or email. Tell us what model it is you have in mind, how you like to fly, and we'll be glad to help guide you.
