Controlling a Servo with a Raspberry Pi 3

[AntiqueStructure]

So I have a raspberry pi 3, and a servo (DGServo 8g to be exact) with the normal 3 pins. I have read guides online with people using a breadboard and external battery to control them. However is it possible to allow them to work by plugging them in directly to the GPIO pins rather than buying a breadboard, battery , etc?

Thanks

[iamdarkyoshi]

If I remember correctly, don't they just need a ground connection, power (+5V) and a PWM input? If so, connect the ground pin to ground, +5V to +5V, and the PWM pin to an output pin that has PWM control. Never worked with a pi, but I would imagine its the same concept as an arduino would have

[NinjaJc01]

13 minutes ago, iamdarkyoshi said:

If I remember correctly, don't they just need a ground connection, power (+5V) and a PWM input? If so, connect the ground pin to ground, +5V to +5V, and the PWM pin to an output pin that has PWM control. Never worked with a pi, but I would imagine its the same concept as an arduino would have

Yep. This.

[bob345]

The gpio pins may not supply enough amperage to control a servo. Best way would be to use a dedicated pwm servo/motor controller so you dont run the risk of damaging the rpi by pulling too much current. If i remember correctly, the gpio pins are directly connected to the main ic with little to no safety or short protection. Just something you want to keep in mind. Both arduino's and rpi's are not too great at running motors without a separate circuit dedicated for the motor/servo.

[Huntsman]

GPIO on the PI runs on 3.3V, servos run TTL or 6V signalling so you would need a level converter or buffer, which also provides protection. Also, don't bother trying to draw power from the GPIO 5V.