Servo motors are a crucial component in automation, robotics, and various control systems. They are designed for precision control of angular or linear position, velocity, and acceleration. There are three basic types of servo motors: positional rotation motors, continuous rotation motors, and linear motors. Each type has unique characteristics, advantages, and specific applications.
Specifically designed for limited-angle rotation; positional rotation motors usually rotate between 0 and 180 degrees. They contain built-in feedback mechanisms, typically using a potentiometer, to control precise positioning.
Characteristics & Applications
Less than 180 degree rotational movement.
Used for precise angle adjustments
Compact and cost effective
Commonly used in camera gimbals, robotic arms, and small automated systems.
Continuous Rotation Servo Motors
Continuous rotation motors are designed to rotate continuously in either direction, similar to a DC motor but with controllable speed and direction. These do not have position feedback but instead rely on pulse width modulation (PWM) signals to control their speed and direction.
Characteristics & Applications
Has full 360 degree rotational movement in either direction.
Speed and direction controlled via PWM signals.
No built-in position feedback
Used in processes that require continuous movement such as conveyor belts and motorized platforms.
This video explains the difference between positional and continuous servo motors.
Linear Servo Motors
Linear motors convert rotational motion into linear motion, providing precise control over movement in a straight line. These motors are commonly used in applications that require accurate positioning along a linear path.
Characteristics & Applications
Can convert rotational motion into linear motion
Very precise and accurate
Incorporates lead screws, belt drives, and directional actuators
Used in operations that require linear movement such as CNC machines and 3D printers.
Conclusion
Each type of motor serves different applications based on its characteristics and advantages. Positional rotation motors offer precise control for limited-angle movements. Continuous rotation motors provide controllable speed and direction for continuous movement. Finally, linear motors enable precise linear motion control. Understanding these differences helps in selecting the right servo motor for any given application, ensuring efficiency and accuracy in motion control systems.
Some sports fans take a loss in stride, while others…not so much. Whether it’s blaming the refs, talking trash even after the final whistle, or full-blown meltdowns, certain states’ sports fans just feel a defeat more deeply. With high-stakes games and bracket-busting upsets fueling emotions this time of year, the intensity is at an all-time high.
To find out which states have the sorest losers, we surveyed over 2,100 sports fans nationwide, asking them about the sportsmanship—and not-so-sportsmanlike reactions—of fans in their state. The results reveal which states take losses way harder than others.
States Most & Least Likely to Be Sore Losers
We surveyed sports fans across 44 U.S. states, asking 10 questions to gauge their level of sportsmanship, competitiveness, and just how hard they take a big loss. The survey measured everything from trash-talking habits to how often fans blame the refs, whether they’ve been called a sore loser, and even how frequently fights break out during games. Each question was answered on a 1-to-5 scale, with 5 indicating a higher likelihood of sore loser behavior. We then averaged the responses and indexed them into a final sore loser score out of 100 for each state—with higher final scores signaling states where taking an “L” hits the hardest.
These are the five states with the sorest losers, and their respective sore loser scores (out of 100):
Alabama – 93.4
Pennsylvania – 84.1
Massachusetts – 68.1
New Jersey – 67.7
West Virginia – 66.5
When it comes to taking a loss very personally, no one does it quite like Alabama.Topping the list with asore loser score of 93.4, Crimson Tide and Auburn fans bring an unmatched level of passion to every matchup. And when the scoreboard doesn’t go their way? Let’s just say they feel it. More than half of Alabamians (51%) admit to having a total meltdown after a big loss—the only state in the survey where this was the most common reaction. And if you’ve ever heard “the refs blew it!” echoing through an Alabama bar or living room, that checks out too: 33% say they “almost always” blame losses on bad calls, while 41% say they do it “often.” What’s more, 43% of Alabama respondents say they’ve witnessed a sports fan throw a tantrum after a loss more times than they can count.
That intensity isn’t just reserved for college rivalries—it starts early. Alabama parents bring just as much energy to the sidelines of youth sports. A quarter of Alabama respondents (25%) say parents in their state “almost always” get too worked up at kids’ sporting events, while 37% admit they do so “often.” Whether it’s a Saturday in Bryant-Denny or a little league game in Birmingham, one thing is clear: Alabama takes its sports very seriously.
Trailing behind but still bringing the drama are Pennsylvania, Massachusetts, New Jersey, and West Virginia—all states where sports are treated with near-religious devotion. When asked, “Which best describes your state’s sports fanbase?” Pennsylvania respondents were the most likely to choose “We talk trash before and after the game, win or lose”—a sentiment shared by nearly 60% of them. And that competitive spirit doesn’t always go unnoticed. Half of Pennsylvania respondents admit they’ve been called a sore loser at least once or twice, while in neighboring New Jersey, 45% of respondents say the same.
Over in Massachusetts, nearly half of respondents say sports are taken “extremely seriously—every game feels like a big deal.” But if you’re looking for high-intensity matchups, West Virginia might take the crown. More than half (54%) of respondents in the state have witnessed a fight break out during a game they were playing in. And the passion starts early—15% of West Virginia respondents say parents in their state “almost always” get too worked up at kids’ sporting events, while 38% say it happens “often.”
On the opposite end of the spectrum, these are the five states least likely to be sore losers, and their respective sore loser scores (out of 100):
Oregon – 11.8
Idaho – 16.5
Arizona – 24.7
Maine – 30.8
Minnesota – 31.6
Some states accept losses with a bit more grace than others. According to survey results, Oregon is the least likely state to be full of sore losers, with a sore loser score of just 11.8. And the numbers back it up: 56% of Oregonians have never been called a sore loser, and when their team takes a big loss, 67% say they’re unbothered or don’t care at all, simply shrugging it off with an “it’s just a game” mentality. Even trash talk is kept to a minimum—a third (33%) rarely or never talk smack after a loss. And if you’re looking for sports parents who keep their cool, Oregon is the place to be. Not a single respondent said parents in their state “almost always” get too worked up at kids’ sporting events, and only 13% said it happens “often.”
Arizona and Idaho also rank among the least sore loser-prone states, with nearly half of respondents (48% in AZ, 47% in ID) saying they’ve never been called a sore loser. Idaho, in particular, leads the nation in sportsmanship—32% say they’ve never seen a fan throw a tantrum after a loss, the highest percentage of any state. Meanwhile, over in Maine, 64% of respondents say sports fans there don’t dwell on losses, and in Minnesota, 63% describe their fanbase as “passionate but mostly respectful.” Minnesotans also keep their cool in the heat of the game—67% say fights during games almost never break out, while another 20% say it’s rare.
Full State-by-State Ranking
Curious about where your state ranks? Our interactive table below breaks down the full survey results, showing the most common answers for all 10 sore loser-focused questions in each state. You can search for your state or sort by different categories to see which fanbases take losses the hardest—and which ones truly let it go.
Closing Thoughts
At the end of the day, some states take sports losses harder than others—and our survey proves it. Alabama, Pennsylvania, and Massachusetts top the list as the sorest losers, where fans are more likely to blame the refs, talk trash after a loss, and even witness full-blown meltdowns. Meanwhile, Oregon, Idaho, and Arizona keep things cool, proving that not every fanbase lets a tough defeat ruin their day. Whether your state lives for the thrill of competition or takes an “it’s just a game” approach, one thing is clear: sports bring out strong emotions, win or lose.
Just like sports fans rely on their teams to show up and perform, businesses rely on industrial automation systems to keep things running smoothly—because downtime is never an option. At MRO Electric, we specialize in repairing and supplying industrial automation components, helping businesses maintain peak performance even under pressure. Get in touch with us today to keep your operations running at championship level.
Methodology
To find the states with the sorest losers, we conducted a survey of 2,196 U.S. sports fans across 44 states. The survey ran over a one-week period, from February 12 to February 19, 2025. Alaska, Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, Vermont, and Wyoming were excluded from the survey due to limited survey respondents in those states.
For the state ranking portion of our study, we evaluated states across 10 key survey questions that reflect sore loser behaviors, ultimately measuring how sports fans in each state react after a big loss. Questions included their level of trash talk, tendency to blame referees, frequency of being called sore losers, and how often they witness fights during games, among others. Each question was answered on a 1-to-5 scale, with 5 indicating a higher likelihood of sore loser behavior. We then averaged the responses and indexed them into a final sore loser score out of 100 for each state—with higher final scores signaling states most likely to be sore losers.
In industrial automation, servo amplifiers play a crucial role in motion control systems. They ensure precise motor operation by controlling voltage and current. One of the key distinctions in servo amplifier operation is whether they use open-loop or closed-loop control. These two control strategies significantly impact system performance, accuracy, and efficiency. Understanding their differences is essential for selecting the right control method for specific applications.
Before getting into the nitty gritty of knowing the differences between open and closed-loop systems, it’s probably important to establish what a loop control system is in regards to servo amplifiers. Aloop control system for a servo amplifier regulates the operation of a motor by adjusting voltage and current based on a control algorithm. This system ensures the motor performs as intended by operating in either an open-loop or closed-loop configuration.
Open-Loop Control System
An open-loop control system operates without feedback, meaning the servo amplifier sends commands to the motor without verifying whether the desired motion has been achieved. This approach is simpler and cost-effective, often used in applications where high precision is not a priority. Open-loop systems are commonly found in stepper motor applications, where a predefined sequence of electrical pulses determines movement. However, these systems are susceptible to inaccuracies due to external disturbances, such as load variations or mechanical wear, since they lack a mechanism to correct errors.
Closed-Loop Control System
A closed-loop control system continuously monitors and adjusts motor performance. They perform this using real-time feedback from sensors like encoders or resolvers. Unlike open-loop systems, closed-loop control measures actual motor position, speed, or torque and compares it to the desired set-point. This allows the servo amplifier to make instant corrections if deviations occur. The results are higher accuracy, improved stability, and better responsiveness. This makes closed-loop systems ideal for precision applications such as robotics, CNC machines, and industrial automation. By compensating for disturbances, mechanical variations, and load changes, closed-loop servo amplifiers enhance reliability and efficiency, though they require more complex hardware and tuning compared to open-loop systems.
Conclusion
The choice between open-loop and closed-loop control ultimately depends on the application’s requirements. Open-loop systems are suitable for cost-sensitive applications where precision is not critical. In contrast, closed-loop systems excel in environments demanding accuracy, adaptability, and reliability. As automation technology advances, closed-loop control is becoming increasingly prevalent, offering enhanced efficiency and performance across various industries.
Having Issues With Your Servo Amplifier?
Do you have a servo amplifier not breaking down or not working? Let our team of experts help you get back up and running as soon as possible. Call us: 800) 691-8511 or email: sales@mroelectric.com
Fanuc servo amplifiers are widely used in CNC machines, offering precise control and high efficiency. However, like any complex system, they can encounter faults, with specific alarm codes indicating different issues. One such alarm isCode 8, which signals anabnormal current detection in the servo system.
Alarm Code 8 on a Fanuc servo amplifier typically indicates an overcurrent condition in the motor or drive system. This means that excessive current is flowing through the servo amplifier, which can lead to potential damage if not addressed promptly. The amplifier detects this anomaly and shuts down the system to prevent further harm.
Common Causes of Alarm Code 8
Several factors can contribute to an overcurrent condition in a Fanuc servo system, including:
Fanuc Alarm Code 8
Motor Short Circuit – A short circuit in the motor windings can cause excessive current draw, leading to the alarm.
Damaged Power Cables – If the cables between the servo amplifier and the motor are frayed, pinched, or shorted, they can create an overcurrent situation.
Faulty Servo Amplifier – Internal component failure, such as a defective IGBT (Insulated Gate Bipolar Transistor) or power module, may trigger this alarm.
Mechanical Overload – Excessive load on the motor, such as a jammed or misaligned mechanical system, can cause it to draw more current than normal.
Incorrect Parameter Settings – Improperly set servo parameters, such as excessive gain values or current limits, can lead to overcurrent faults.
Contaminants or Moisture – Dust, oil, or moisture inside the servo amplifier can cause short circuits and lead to overcurrent conditions.
Troubleshooting Steps
1. Power Cycle the System
Turn off the machine and disconnect power.
Wait a few minutes, then power it back on to see if the alarm clears.
If the issue persists, continue with further diagnostics.
2. Inspect Cables and Connections
Check the motor power cables for damage, loose connections, or wear.
Ensure the grounding is secure and properly connected.
3. Check for Motor Short Circuits
Use a multimeter to measure resistance between motor phases and between each phase and ground.
A very low resistance reading indicates a potential short circuit.
4. Examine the Servo Amplifier
Look for burnt or damaged components on the amplifier board.
Check for signs of contamination, such as dust, oil, or moisture.
5. Reduce Load and Verify Mechanics
Ensure the motor isn’t overloaded or jammed.
Manually move the axis to check for mechanical resistance.
6. Verify Parameter Settings
Check the CNC control parameters related to the servo system.
Restore default settings if any recent changes were made.
7. Swap Components for Testing
If you have a spare amplifier or motor, swap them one at a time to isolate the faulty component.
Conclusion
Fanuc servo amplifier Alarm Code 8 is a critical warning that requires immediate attention to prevent damage to the motor or drive system. By systematically troubleshooting the issue—checking cables, inspecting components, and verifying parameters—you can identify and resolve the root cause.
By understanding this alarm and taking the right corrective actions, you can minimize downtime and maintain the reliability of your CNC machine.
If your Fanuc is experiencing a different alarm code, then this previous article written covers various alarm codes that you may be able to diagnose.
Having Problems with Your Fanuc?
Do you have a Fanuc that is throwing more than just an Alarm 8? Let our team of experts help get you back up and operational quickly. Contact us via email: sales@mroelectric.com or phone: (800) 691-8511
Servo amplifiers are critical components in motion control systems, translating low-power control signals into the high-power outputs needed to drive servo motors. To ensure long-term performance, efficiency, and reliability, maintaining the optimal operational temperature of these devices is essential. This article explores the importance of temperature management for servo amplifiers, the ideal operating range, and strategies to mitigate thermal issues.
Servo amplifiers generate heat during operation due to electrical resistance and power conversion processes. Excessive heat can lead to reduced efficiency, shorter lifespan, and system failure.
Reduced Efficiency High temperatures can increase resistance which in turn reduces the operational efficiency of your system.
Shorter Lifespan Extreme heat accelerates wear on components like capacitors and transistors. This reduces the overall operational lifespan of equipment.
System Failure Overheating can trigger thermal shutdowns or cause permanent damage to the amplifier.
Operational Temperature Range
Manufacturers typically specify an optimal temperature range for their servo amplifiers, often between 0°C and 50°C (32°F to 122°F). However, the exact range can vary based on the design, application, and environment. Maintaining devices within this range ensures the performance, reliability, and longevity of your equipment. Be sure to consult your owners manual regarding operational temperatures.
Factors Influencing Operational Temperatures
Environmental Conditions:
Ambient temperature plays a significant role in how well a servo amplifier dissipates heat.
Humidity and dust can further impact thermal performance by reducing the effectiveness of heat dissipation mechanisms.
Load and Duty Cycle:
Continuous or high-power operation generates more heat compared to intermittent or low-power use.
Applications requiring frequent acceleration and deceleration add to thermal stress.
Ventilation and Cooling:
Insufficient airflow or obstructed ventilation can trap heat, leading to overheating.
Cooling mechanisms, such as heat sinks or fans, are critical in maintaining temperatures within the acceptable range.
Design and Materials: High-quality materials and advanced designs often have better heat tolerance and dissipation capabilities.
Managing Servo Amplifier Temperatures
To ensure servo amplifiers remain within their optimal temperature range, consider the following best practices:
Monitor Temperatures:
Use built-in thermal sensors or external monitoring systems to track operating temperatures in real-time.
Ensure Adequate Ventilation:
Install servo amplifiers in locations with sufficient airflow.
Keep ventilation ports clear of dust and debris.
Implement Active Cooling:
Use fans or air conditioning systems for environments with high ambient temperatures.
In some cases, liquid cooling may be required for high-power applications.
Optimize Load Profiles:
Avoid overloading the servo amplifier by ensuring the motor and amplifier are properly matched.
Design the motion profile to minimize unnecessary stress.
Regular Maintenance:
Clean and inspect the servo amplifier regularly to remove dust and ensure all cooling mechanisms function properly.
Replace aging components that may impact thermal performance.
Conclusion
Maintaining servo amplifiers within their optimal operational temperatures is crucial for performance, reliability, and longevity. By understanding the factors that influence temperature and implementing effective thermal management strategies, operators can maximize the value and efficiency of their motion control systems. Proper installation, monitoring, and maintenance are key to keeping these vital components running smoothly in any application.
You read more about the basics of servo amplifiers here.
Overheated Amplifier Needs Replacing?
Do you have a servo amplifier that’s overheated and in need of replacement? Reach out to our team and let’s get your operations back up and running! Email us: sales@mroelectric.com or call: (800) 691-8511.
Like many things in life, Fanuc servo amplifiers are not a one size fits all situation. Different servo amplifier models appropriately fill the roles of different scales of operation. You have to consider not only the cost of the amplifier, but also how well does it fit the needs of your operation.
Fanuc, a leading manufacturer of CNC systems and automation technologies, offers a wide range of amplifiers designed to control servo and spindle motors in industrial machinery. These amplifiers play integral roles to the precise operation of CNC machines. They fall into categories based on their capabilities, applications, and technological advancements. Below is an overview of the different series of Fanuc amplifiers:
Alpha i-D Series
FANUC’s new generation amplifiers have a smaller footprint, needing up to 30% less space than previous models. With an expanded multi-axis amplifier lineup, this series of drives saves energy use through its new low-consumption design as well as reduced fan operation. A brake control circuit is integrated into the servo amplifiers and a Leakage Detection Function is available in all Alpha i-Ds. Plus, an easy fan replacement feature makes these drives a breeze to maintain. The Alpha i-D Series Amplifiers can be connected to current FANUC CNC Plus Series models.
Features:
Integrated power supply and servo modules.
Compact design for space-saving installation.
High-speed communication with CNC systems.
Compatible with a wide range of Fanuc motors.
Applications:
General-purpose CNC machines, such as lathes and milling machines.
Suitable for both small and large-scale industrial operations.
Alpha i Series
The Alpha i series is an upgraded version of the Alpha series, offering enhanced efficiency and more advanced features.
Features:
High-efficiency power modules reduce energy consumption.
Advanced diagnostics and monitoring capabilities.
Support for multiple axis control in a single unit.
Improved thermal management for longer service life.
Applications:
High-precision CNC machinery.
Industries requiring energy-efficient operations.
Beta i Series
The Beta series amplifiers are designed for cost-effective operations without compromising on performance.
Features:
Simple design for easy installation and maintenance.
Economical choice for smaller machines.
Integrated power supply and servo amplifier units.
User-friendly setup and configuration.
Applications:
Entry-level CNC machines.
Compact machinery with moderate performance needs.
Spindle Amplifier Series
Fanuc’s spindle amplifiers are dedicated to driving spindle motors, which require high power and speed control.
Features:
High torque and speed control capabilities.
Advanced thermal and power management.
Integrated monitoring and diagnostics.
Support for heavy-duty applications.
Applications:
High-speed milling and grinding machines.
Heavy-duty lathes and turning centers.
What to Consider
Now that we’ve listed a selection of servo amplifiers that Fanuc has to offer, the question of “Well how do I know which to get?” arises. Before making that decision here are some things to consider that may be helpful.
Machine Requirements
What is the power, torque, and precision needs of your operation?
Compatibility
Make sure that the servo amplifier matches the CNC and motor in use.
Scalability
Is your system modular? Can it be scaled for future upgrades?
Cost-Efficiency
Does the long term gain and efficiency justify the initial cost?
Conclusion
Choosing there right servo amplifier can be a challenging task, but going through and observing the cost and benefit analysis of each series as well as the technical compatibility can make the process of getting a new servo amplifier a less frustrating experience.
Need a Fanuc Servo Amplifier?
To make your acquisition of a Fanuc servo amplifier an even easier experience, our team of experts can help you get connected with the right machine that suits your needs perfectly. Call: +18006918511 or email: sales@mroelectric.com
The game is almost over, and your team is losing. You can feel the crowd’s energy dropping as you look around at sad faces painted with team colors. But just as you’re about to give up hope, someone comes out to pump up the crowd and save the day: the mascot.
For any team, mascots are crucial for boosting morale and keeping fans engaged. They’re famous symbols of team spirit that appear on merchandise, inspire game-day outfits, and become iconic figures with big personalities. It’s easy to see how beloved mascots are while they’re on the field, but many do just as much off the field to keep fans entertained. In this blog, we’ll explore which college mascots are the most popular based on their social media followings. Read on to see if your favorites made the cut!
College Mascots with the Highest Social Media Following
So who takes the cake, Biff, the Michigan Wolverine or Brutus Buckeye? The Duke Blue Devil or Rameses the Tar Heel? We turned to X, Instagram, and TikTok to analyze followers of mascots at over 70 major universities across the U.S. So, lay the debates to rest because we crunched the numbers.
Fans of Brigham Young University or the University of Oregon are in luck thanks to Cosmo the Cougar and The Oregon Duck. These mascots are leagues ahead of their social media competition, and we can see why. They both keep up with trends and maintain consistent posting schedules—and people love to watch Cosmo dance.
Although The Ohio State University’s Brutus Buckeye is in third place, the contest isn’t very close. The Duck’s combined follower count is almost double that of Brutus Buckeye’s, while Cosmo’s count is over triple.
The three highest-followed mascots can attribute much of their success to TikTok. Fourth-ranked Mike the Tiger of Louisiana State University, on the other hand, is best known for his purple and gold-themed Instagram page. Mike is joined by other Instagrammers like Aubie (Auburn University), Reveille (Texas A&M University), Jonathan the Husky (University of Connecticut), and Big Al (University of Alabama). These mascots are in the majority, as Instagram is the biggest platform for most of the mascots we researched.
While most mascots tend to do their best on TikTok and Instagram, others thrive on X. That’s where Bucky Badger, Golden Gopher, and Cocky all boast their biggest platforms. Even so, Brutus Buckeye has the most X followers of any college mascot, followed closely by The Oregon Duck.
Conferences with the Highest Social Media Following
Next, we wanted to see how the conferences stack up to each other, all mascots considered.
The Big 12 Conference might have the highest social media following, but it only has one mascot in the 20 highest-followed list. That just goes to show the sheer social media power of the most popular college mascot overall, Cosmo the Cougar.
The Big Ten Conference and the SEC have the next highest social media followings. As the oldest NCAA Division I conferences today, it’s no surprise that together they contain 16 of the 20 highest-followed mascots.
Following in fourth place is the ACC, with Sebastian the Ibis leading the conference in social media followers. Hailing from the University of Miami, Sebastian holds the ACC’s only spot on the top 20 list. Similarly, UConn’s Jonathan the Husky is the only mascot from an NCAA football-independent school to appear on the list.
Representing Washington State University, Butch T. Cougar has the most followers in the Pac-12 Conference. He may not have enough followers to make it on the top 20 list, but he has enough to beat Oregon State University’s Benny Beaver, the only other mascot in the conference.
Closing Thoughts
So there you have it! Whether your mascot made our list or not, we can all agree that game days wouldn’t be the same without them.
College mascots are an essential part of any team, bringing fans together both on the field and online. At MRO Electric, we understand the importance of a solid team. Without a collective effort, we wouldn’t be able to deliver our electric supplies on time and intact to keep your operations running smoothly. Contact us today to see how our team can help you find the right industrial automation supplies!
Methodology
Our analysis of the most popular collegiate mascots includes schools in the Power 5 conferences, as well as FBS independent schools. We analyzed each of the primary mascots’ accounts on Instagram, TikTok, and X in July of 2024. Secondary mascots or school spirit accounts that feature the mascot were not included in this analysis.
