Set up, testing of single joints

From Wiki
Revision as of 21:01, 2 July 2017 by Chmeyer (talk | contribs)

The set up of the robot controller has to be done after receiving the components.


Robot and controller configured by CPR

When you ordered robot and controller by CPR, then the cables are already equipped with the according plugs and the robot has been configured and tested. The procedure to run the robot is shown below.

Attention: Do not hot-plug! Always switch of the power supply and wait a few seconds before working on the connectors!

In some cases screws in the joints 2, 3 or 4 have been removed to decrease packaging size. Re-assemble the robot with these screws.


Set up and check the controller:

  • Connect/check that the emergency stop button is plugged into the E-Stop connector on the Support module
  • Connect/check that the closed loop connector is plugged into the Ext-Relay connector on the Support module
  • Connect/check that the PCAN-USB adapter is connected with the according cable to the CAN connector on the Support module
  • Provide 24V power supply
    • If the controller has been delivered with power supply just connect it to the 110/220V plug
    • If you use an existing power supply connect this to the control using the fuse. The supply should provide at least 5A at 24V

Now the green LEDs on the modules should be on.

  • Install and start CPRog from the provided CD
  • Load the correct project using the "Load Project" Button in the menu on the upper-left circle
  • Press the "Connect" button. Now the green LEDs on the stepper and DIO modules should blink to show activity on the CAN bus


Connect the Joint Cables

Switch the robot control off again.

  • Connect the joint cables into the stepper modules. The connectors have the joint numbers written on it, and also the function.
  • Pay attention to add measures to prevent the connectors being pulled out by stress on the cables
  • Switch the power supply on again
  • Start CPRog and press "Connect" and "Reset". Now the status on the left changes to "Motors not enabled"
  • Release the Emergency Stop and press "Enable". Now the status on the left changes to "No Error"
  • Now you can jog the robot arm
  • Proceed with referencing the robot (Referencing robolink) and programming the arm



Configure Robot for Controller

If the robot has not been configured by CPR then the following additional steps have to be performed:

Prepare the Cables

  • Add the connectors provided by CPR to the motor, encoder and reference cables. This is shown in the user guide.

Test single Joints

  • Set up the robot control and CPRog as described above
  • Now every single joint should be tested using the ModuleCtrl software
    • Again, avoid hot-plugging!
    • Install the ModuleCtrl software as described here: Config Software ModuleCtrl.
    • Connect the cables for one joint with the according stepper module
    • Start ModuleCtrl, press "Connect" and choose the correct CAN-ID: 0x10 for Joint1, 0x20 for Joint2, ...
    • Press "SetToZero", "Reset" and "Enable". Now you should be able to move the joint with the center wheel

Invert the Encoder Direction for Joint5 The Joint5 encoder is mounted in opposite direction then the other encoders in some robot models. When testing this results in an increasing motion of the joint 5 until the position lag error stops the operation. The stepper module has to be configured accordingly:

  • Change to tab "Stepper" and read the parameter from the board
  • Check the "Swap encoder direction" box
  • Save the parameter to the board

Now you have to switch of the control and, after a few seconds on again. Changing this parameter takes effect only after a restart.

If the Cables are not marked In some cases the cables might not be marked, then it is difficult to find the right cables for each joint. Some hints:

  • Connect 3 cables to the joint 1 module
  • Start the control and the ModuleCtrl software, connect to the right joint
  • Rotate all robot joints a little bit with your hand. You will see a motion in the range of some tics on the right display when you move the one that is connected.
  • Place a screw drivers head or another piece of metal before the reference switches. The connected one will light up.
  • When enabling the motor the joint will probably speed up into one direction due to the missing encoder signals, so place your hand on the emergency stop button.
  • This way it should be possible with some trial and error to find the right combination of motor, encoder and reference cables.




For questions or comments please get in contact with us: info(at)cpr-robots.com

Retrieved from "http://wiki.cpr-robots.com/index.php?title=Set_up,_testing_of_single_joints&oldid=120"