Wiki source code of LSS-PRO Configuration Software

Version 107.2 by Eric Nantel on 2024/07/12 10:30

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1 [[image:LSS-P-Configuration-Software.png||width="350"]]
2
3 [[image:[email protected]]]
4
5 **Table of Contents**
6
7 {{toc/}}
8
9 = Description =
10
11 The Lynxmotion Smart Servo PRO Configuration Software (“LSS PRO Config” for short) is intended to be a tool to quickly interact with the Lynxmotion Professional Smart Servos (LSS-P) loaded with our Lynxmotion firmware. Features include sending action and configuration commands, queries (and receiving the reply), updating the firmware, monitoring sensor data and more. The software works on Windows 7 operating systems and above.
12
13 Note: The software can be connected to multiple servos, but the interface can only control and communicate with one at any time (unless using the free format commands described below). Each servo must have a unique ID. The servo(s) must be powered correctly and connected to the computer via USB from the first servo in the BUS.
14
15 = Features =
16
17 * Send action, configuration and query commands to an individual PRO servo
18 * Obtain visual feedback from various onboard sensors
19 * Create custom actions for testing purpose
20 * Update PRO servo’s firmware
21 * Auto-Update if connected to Internet
22
23 = User Guide =
24
25 his section provides step-by-step instructions and tips to help you get the most out of your LSS-P actuator. Whether you are setting up your hardware, configuring your servos, or troubleshooting, you'll find detailed information to assist you. Follow the guidelines below to ensure optimal performance and a smooth experience.
26
27 == Information ==
28
29 [[image:LSS-P-Config-Info.png]]
30
31 1. The Information (capital I) button at the top right of the interface leads to this user guide.
32
33 == Connection ==
34
35 In order for the LSS PRO Config software to detect the servos, the correct USB to serial drivers must be installed on the computer. Windows will automatically detect and install the drivers.
36
37
38 [[image:LSS-P-Config-Connection.png]]
39
40 1. Select the appropriate COM port
41 1. Click on the "Connect" button (All servos in the communication BUS should be detected)
42 1. Select a particular servo from the list
43
44 Note: The interface will then display and control that single actuator.
45
46 == Safety & Useful Buttons ==
47
48 This section includes the important emergency stop (removes power from the motors via software) and other useful commands.
49
50 Note: Those commands are sent to the selected servo, if "254 - All servos" is selected then it will be sent to all of them.
51
52 [[image:LSS-P-Config-Buttons.png]]
53
54 1. This button sends a RESET command. More information [[HERE>>doc:ses-pro.lss-pro.lss-p-communication-protocol.WebHome||anchor="HReset"]]
55 1. This reset the servo to factory default settings, removing all configurations, including the ID. More information [[HERE>>doc:ses-pro.lss-pro.lss-p-communication-protocol.WebHome||anchor="HDefault26confirm"]]
56 1. This command halts the actuator at whatever angle it is (whether during a motion or already at an angle) and causes it to hold that position (motor is powered and holding). The following command is sent to all servos, not just the one connected via USB.
57 \\Command sent: #254H<cr>
58
59 1. (((
60 This command halts the actuator at whatever angle it is (whether during a motion or already at an angle) and causes it to hold that position (motor is powered and holding). The following command is sent to all servos, not just the one connected via USB.
61
62 Command sent: #254L<cr>
63
64 Just like the emergency stop button the 36V large power supply which is provided with each PRO arm, the E-Stop is meant to be under emergency only, as power is cut to all motors, which may result in joints rotating because of high torque being applied. In the case of a robotic arm, __the arm may fall and damage itself__ or whatever is in its environment.
65 )))
66
67 == Status ==
68
69 As a servo is intended to be moved to specific angles, the position of the servo, to 0.01 degrees of accuracy, is displayed at the bottom left of the interface.
70
71 [[image:LSS-P-Config-Status.png]]
72
73 This is a section to directly give information to the user on what's happening with their actuator.
74
75 1. The Position shows the current angle of the output shaft of the servo in relation to its configured origin (0 degree) angle (including any adjustment to the Origin Offset). It also displays angles over 360 degrees, and it’s important to note this is a calculated position as the internal sensor can only read 0 to 360 degrees. The multi-turn angle is retained even after a power cycle.
76 1. Status of what the actuator is currently doing. More information HERE
77 1. Errors that are happening. More information HERE
78
79 Note: Most errors will require the problem to be solved & the servo either Reset or set Limp. To view and resolve any errors, go to the troubleshooting section
80
81 == Servo Control ==
82
83 In order to view the various commands available for each drop-down, a PRO servo needs to be properly connected to the computer, powered, turned on and detected.
84
85 === Query ===
86
87 [[image:LSS-P-Config-Query.png]]
88
89 1. The drop down list below Query provides a list of most query commands possible. More information click HERE
90 1. Click the "Send" button to initiate the Query.
91 1. The Query protocol command will be displayed here as well as the answer from the actuator. (ex: #1QID / *1QID1)
92
93 === Action ===
94
95 [[image:LSS-P-Config-Action.png]]
96
97 1. The drop down list below Action provides a list of most action commands possible. More information click HERE.
98 1. Input the value of the Action required in the text input field. (ex: 9000 for a 90deg move)
99 1. Click the "Send" button to initiate the Action.
100 1. The Action protocol command will be displayed here and the actuator should be doing it.
101
102 === Configuration ===
103
104 [[image:LSS-P-Config-Config.png]]
105
106 1. The drop down list below Configuration provides a list of most configuration commands possible. More information click HERE.
107 1. Input the value of the Configuration required in the text input field. (ex: 1 for an ID change to 1)
108 1. Click the "Send" button to initiate the Configuration.
109 1. The Configuration protocol command will be displayed here.
110
111 === Free format command ===
112
113 This command line interface allows the user to send commands, including those not otherwise found in the drop-down list, as well as any special commands provided by Lynxmotion staff. Once sent the commands will be displayed in the area bellow (like a terminal) and can be cleared if required. This can help with debugging or better understanding the communication protocol.
114
115 [[image:LSS-P-Config-Free-Cmd.png]]
116
117 == Telemetry ==
118
119 A graph within the software is used to display output of any query commands, which can include sensor data or calculated data.
120
121 [[image:LSS-P-Config-Telemetry.png]]
122
123 1. To activate a specific value, click on the button and click again to disable it. he software start memorizing the data as soon as one query is activated.
124 1. Pause will stop recording until you click back on it.
125 1. Restart will wipe all the recorded values.
126 1. The Y-axis of the graph auto-scales depending on what output is selected. To switch between traces, use the mouse wheel and confirm that the y axis label is the one you selected.
127 1. The X-axis display the time & expands up to 20 minutes then scrolls a 20 minute time window.
128 1. Saving the data is possible by doing a right click on the graph and select Copy, it's then possible to paste them in a spreadsheet application (Excel / Google Sheets)
129
130 === Personalize Query ===
131
132 To change the query for a specific button, you have to do a "CTRL + CLICK" on the desired button, this interface will then be displayed.
133
134 [[image:LSS-P-Config-Telemetry-Custom.png]]
135
136 1. Trace Name: Displayed name for that particular query.
137 1. Two separate "Add" button and drop down are present, they are shortcuts to add to the query bellow.
138 1. Query that will be sent to the actuator plus displayed units for the interface.
139
140 == Custom Actions ==
141
142 This list of assignable buttons allows the user to select specific commands to send to the servo. These can be used to quickly position the servo to specific angles, experiment with different speeds and more.
143
144 [[image:LSS-P-Config-Custom-Actions.png]]
145
146 1. All of those buttons can be set to trigger any action required.
147 1. Save will let you do a backup of the current Custom Actions.
148 1. Load will let you select and load a previously saved Custom Action file.
149
150 === Personalize Action ===
151
152 To change the Action for a specific button, you have to do a "CTRL + CLICK" on the desired button, this interface will then be displayed.
153
154 [[image:LSS-P-Config-Custom-Actions-Custom.png]]
155
156 1. Action Name: Displayed name for that particular action.
157 1. Two separate "Add" button and drop down are present, they are shortcuts to add to the action bellow.
158 1. Action command that will be sent to the actuator plus displayed units for the interface.
159
160 == Firmware Update ==
161
162 It is good to periodically check for firmware updates for the servos. A firmware update requires that the computer running the software be connected to the Internet.
163
164 Firmware updates can resolve bugs or add improvements. The information in this Wiki (for example the PRO Communication Protocol Page) will always refer to the latest version of firmware (though in certain instances will detail which firmware version of the firmware the feature or function started with).
165
166 [[image:LSS-P-Config-Firmware-Available.png]]
167
168 1. When a firmware update is available, the logo will turn green.
169
170 Note: Only a servo connected via USB can be updated and all the other servos on the bus will not be displayed with a green logo unless connected directly via USB.
171
172 === Online Update ===
173
174 1. Select the servo ID that requires a firmware update
175 1. If the logo is green, click on the "Firmware Update" button
176 1. A message will ask you if you want do download the latest firmware, click Yes.
177 [[image:LSS-P-Config-Firmware-Download-Yes.png||alt="LSS-P-Config-Firmware-Download.png"]]
178 1. It's pretty quick but once downloaded another message will ask you if you want to proceed click Yes.
179 [[image:LSS-P-Config-Firmware-Write-Acknowledge.png]]
180 1. The servo will be put in "Firmware Update" mode and flashing will start. A progress bar will show the progress. DO NOT UNPLUG / UNPOWER the servo while updating.
181 [[image:LSS-P-Config-Firmware-Uploading.png]]
182 1. Once the procedure is done you will have a confirmation pop-up.
183 [[image:LSS-P-Config-Firmware-Success.png]]
184
185 === Offline Update ===
186
187 In some rare occasions, our staff could ask you to try a firmware which they provided and here's how to flash it.
188
189 1. Select the servo ID that requires a firmware update
190 1. Click on the "Firmware Update" button and depending on the pop-up select as shown. 
191 [[image:LSS-P-Config-Firmware-Download-No.png||alt="LSS-P-Config-Firmware-Download.png"]] [[image:LSS-P-Config-Firmware-Write-Yes.png||alt="LSS-P-Config-Firmware-Local.png"]]
192 1. Browse and select & open the firmware file provided by our staff.
193 [[image:LSS-P-Config-Firmware-Local-Browse.png]]
194 1. Another message will ask you if you want to proceed click Yes.
195 [[image:LSS-P-Config-Firmware-Write-Acknowledge.png]]
196 1. The servo will be put in "Firmware Update" mode and flashing will start. A progress bar will show the progress. DO NOT UNPLUG / UNPOWER the servo while updating.
197 [[image:LSS-P-Config-Firmware-Uploading.png]]
198 1. Once the procedure is done you will have a confirmation pop-up.
199 [[image:LSS-P-Config-Firmware-Success.png]]
200
201 == Troubleshooting ==
202
203 === LSS PRO device not found at this port! ===
204
205
206 === Port configuration failed! ===
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