Changes for page FlowArm LSS

Last modified by Eric Nantel on 2024/07/03 09:39
From version < 58.1 >
edited by Coleman Benson
on 2019/09/18 12:26
To version < 48.1 >
edited by Coleman Benson
on 2019/09/10 10:23
< >
Change comment: There is no comment for this version

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36 36  
37 37  To do so, the [[LSS Configuration Software>>doc:lynxmotion-smart-servo.lss-configuration-software.WebHome]] is used. Follow the procedure outlined here: [[doc:lynxmotion-smart-servo.lss-configuration-software.lss-config-configure-ids.WebHome]]
38 38  
39 +Important note: The software does not take into consideration if a servo has been improperly assembled as part of the structure. If you see that your arm moves differently than the arm on screen, be sure to check the following:
40 +
39 39  * Servo ID is correctly assigned to each servo and there are no duplicate IDs
40 40  * Servos have been assembled in correct orientation (as per assembly manual)
41 41  * Servo offsets have been updated if necessary (see procedure below).
42 42  
43 -The next important step is "STORE OFFSETS" explained below.
44 -
45 -== Connecting via USB ==
46 -
47 -The simplest way to connect is directly using an RS232 to USB cable. Here are the steps you need to follow in order to set this up. Follow the steps below:
48 -
49 -1. Connect the USB cable to the LSS Adapter board on your robot
50 -1. Plug the USB connector into the PC
51 -1. Connect the power to the LSS Adapter via the yellow XT60 plug
52 -1. Power on the robot (On/Off switch)
53 -1. Start the LSS FlowArm software
54 -1. Select the appropriate COM port from the drop-down list
55 -1. The software sends a query to servo ID1 and once a reply is received, it determines connection has been established.
56 -
57 -== Connecting via Bluetooth ==
58 -
59 -If you have purchased a Bluetooth module which is in XBee format, ensure
60 -
61 61  = Interface =
62 62  
63 63  == Header ==
... ... @@ -66,14 +66,8 @@
66 66  
67 67  **STORE OFFSETS**
68 68  
69 -The "STORE OFFSETS" button configures all of the servo offsets (this makes use of the CO command as part of the [[LSS Communication Protocol>>doc:lynxmotion-smart-servo.lss-communication-protocol.WebHome]]). Before pressing the button, orient the arm as shown below (with the gripper closed), and only then click the STORE OFFSETS button.
53 +During the assembly process, if the servo's driving output horn was not rotated (they are shipped with the driving horn centered at 0 degrees), and was connected to the brackets at the correct angle (parallel or perpendicular depending on the servo being assembled), there should not be any servo offset needed and the arm should match what is displayed on screen. However, should the driving horn have rotated and/or the brackets were not connected at optimal angles, the "STORE OFFSETS" button configures the all of the servo offsets (this makes use of the CO command as part of the [[LSS Communication Protocol>>doc:lynxmotion-smart-servo.lss-communication-protocol.WebHome]]). Before pressing the button, be sure to orient the arm as follows (with the gripper closed), and only then click the STORE OFFSETS button.
70 70  
71 -* Base servo aligned with the x axis
72 -* Shoulder to elbow along z axis (straight up)
73 -* Elbow to wrist along R axis (horizontal at 90 degrees to shoulder to elbow)
74 -* Wrist servo along R axis (parallel to elbow to wrist)
75 -* Gripper servo closed
76 -
77 77  [[image:lss-flowarm-offsets.jpg]]
78 78  
79 79  **LIMP**
... ... @@ -102,64 +102,58 @@
102 102  
103 103  **COM**
104 104  
105 -When the software is opened, a scan of all of your computer's COM ports is done automatically and a list of all available COM ports will be found in the drop down menu, along with OFF (stop searching for a COM port), and AUTO (the application tries to automatically find the correct COM port by sending a query command at the corresponding BAUD rate). Select which of your computer's COM ports is connected to the [[LSS Adapter>>doc:servo-erector-set-system.ses-electronics.ses-modules.lss-adapter-board.WebHome]] (which is provided with the standard SES v2 articulated robot arm). If you have a list of available COM ports and are unsure which is associated with the LSS Adapter, go to Device Manager in Windows, and view the list of USB devices connected. The LSS Adapter uses an FTDI USB to serial chip. Alternatively, simply unplug the USB from the arm and see which of the COM ports disappears from the list.
83 +This field selects which of your computer's COM ports is connected to the LSS Adapter, which is provided with the standard SES v2 articulated robot arm. Be sure to select the appropriate COM port to which the LSS adapter is connected. If you are unsure, go to Device Manager in Windows, and view the list of USB devices connected. The LSS Adapter uses an FTDI USB to serial chip.
106 106  
107 -* If the red and green lights next to the field are flashing, the correct COM port has not yet been found, and the user may need to manually select the correct COM port.
108 -* If the red light is solid, then no correct COM port has been located.
109 -* If the green light is solid, the a COM port has been located.
85 +When the software is opened, a scan of all COM ports is done automatically and list of all available COM ports will be found in the drop down menu, along with OFF (stop searching for a COM port), and AUTO (the application tries to automatically find the correct COM port by sending a query command at the corresponding BAUD rate).
110 110  
87 +If the red and green lights next to the field are flashing, the correct COM port has not yet been found, and the user may need to manually select the correct CIM port.
88 +
89 +If the red light is solid, then no correct COM port has been located.
90 +
91 +If the green light is solid, the a COM port has been located.
92 +
111 111  **Window Size**
112 112  
113 113  **[[image:lss-flowarm-size.jpg]]**
114 114  
115 -A the top right of the window, there are three dark rectangles allowing you to change the application's window size.
97 +A the top right of the window, there are three dark rectangles representing the window size.
116 116  
117 -== Simulator ==
99 +== 2D Views & Grid ==
118 118  
119 -(% class="wikigeneratedid" id="HArmConfiguration" %)
120 -The arm shown on screen is based on the assembly guide. The aesthetics of the arms will be changing for the next release version of the LSS Flowarm software.
101 +== Arm Configuration ==
121 121  
122 -**Side View**
103 +The arm shown on screen is based on the assembly guide. BETA testers have been encouraged to use the 3:1 gear ratio in the shoulder and as such should have toggled switch 1 in the header.
123 123  
124 -The left view is a representation of the arm, where the orange circles represent the location of each axis of rotation. You can move the arm in this view by clicking on and dragging the wrist rotation servo.
105 +The aesthetics of the arms will be changing for the final / release version of the LSS Flowarm software.
125 125  
107 +**Side View**
108 +
126 126  [[image:lss-flowarm-side-view.jpg]]
127 127  
111 +The left view is a representation {more to come|
112 +
128 128  **Top View**
129 129  
130 -The top view shows the arm top down. You can move the arm within this view by clicking on and dragging the wrist rotation servo.
131 -
132 132  **[[image:lss-flowarm-top-view.jpg]]**
133 133  
134 -== Shortcuts ==
117 +The top view shows the arm {more to come}
135 135  
136 -**Base**: If you hold the SHIFT key while dragging with the mouse you can control base rotation.
137 -
138 -**Wrist Tilt**: You can tilt the hand by right-clicking and fragging the mouse up and down.
139 -
140 -**Gripper:** By holding the CTRL key whilst right-clicking and dragging you can open and close the gripper
141 -
142 -Just above the sequencer, you can find the following:
143 -
144 -[[image:lss-flowarm-keyboard-liveupdate.jpg]]
145 -
146 -**Keyboard: **When active (orange), the keyboard keys W/A/S/D and four arrows can fine tune the position of the arm. Note however that LSS FlowArm will respond to any of these keys being pressed even in another window, and for this reason, it is turned off by default.
147 -
148 -**Live Update: **When activate (orange), dragging the virtual arm on screen will send updated positions to the arm with a small time delay in between. With this option off, dragging the arm on screen will not cause any motion until the mouse is released.
149 -
150 150  == Left Menu ==
151 151  
152 152  **Gripper**
153 153  
154 -Assuming the gripper has been properly calibrated, The number below represents the opening at the tip. Fully closed should correspond to 0 degrees. In order to grasp an object, DO NOT have the servo rotate to a position which it cannot reach. In order to ensure the gripper servo does not go into error mode, the gripper should not exert much force on the object.
123 +Assuming the gripper has been properly calibrated, The number below represents the opening at the tip. Fully closed should correspond to 0 degrees.
155 155  
125 +In order to grasp an object, DO NOT have the servo rotate to a position which it cannot reach. Plan in advance:
126 +
156 156  1. Close the gripper to a position just slightly larger than the object
157 157  1. Using the arrows, close the gripper until friction between the foam and the object prevent the object from falling out or moving.
158 -1. DO NOT apply too much pressure, or else the servo's current will spike and it will go into error mode and need to be reset.
159 -1. Use the last position as the "fully closed" position for the gripper for that object, in that specific orientation.
129 +1. DO NOT apply too much pressure, or else the servo's current will spike and it will go into error mode.
130 +1. Use the last position as the "fully closed" position for the gripper for that object.
160 160  
161 161  [[image:lss-flowarm-gripper-view.jpg]]
162 162  
134 +
163 163  **Wrist**
164 164  
165 165  The wrist angle can be locked or unlocked. The field allows for user input (click the numbers) or fine adjustments using the arrows.
... ... @@ -168,163 +168,41 @@
168 168  
169 169  **End Effector Position**
170 170  
171 -The position of the end effector can be controlled either by manually entering the information for R (radius), or the Cartesian x, y, z coordinates, or using the arrows.
172 -
173 173  [[image:lss-flowarm-positioning.jpg]]
174 174  
175 -== **Data Log** ==
145 +The position of the end effector can be controlled either by manually entering the information for R (radius), or x,y,z coordinate, or using the arrows.
176 176  
177 -The optional Data log can be toggled on or off and allows the user to see all commands being sent to and received from the smart servos. The data can be saved to a file in a Comma Separated Values (.csv) format.
147 +Data Log
178 178  
179 179  [[image:lss-flowarm-data-log.jpg]]
180 180  
151 +The console will be used as a serial command interface to manually send commands to the bus.
152 +
181 181  == Sequencer ==
182 182  
183 183  [[image:lss-flowarm-sequencer.jpg]]
184 184  
185 -LSS FlowArm has a powerful pattern sequencer component (normally found only in the full version of FlowBotics Studio) that is used to create reusable patterns within minutes, instead of hours or days.
157 +LSS FlowArm has a powerful pattern sequencer component (normally found only in the full version of FlowBotics Studio) that is used to create reusable patterns within minutes, instead of hours or days. The sequencer also allows you to vary the speed of playback of a routine. From left to right:
186 186  
187 187  (% style="width:1303px" %)
188 -|(% style="width:257px" %)[[image:lss-flowarm-association.jpg]]|(% style="width:306px" %)Assign Input|(% style="width:758px" %)Patterns can be associated to keyboard keys F1 to F12, and keys E, F, G, and H
189 -|(% style="width:257px" %)[[image:lss-flowarm-pattern-list.jpg]]|(% style="width:306px" %)Sequence List|(% style="width:758px" %)The sequence list is the first control on the sequencer.
190 -|(% style="width:257px" %)[[image:lss-flowarm-patterns.jpg]]|(% style="width:306px" %)Sequence Management|(% style="width:758px" %)(((
191 -Add, remove, copy, save, load and clear all patterns.
192 -)))
160 +|(% style="width:257px" %)[[image:lss-flowarm-association.jpg]]|(% style="width:306px" %)Keyboard Association|(% style="width:758px" %)Patterns can be associated to keyboard keys F1 to F12, and keys E, F, G, and H
161 +|(% style="width:257px" %)[[image:lss-flowarm-pattern-list.jpg]]|(% style="width:306px" %)Active Pattern Name|(% style="width:758px" %)Click on the text to change the pattern name. Use the arrows to navigate between patterns
162 +|(% style="width:257px" %)[[image:lss-flowarm-patterns.jpg]]|(% style="width:306px" %)Pattern Options|(% style="width:758px" %)Add, remove, copy, save, open and delete patterns.
193 193  |(% style="width:257px" %)[[image:lss-flowarm-frames.jpg]]|(% style="width:306px" %)Frame Options|(% style="width:758px" %)Adding a frame adds a blank frame to the list. The drop-down list gives "useful" pre-made frames. Recording a frame copies the arm's current on-screen position. The X removes a selected frame.
194 194  |(% style="width:257px" %)[[image:lss-flowarm-copy-paste.jpg]]|(% style="width:306px" %)Copy / Paste Frame|(% style="width:758px" %)Copy and paste a frame
195 195  |(% style="width:257px" %)[[image:lss-flowarm-settings.jpg]]|(% style="width:306px" %)Settings|(% style="width:758px" %)Useful features include: Toggle pause before frame; Remove gaps between frames; Reverse frames
196 196  |(% style="width:257px" %)[[image:lss-flowarm-lock.jpg]]|(% style="width:306px" %)Lock |(% style="width:758px" %)
197 197  |(% style="width:257px" %)[[image:lss-flowarm-loop.jpg]]|(% style="width:306px" %)Repeat / Loop Pattern|(% style="width:758px" %)Play once or loop; Set the playback speed using the up and down arrows.
198 -|(% style="width:257px" %)[[image:lss-flowarm-play.jpg]]|(% style="width:306px" %)Sequence Playback|(% style="width:758px" %)Restart sequence, play or stop
168 +|(% style="width:257px" %)[[image:lss-flowarm-play.jpg]]|(% style="width:306px" %)Playback Options|(% style="width:758px" %)Restart sequence, play or stop
199 199  
200 -**Sequences**
201 -The sequencer allows you to make your robot move over time by transitioning from one position to another. Each transition we call a frame and a sequence of frames we call a sequence. You can create as many sequences as you like. You can play sequences back manually or using the keyboard inputs mentioned below. This section describes the sequence management functions of the Sequencer.
170 +[[image:lss-flowarm-keyboard-liveupdate.jpg]]
202 202  
203 -**Sequence List**
172 += Downloads =
204 204  
205 -[[image:lss-flowarm-pattern-list.jpg]]
174 +Download LSS Flowarm 3.0.8.12 [[here>>http://www.lynxmotion.com/tools/LSS%20FlowArm%20BETA%20(3.0.8.12).rar]].
206 206  
207 -The sequence list is the first control on the sequencer. If you click on the arrow on the right-hand edge you'll see a list of the sequences that have been created and by selecting one you can move to that sequence. You can also scroll through the list one-by-one using the up and down arrow buttons. Clicking on the name of a sequence will allow you to change this. Simply type in the box then press the Return key or click away.
176 +Password: beta
208 208  
209 -== Sequence Management ==
178 +BETA: Note that information described here is subject to change, and is available for BETA testers.
210 210  
211 -[[image:lss-flowarm-patterns.jpg]]
212 -
213 -**Add Sequence**
214 -
215 -To add a sequence click the add button. A new sequence will appear in the list and its name will open for editing.
216 -Remove Sequence: Click the remove sequence button to delete the currently selected sequence from the list. This action is irreversible so you will be asked for confirmation.
217 -
218 -**Duplicate Sequence**
219 -
220 -If you want to make a new sequence based on an existing one then you can duplicate it.
221 -
222 -**Saving Sequences**
223 -
224 -IMPORTANT: If you want to keep any sequences you create then you must export them otherwise they will be lost when you return to the project browser. 
225 -To do this click the export button. You can choose whether to export all your sequences or just the currently selected one. Sequences are saved to files so you'll need to pick a filename and folder to save to. If a sequence uses sub sequences these will be saved even if you choose only to save the selected sequence.
226 -
227 -**Loading Sequences**
228 -
229 -If you have saved sequences that you want to restore then click the Import button. You will be asked to choose a previously saved sequence file.
230 -The sequences in the file will be added to the list. They do not replace the sequence list. Also it doesn't
231 -matter how many sequences the file contains, all of them will be imported.
232 -
233 -**Clear All**
234 -
235 -If you want to start from scratch you can clear all the sequences from the list using the clear all button.
236 -
237 -== **Frames** ==
238 -
239 -**[[image:lss-flowarm-frame.jpg]]**
240 -
241 -We now know how to manage sequences now lets see how you build one. As we said earlier a sequence is made up of frames. A frame represents a transition between robot states over time.
242 -In addition to frames, you can also add other sequences to a sequence. This allows quite complex series of movements to be built up very quickly and easily.
243 -
244 -[[image:lss-flowarm-frames.jpg]]
245 -
246 -**Adding Frames**
247 -
248 -To add a frame click the Add button. A new frame will be added at the end of the sequence. The duration of the frame will be whatever the last frame duration was. The frame will record whatever position the robot is currently set to. You can add a sub sequence to the sequence by clicking the arrow to the right of the Add button. A drop list of the available sequences will appear. Select one and it will be added to the end of the sequence.
249 -
250 -**Deleting Frames**
251 -
252 -To delete a sequence or frame from a sequence, click the Delete button.
253 -
254 -**Naming Frames**
255 -
256 -To name a frame, simply double-click the top blue part of it. You will then be able to enter a name by typing text directly. Save the new name by pressing the [Enter] key once donce. Warning: please note that when double-clicking a frame to name it, it will play the frame which may move your robotic arm suddenly. You may want to activate the STOP button first to prevent movement when naming frames.
257 -
258 -**Timeline Locking**
259 -
260 -The timeline is locked by default. This means that frames will automatically run from one to the next – you cannot create space in between. Moving a frame past another one will move it along the order in the timeline. If the timeline is unlocked then you can move frames independently of each other and also create gaps of time in between.
261 -
262 -**Moving and Resizing**
263 -
264 -To move a frame on the timeline, simply click on it and drag it to the time you want it to start. The start time will be displayed as you drag. How frames move relative to each other is determined by whether the timeline is locked (see previous section). To resize a frame grab the right-hand edge and drag it. When moving or resizing the mouse snaps to the nearest unit on the timeline. If you hold SHIFT while moving or resizing no snap will be applied. When the timeline is unlocked then if you hold CTRL while dragging or resizing a frame all frames to
265 -the right of the selected frame will be moved so that the time interval between the selected frame and the next one is maintained.
266 -
267 -**Recording to a Frame**
268 -
269 -When you add a frame it will record the state that the robot is currently in. If you want to change this state first select the frame by clicking on it. Next move the robot to the position you want to record. When you're happy press the record button. The frame will flash to indicate that it has been updated.
270 -
271 -**Auto Record**
272 -
273 -If you want changes you make to be automatically recorded you can lock the record button in place by double-clicking on it. Now whenever you change the robot position the currently elected frame will be updated. The record button will light up to show that auto record is on. To switch auto record off, double-click on the record button again.
274 -
275 -**Copy and Paste**
276 -
277 -[[image:lss-flowarm-copy-paste.jpg]]
278 -
279 -Sometimes you might want to copy the robot state from one frame to another. To do this we have copy and paste. To copy the data from a frame, select it then click the Copy button.
280 -To duplicate the data on another frame, select the target frame and click the Paste button.
281 -
282 -**Pause Before Frame**
283 -
284 -You can insert a pause before a frame commences. This is useful if you want the sequencer to stop and wait for some external event before continuing. First select the frame then click the Operations button and select Toggle Pause Before Frame. A red line will show at the start of the frame to show the pause. To remove the pause select the frame again and select Toggle Pause Before Frame after clicking on the Operations button.
285 -
286 -**Remove Gaps Between Frames**
287 -
288 -[[image:lss-flowarm-settings.jpg]]
289 -
290 -If the timeline is unlocked then you can instantly remove all the gaps between frames and push them up against each other by clicking the Operations button and choosing Remove Gaps Between Frames from the menu.
291 -
292 -== SEQUENCER ==
293 -
294 -**Reverse Frames**
295 -
296 -[[image:lss-flowarm-settings.jpg]]
297 -
298 -It's useful to be able to reverse the order of frames in a sequence. To do this click the Operations button and choose Reverse Frames.
299 -
300 -**Sequence Playback**
301 -
302 -[[image:lss-flowarm-play.jpg]]
303 -
304 -Once you have some frames in a sequence you can try playing it. Click the Play button to start the sequencer playing the current sequence. The play button lights up in green when the sequencer is playing. To stop playing click the Play button again or click the Stop button. You can reset the play position to the star by clicking the Reset button. You can also move the play position manually. Click on the black handle at the top of the playback position line and drag to move it.
305 -
306 -[[image:lss-sequencer-handle.jpg||height="70" width="241"]]
307 -
308 -**Assign an input to a sequence**
309 -
310 -[[image:lss-flowarm-association.jpg]]
311 -
312 -You can assign an input to a sequence by choosing one in the drop-down list left of the sequence name. By default a sequence does not have a input associated with it. When you click on that box, you will be presented with a list of possible inputs. A sequence can only have one input associated with it. Similarly, an input can only be associated with one sequence at a time. If you choose an input in the list that is already associated, it will be removed from its previous sequence and assigned to the current one. By clicking on the sequence list, you will see which input is associated to each sequence to the right of their name:
313 -If a sequence is already playing when its associated input is triggered, it will ignore that input and continue playing as normal. If an input that is associated is triggered when a different sequence is playing, it will be stopped and the
314 -
315 -**Decision Frame**
316 -
317 -At the end of every sequence there is a permanent frame called the decision frame (it is orange for easy identification):
318 -Click on the top part (orange) to change the last action of the sequence. There are 3 options:
319 -• STOP: once the sequence is completed, nothing else will happen
320 -• LOOP: once the sequence is completed, it will repeat a set amount of time
321 -• GOTO: once the sequence is completed, it will trigger the input selected
322 -If another sequence is associated with that input, it will then play Playback Control
323 -You can change the speed of playback by changing the speed multiplier. Click the up and down arrows to alter this.
324 -Normally a sequence plays to the end then stops. However, sometimes you want a sequence to repeat. You can toggle this by clicking the Loop button.
325 -
326 -= Troubleshooting =
327 -
328 -If you encounter any bugs or issues when installing or using the LSS FlowArm application, please submit a new post on the Lynxmotion community sub-forum here: [[https:~~/~~/www.robotshop.com/community/forum/c/lynxmotion/electronics-software>>url:https://www.robotshop.com/community/forum/c/lynxmotion/electronics-software]]
329 -
330 330  {Work in progress}
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