Lynxmotion SSC-32U Manuals

© 2013 Project Lead The Way, Inc. Computer Integrated Manufacturing Lynxmotion Robotic Arm Operation (SSC-32U) – Page 1 Lesson 3.3 Lynxmotion Robotic Arm Operation (SSC-32U) Introduction A Lynxmotion Robotic Arm is articulated using servos and is used to represent an industrial robotic arm. The recommendations below are provided to help extend the service life and reliability of the robot arm. 1. While building the arm: a. Follow the assembly instructions. Download and follow the instructions for the robotic arm model to be assembled. Before assembling an arm, confirm that all of the needed equipment and tools are available. Assembly guides are available at the Lynxmotion Arm Assembly website in addition to a video tutorial at Chris and Jim CIM Lynxmotion Arm: Mechanical Assembly website. b. Tighten friction plates correctly. A friction plate provides support and stability to a robotic arm while it is in use only if tightened correctly. A friction plate which is over tightened may overheat servos and cause them to cease functioning. A loose friction plate places excess strain on a servo and decreases its positional accuracy. c. Install the load balance springs. The load balance springs provide support to an arm while it is extended. The springs reduce the load on servos while the arm is extended away from its base. © 2013 Project Lead The Way, Inc. Computer Integrated Manufacturing Lynxmotion Robotic Arm Operation (SSC-32U) – Page 2 d. Attach the power connections carefully. Confirm that the polarity of the power wires attached to the SSC-32 control board match the color coding of the connector. The connectors are small and close together. Use caution so that the wires are inserted fully in the connector and there are no wire strands contacting the opposite wire before tightening. Failure to do this could result in a short circuit which can typically damage the power supply or the SSC-32. 2. While using the arm: a. Do not manually rotate or turn the wrist rotate servo. This servo contains small plastic gears that should only be driven by the internal motor of the servo. If turned by hand, the teeth on the plastic gears will strip and render the wrist rotate inoperable. b. Do not allow servos to hold a position for a prolonged period of time. Even when the robot is sitting, it will hold the sitting position for as long as power is going to the servos. If the robot is not going to be used for a long period of time, please turn it off to save strain on the servos. c. Do not leave a gripper closed tightly against its own jaws or against another object. A gripper servo can be easily damaged if it is allowed to exert too much force. Allow the foam pads on the robot gripper to provide enough resistance to lift and hold objects. d. Do not leave a robotic arm outstretched and strained for a prolonged period of time. An outstretched robotic arm supporting a load or its own weight causes excess strain for a servo and can damage it or reduce its service life. e. Assemble all servo wires in the correct orientation. An incorrectly installed servo wire can cause immediate failure if power is supplied to it. Confirm that the ground wire, colored coded as black, connects to the SSC-32 board closest to the outside edge of the SSC-32 board. A signal wire colored coded as yellow connects to the SSC-32 board closest to the center of the SSC-32 board. Caution. Ensure that people and equipment are clear of the robot arm work envelope before applying power to an arm. The robot arm may move at any time during the programming process. The curriculum provides warning statements; however, it is ultimately © 2013 Project Lead The Way, Inc. Computer Integrated Manufacturing Lynxmotion Robotic Arm Operation (SSC-32U) – Page 3 the responsibility of the operator to maintain a safe work envelope, especially before a program is run. Secure the robot arm to a stable base to avoid damage or injury. The robot should never be on or running when people are within the work envelope of the robot.