Editing WaterColorBot Troubleshooting
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The motors can only exert a certain amount of force. If that force is insufficient to overcome the friction from the spectra cord and moving the carriage, then the motors will not be able to move. | The motors can only exert a certain amount of force. If that force is insufficient to overcome the friction from the spectra cord and moving the carriage, then the motors will not be able to move. | ||
− | To check the level of friction, raise the brush and turn off the motors, so that you can turn the winches by hand. When you try to turn the winch, it should turn easily, and move the carriage when you do so. If it does not turn easily | + | To check the level of friction, raise the brush and turn off the motors, so that you can turn the winches by hand. When you try to turn the winch, it should turn easily, and move the carriage when you do so. If it does not turn easily, then you need to figure out why. |
The most common cause of high friction is if the two steel rods are not square to the chassis. You can check this by moving the carriage to the home corner, and making sure that all four rod-end sliders line up evenly against their stops. | The most common cause of high friction is if the two steel rods are not square to the chassis. You can check this by moving the carriage to the home corner, and making sure that all four rod-end sliders line up evenly against their stops. | ||
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A second thing to check is to make sure that the Spectra cord is routed through the grooves on the three ball bearings. | A second thing to check is to make sure that the Spectra cord is routed through the grooves on the three ball bearings. | ||
− | Third | + | Third, check to make sure that you have not ''over-tightened'' the spectra cord. If you plug the string, and it sounds like any musical instrument other than a string bass, you probably have too much tension. |
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==== There is too much slack in the cord ==== | ==== There is too much slack in the cord ==== | ||
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If the motors are too weak, from having the motor current on the EBB set too low, the motors can cog as a result. See [[WaterColorBot_Troubleshooting#Motors_are_apparently_too_weak|Motors are apparently too weak]] below. | If the motors are too weak, from having the motor current on the EBB set too low, the motors can cog as a result. See [[WaterColorBot_Troubleshooting#Motors_are_apparently_too_weak|Motors are apparently too weak]] below. | ||
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== Issues arising from current setpoint on EBB == | == Issues arising from current setpoint on EBB == | ||
− | The current sent to the two stepper motors (Motor 1 and Motor 2) is set by the current adjustment pot on the EBB. If your stepper motors are weak, make high-pitch whining noises, exhibit jittery behavior, or produce inconsistent step sizes, you probably need to adjust the current setting on the EBB. | + | The current sent to the two stepper motors (Motor 1 and Motor 2) is set by the current adjustment pot on the EBB. If your stepper motors are weak, make high-pitch whining noises, exhibit jittery behavior, or produce inconsistent step sizes, you probably need to adjust the current setting on the EBB. |
Note that the current setpoint does not affect the brush-lift (servo motor). | Note that the current setpoint does not affect the brush-lift (servo motor). | ||
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− | ==== Adjusting current while painting ==== | + | ==== Adjusting current while painting ===== |
The most common procedure to adjust the current is to first remove the paintbrush and then to begin painting (for example, one of the examples in RoboPaint). While the WaterColorBot is trying to paint, insert the screwdriver into the pot, and gently adjust it one way or the other until the motors are moving smoothly and quietly. | The most common procedure to adjust the current is to first remove the paintbrush and then to begin painting (for example, one of the examples in RoboPaint). While the WaterColorBot is trying to paint, insert the screwdriver into the pot, and gently adjust it one way or the other until the motors are moving smoothly and quietly. | ||
You may find that the WaterColorBot acts differently when the screwdriver is inserted or is not inserted into the pot, so remove your screwdriver from the pot after adjusting current to make sure that it performs as desired. | You may find that the WaterColorBot acts differently when the screwdriver is inserted or is not inserted into the pot, so remove your screwdriver from the pot after adjusting current to make sure that it performs as desired. | ||
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==== Adjusting current while parked ==== | ==== Adjusting current while parked ==== | ||
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== Corrosion on rods == | == Corrosion on rods == | ||
− | The two rods that go through the carriage are made from a type of tool steel that can rust. They normally have a very thin, protective layer of oil on their surfaces. However, that layer is easily removed or disturbed, and a small amount of surface corrosion is (not beautiful but) normal and should not interfere with operation. If there is an excess of corrosion, follow the instructions below to clean and protect the rods. In case of very severe corrosion, such that the rods do not move smoothly through the carriage even after cleaning, the rods may need to be replaced. | + | The two rods that go through the carriage are made from a type of tool steel that can rust. They normally have a very thin, protective layer of oil on their surfaces. However, that layer is easily removed or disturbed, and a small amount of surface corrosion is (not beautiful but) normal and should not interfere with operation. If there is an excess of corrosion, follow the instructions below to clean and protect the rods. In case of very severe corrosion, such that the rods do not move smoothly through the carriage even after cleaning, the rods may need to be replaced. |
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* To remove the rods from the WaterColorBot: Manually, or using RoboPaint RT, move the carriage to the middle of the frame. Starting with the horizontal rod, lift one rod-end slider out of its groove, and pop the rod out of the slider. Pull the opposite end out of its slider as well, and slide the rod out. Repeat for the other rod. | * To remove the rods from the WaterColorBot: Manually, or using RoboPaint RT, move the carriage to the middle of the frame. Starting with the horizontal rod, lift one rod-end slider out of its groove, and pop the rod out of the slider. Pull the opposite end out of its slider as well, and slide the rod out. Repeat for the other rod. |