Moving a Robot or Motion Device With the MCP

Appendix C - Using the Manual Control Pendant (MCP)

C.3 Moving a Robot or Motion Device With the MCP

Introduction

The MCP is used with a robot or motion device primarily to teach robot locations for use in application programs. The MCP is also used with custom applications that employ teach routines that pause execution at specified points and allow an operator to teach or reteach the robot locations used by the program. The Adept AIM software system makes extensive use of the pendant for teaching robot locations.

When you move the robot using the MCP, motion will be in world state, tool state, joint state, or in free state.

When moving in world state, directions are sent from the MCP to move the robot in a Cartesian coordinate system centered at the base of the robot. When moving in tool state, directions are sent from the MCP to move the robot in a Cartesian coordinate system centered at the robot’s end-of-arm tooling location.

In joint state, directions are sent from the MCP to move individual robot joints. In free state, selected joints of the robot are “freed” from servo control so they can be moved by hand.

Mode Control Buttons

The mode control buttons, Figure C-12, change the state being used to move the robot, switch control of the robot between the MCP and application programs, and enable High Power (when necessary).

USER

- +

WORLD TOOL JOINT FREE	DEV

			X
		MAN	1
		HALT	Y
			Y
			2
RUN	DIS	COMP	Z
HOLD	PWR	PWR	Z
			3

Figure C-12. Mode Control Buttons

140	Adept SmartController User’s Guide, Rev. E

RS-422/485, XSYS, XUSR, RS-232/TERM specifications

Nortech Systems offers a comprehensive suite of serial communication solutions, including RS-232/TERM, XUSR, XSYS, and RS-422/485 interfaces. These products are designed to facilitate reliable and high-speed data transmission in various industrial applications, making them essential for connecting devices in automation, telecommunications, and data acquisition systems.

The RS-232/TERM interface is a widely adopted standard for serial communication, known for its simplicity and robustness. It supports point-to-point communication over relatively short distances, typically up to 50 feet. Key features include a maximum baud rate of up to 115.2 kbps, error-checking capabilities, and a straightforward connection process, making it ideal for connecting peripheral devices like printers, modems, and barcode scanners.

Building on the RS-232 standard, the XUSR and XSYS devices offer enhanced functionalities and flexibility. XUSR, for instance, supports not just traditional RS-232 connections, but also protocol conversion for various serial interfaces, facilitating seamless integration of legacy systems with modern networking technologies. It is particularly useful in environments where multiple protocols need to be managed simultaneously.

XSYS is designed for more complex applications and supports advanced communication features such as multi-drop configurations, enabling it to connect multiple devices on a single bus. This makes it suitable for extensive industrial networks where space and wiring complexity need to be minimized. Synchronous and asynchronous data transfer modes ensure that the XSYS is adaptable for both real-time data collection and standard command-response applications.

On the other hand, RS-422/485 interfaces excel in long-distance communication, allowing for data transmission over distances up to 4,000 feet. They are designed for multi-point connections, supporting up to 32 devices on a single bus through differential signaling, which enhances noise immunity. These characteristics make RS-422/485 particularly well-suited for environments with electromagnetic interference, such as factories or subways.

Nortech Systems’ serial communication solutions emphasize reliability, ease of use, and versatility. With their commitment to high performance and user satisfaction, these interfaces provide critical connectivity in today’s increasingly automated and interconnected world. Whether in data centers, manufacturing setups, or remote sensor networks, Nortech's offerings stand out for their reliability, efficiency, and adaptability, ensuring effective data communication across diverse applications.

Nortech Systems XUSR, XSYS Moving a Robot or Motion Device With the MCP, Mode Control Buttons

Models: RS-422/485 XSYS XUSR RS-232/TERM