Appendix C - Using the Manual Control Pendant (MCP)

Table C-2. Controlling More Than One Robot

DEV LED state

Robot selected by pendant

 

 

 

 

OFF

1

 

 

ON

2

 

 

FLASHING

3 (and above)

 

 

The MCP selection cycles from one robot to the next each time the DEV/F3 key is pressed. Be careful when recording positions with the MCP; the position recorded by HERE or TEACH commands depends on the robot that is currently selected by the monitor or program and not on the robot selected by the MCP. The following commands will allow you to teach the position of robot 2 regardless of which robot is selected by the MCP.

.SELECT ROBOT = 2

;Choose

robot to be

accessed

by Monitor

.TEACH p[1]

;Record

location(s)

of robot

2

Robots With Fewer Than Six Joints

The MCP has six axis/joint selection buttons. In Cartesian modes (WORLD, TOOL), these correspond to all six possible Cartesian values: X, Y, Z, RX, RY, RZ. Not all mechanisms can move in all of these coordinates. For example, a 4-axis SCARA robot can move in only X, Y, Z and RZ. Buttons that have no effect on your robot are ignored and in some cases cannot be selected.

Robots With More Than Six Joints

In JOINT mode, each of the six buttons is used to control a specific joint of the robot. If the robot has more than six joints, the F2/J7-J12 key can be used to access the 7th to 12th joints. Only the robot currently selected by the MCP is affected. The currently selected joint is shown by the state of the LED on the joint/axis key as described below. If you press the key for joint 1, and the LED is steady, you are controlling Joint 1. If you press F2/J7-J12, then press the key for joint 1, the LED will flash, indicating that you are controlling Joint 7.

Table C-3. Robots With More Than 6 Axes

Joint/Axis LED state

Joint range

 

 

 

 

OFF

None

 

 

STEADY

1 to 6

 

 

FLASHING

7 to 12

 

 

The MCP cycles from one range to the other each time the F2/J7-J12 key is pressed.

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Adept SmartController User’s Guide, Rev. E

Page 149 Page 151
Page 150
Image 150
Nortech Systems RS-422/485, XUSR, RS-232/TERM DEV LED state Robot selected by pendant, Robots With Fewer Than Six Joints
Page 149 Page 151

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.
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