MbPro Gripper

From Merlin Systems Wiki

Miabot Pro gripper accessory TODO: pictures, descriptions

NOTE owing to its power requirements, the gripper attachment can normally only be used with the Gripper/Expansion board accessory.

Documentation

Miabot_Pro_Gripper_v1.1.pdf

Commands

From version 2.6, the standard robot software has an extra command to control pulsewidth outputs to drive standard servos.

The command ‘P’ takes a sequence of decimal values which determine the outputs, up to the number of servo outputs.

The control values can be in the range 0-255, giving an output pulse length of 1.0-2.0 mSecs nominal.

E.G.s

“[P 0 85]” puts the gripper open, and in a horizontal position
“[P 0 150]” puts the gripper open, and in a raised position
“[P 255]” closes the gripper


There are also two control parameters which affect the servo output behaviour . . .


[.ebP] controls which pwm outputs are used

Up to five outputs can be supported, where each output is enabled by setting the appropriate bit in .ebP :–

output  bit  EXP signal  EXP connector pin
------  ---  ----------  ----------------
  1      0    A2          11
  2      1    A3          9
  3      2    A4          7
  4      3    A5          5
  5      4    A1          13

NOTE: output#5 is not compatible with use of the I2C bus.

For the normal gripper setup, outputs 1+2 are connected to the gripper and elevator
servos (in that order), and .ebP=3 (or more).


[.PDT] controls the startup pulse output delay

This is needed because controlling the servos while power is applied causes uncontrollable chatter (interaction with power-supply current limit).

Currently set to 100 (=milliseconds), which seems to work. This should never need to be changed.