Datasheet

7. Working with the Robot
This chapter describes the quick steps that allow the user to move the FROG robot. There are two
ways to drive the platform. The first one is by using the Wireless Joystick controller and the second is
by using the navigation computer for that purpose.
The following subchapters explain the quick steps to set up the robot to a quick and to a normal
operation.
7.1. Setting up the Hardware
To be able to control the FROG base platform, the user must select the components that it will use.
The minimum configuration that can be selected is using the FROG Base Platform with the Wireless
Joystick controller. In this configuration there is no need to power any computer and only three
batteries are necessary to control the robot.
To work in the minimum configuration the user must perform the following steps:
1. Connect three charged batteries to the Motor L, Motor H and Electronic Batteries Connectors;
2. Press the Electronics power button;
3. Press the Motor power button;
4. Activate the motor drivers by releasing the emergency button.
At this moment the robot platform can be controlled by the wireless Joystick controller or by an
external computer/laptop by connecting to the Motor and Sensor&Management Boards’ USBs.
To work with the Navigation Computer the user must use a fourth battery, or reorganize the power to
use the electronic battery to power the navigation computer. This can be done quickly by connecting
the power cable connector of the PC directly to the non-regulated output of the Sensor&Management
Board.
To work in the minimum configuration with the navigation computer, with 4 batteries, the user must
perform the following steps:
1. Connect four charged batteries to the Motor L, Motor H, Electronic and PC1 Batteries
Connectors;
2. Press the Electronics power button. By turning on the Electronic power button all the auxiliary
batteries will be Enabled, providing power to all the components aboard. This means that the
Navigation computer that is plugged in the PC1 power connector will be powered.
3. If the Navigation computer power button is OFF then the user must turn it ON. But if the
switch is maintained in ON state the computer will boot normally.
4. Press the Motor power button;
5. Activate the motor drivers by releasing the Eemergency button.
At this point the navigation computer is ready to control the system, the user can use the wireless
network connection to communicate with the system.
7.2. Wireless Joystick Control
The FROG platform is equipped with a wireless joystick controller (see Figure 32) that can be used to
control the robot. It can also be used in case of emergency. It incorporates an Emergency button that
FROG – FP7 STREP nr. 288235
Deliverable: D1.4 – Platform User and Developer Manual 42