Hey folks - finally got my Maslow4 built and have some observations on my initial setup experience.
First, I read up on most of the issues folks were having and that helped -
Firmware - first two tries at updating to 0.68 failed. Unclear if the first was due to my VPN trying to connect and failing through Maslow’s wifi connection. After a power on/off cycle and reconnecting - the second failure Maslow said it didn’t have enough storage space for the .bin I downloaded. I updated the yaml and index files. It showed 90% memory use. I then re-tried the firmware update and it worked. Unsure if they are connected or if I just needed to try a few times.
Next, I moved on to setup, I don’t have my frame built yet, but want to make sure my machine works. Is this a good place to start? I didn’t mess wiht the .yaml yet. Rather, wanted to get used to what needs to happen every time I turn the Maslow 4 on. I started with the Z-axis. It works! Then it wouldn’t stop, it isn’t a hold until done, it tracks each time you push the button. I used my emergency stop button for the first time.
Turn back on - reconnect - used to z-axis motion. On to the arms and cables. Started with extend all - they are really stiff when you just pull out, but if I have some slack (of course I do at this point) push it in a bit and then the cables are much easier to pull out. All 4 pay out - so I built it right. Then went to retract all. The upper left and lower left retract a bit and then stop. Feels like it powered down. I changed the current threshold up and down and it didn’t seem to do anything. I got the upper left to retract all the way, but the other three didn’t do anything. I experimented with plugging and unplugging motors and ethernet cables - so I see how they are logged now, but still no help. They all stopped working, then the left side payed in just a bit. At this point the cables are getting long as I keep pulling out a bit to make sure that they are still working at each step. Frustrated, I turned it off and walked away for 30 min. After coming back changed the current threshold to 1800 and nothing, resaved and cycled power and the next time -bang all 4 payed all the way in. There is a step missing after changing the current threshold for it to take effect that I somehow lucked into. I expect that earlier it was stuck at a lower threshold.
It is quite a handful to cable manage all 4 at the same time. After retracting, released tension and called it a night. Going to do some more experimenting tonight with current limit again as the boys want to watch our robot work.
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