RP6 ROBOT SYSTEM - APPENDIX
APPENDIX
A - Troubleshooting
This appendix lists a number of problems and possible causes, solutions and/or sug-
gestions how to avoid problems. The list may be extended and updated from time to
time!
1. The robot can not be powered on – none of the LEDs lights and the ro-
bot does not react on the start/stop button!
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The USB-Interface is connected to the robot, but not to the PC! This connec-
tion will hold the MEGA32 in reset mode, which does not allow the controller
to turn on any of the LEDs. Always start by connecting the USB Interface to
the PC before connecting it to the RP6! The same problem may occur if the
PC has been switched off.
●
One expansion module holds all Microcontrollers in reset mode – which may
easily happen in your own designs (it may happen in pre-assembled designs
as well, but usually this is restricted to defects or software bugs). You may
test for this condition by removing all expansion modules!
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You may have removed batteries or you are using empty or defective batter-
ies.
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The main fuse is open. Please check the fuse with an Ohm meter (or a Multi-
meter). Quite often a broken fuse can be easily checked by looking at the
thin wire inside of the fuse's glass-housing. Fuses normally will blow at the
middle of the thin wire, but sometimes the disconnection cannot be ob-
served by visual inspection and must be checked with a Multimeter!
ATTENTION:
Whenever the fuse blows you must check for irregular condi-
tions in the system! Somewhere a short-circuit may have been causing high
currents (did you forget to remove some metallic tools or other objects from
the robot's body?) or individual parts are drawing a heavy load current.
Please inspect the PCBs and all parts! You may have modified the robot's cir-
cuits and/or you may have been using wrong components. Did you insert
batteries with correct polarity? Did you avoid squeezing the cables between
main board and frame? Did you recently attach expansion modules? If you
did, you will have to dismount all expansion modules before restarting the
tests! If all checks seem to be OK and all expansion modules have been re-
moved, you may insert a suitable, fast acting 3.15A fuse and try again.
2. The robot refuses to start programs!
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Did you press the Start/Stop button after the program upload?
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Did you correctly upload a program to the RP6? Did you select the right pro-
gram?
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Did you try to use the PRECOMPILED programs that come with the ex-
amples? Maybe it is a problem with your Software installation.
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