RP6 ROBOT SYSTEM - 3. Hardware and Software Setup
3. Hardware and Software Setup
Before you start with setting up the RP6 or accessories, you have to
read the following safety instructions carefully. Especially if children
are handling the RP6 later on!
Please read this chapter extra carefully!
3.1. Safety Instructions
Due to the open frame architecture of the RP6, there are several sharp edges. Thus
the Robot may not be used as a toy for children aged less than 8 years! Please super-
vise children that are in the room while operating the RP6 and inform your children
about the described dangers!
Do not operate the robot in locations with freely moving animals, for example ham-
sters, as they may get hurt. The other way round, bigger animals like dogs and cats
might damage the robot...
The tracked caterpillar drive system has some dangerous sectors
between tracks
and wheels, where the caterpillar may draw in you fingers
. These sectors are
largely covered by the wheel wells of the RP6 and therefore mostly secure. Still, take
care not to get your fingers between wheels and tracks! The motors are quite power-
ful and may easily hurt you! Also keep your fingers out of the area between PCB and
tracks!
ATTENTION:
Even if you are using the standard software, the motors may automat-
ically increase their power level! Depending on the programming style, motors may
start operation at any time and unforeseen reactions and movements may occur!
Never operate the robot without supervision!
3.1.1. Electrostatic Discharges and Shorts
The surface of the main PCB, the USB Interface and all expansion modules is un-
covered and reveals a great number of
unprotected components and PCB traces
.
Please do not cause short circuits by deposition of metallic parts or tools on the sur-
face of the Robot!
Supply voltages are at very low levels only and safe for human beings.
A great num-
ber of components however may get damaged by electrostatic discharges
(ESD) and you should not touch these components
unless necessary!
Especially in combination with synthetic clothing, dry air may cause electrostatic char-
ging of the human body. And the robot as well may be charged, mainly depending on
the floor-covering. In touching metallic parts charged bodies will be discharged by tiny
sparks. These discharges may damage or destroy electronic components while manip-
ulating these parts. To prevent damages by ESD please touch a large grounded device
(e.g. your PC's metal housing, a drainpipe or a heating pipe) before touching the elec-
tronic components. Touching a grounded device will discharge your body. Uncontrolled
discharges of the robot touching grounded obstacles will not damage the robot, but it
may cause program crashes or unforeseen reactions.
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