Building sophisticated motion-control systems is now simpler with Elmo Motion Control’s new free Remote Practice System (RPS). The online software lets users configure, tune and run a motion control solution … quickly and easily.
New RPS users register and then setup advanced motion control and servo technology (with EtherCAT or CANopen networking) for any of Elmo’s servo controllers. No previous knowledge of Elmo’s drivers and controllers — much less motion control — is necessary.
Designed to showcase Elmo’s simple and advanced setup with any target machine, the online Elmo software RPS then lets users configure actual machines with a motion controller (Elmo’s Gold Maestro), three Elmo servo drives and motors, and Elmo’s Application Studio (EASII) software. The software lets users watch the response of a preconfigured motion-control hardware setup through a live camera feed. (The remote motion-system stations are ready for operation in a default configuration. Elmo tunes the drives and sets the motion controller so it’s ready to execute point-to-point motion.) That way, users get a complete running system online with no need to purchase or install any hardware or application.
For beginners, it is an efficient and comprehensive introduction to advance motion control. For skilled engineers, it demonstrates the most updated state-of-the-art servo tuning, complex multi-axis capabilities and real time EtherCAT or CANopen networking. More after the jump.
How the online design-software works
After logging in (or registering), users land on a main screen with several links to tutorials and exercises. From there, users access tutorials (listed with contents and goal descriptions) organized in top-level categories and subcategories. One example of a tutorial module is an Auto Tuning exercise that walks the user through steps to complete a simple drive-motor tuning.
Pre-written sequences walk the user through step-by-step configuration and calibration of motion-control parameters. Meanwhile, a video camera feeds real-time images for every specification entered. A typical design goes this way:
- The designer configures the EtherCAT network.
- The software calculates multi-axis synchronized motions.
- The designer develops IEC-61131-3 programs and triggers simplified and advanced automatic motor tuning.
- The software executes advanced system analysis in the frequency and time domains.
- The software sequences motions and drive programing steps, and records output data.
These steps require little familiarity with motion control programming or Elmo’s drivers and controllers.
EASII software and hardware behind the Elmo RPS interface
Driving the RPS interface is Elmo’s latest EASII software — a new quick-tuning wizard that streamlines machine preparation and activates drive motion in minutes. The software gets machines to peak performance in a shorter time to make drive setup simpler. The Microsoft Windows platform simplifies complex motion environments by integrating all of the activities in one environment … including drive level configuration, setup and tuning; servo-performance analysis and optimization; fieldbus network configuration, analysis and management; multi-axis motion control organization and sequencing; testing, monitoring, recording and troubleshooting; and advanced scripting.
Newcomers can use EASII’s advanced features to get fine-tuned motion precision quickly. Experienced users benefit from the widest range of precision control and diagnostics tools available today. They can:
- Design and execute and test multi-axis motion
- Quickly setup and tune systems via the software’s automatic wizard
- Leverage intelligent motion tools for engineers at all levels
- See communication, motion and programming from one interface
On the hardware side, the RPS uses an Elmo Gold Maestro motion controller to let users develop and run motion-control exercises. The controller provides real-time synchronization for any system tasks … even demanding ones. Single or multi-axis equipment preforms to the highest operating levels. Controller functions include advanced algorithms, distributed network intelligence, and proven machine flexibility.
According to Elmo engineers, the Gold Maestro’s key strength is the integration of all physical, numerical and logical processes that complex machine motion needs. Intelligent response to dynamic mechanical commands and real-time information boosts performance. The Gold Maestro adheres to EtherCAT and CANopen networking standards, enabling precise, multi-axis control with cost-effective integration. It enables fast implementations using standard programming environments like IEC 61131-3, PLCopen, .NET and Win32 C++. Elmo’s standalone networked motion controllers heighten single and multi-axis equipment performance.
About the manufacturer: Elmo Motion Control develops and manufactures motion control solutions. Elmo successfully integrated millions servos worldwide since 1988. Elmo solutions focus on performance, reliability, safety and standards compliance. Our solutions are integrated into wide variety of applications from industrial to extreme environment automation.
Leave a Reply
You must be logged in to post a comment.