MRMC STUDIOBOT TX90 User manual

CRANES AND RIGS | BROADCAST | HEADS & DSLR | PRODUCT PHOTOGRAPHY | RENTALS
STUDIOBOT
TX90
Quick Start Guide
QSG Product Code: MRMC-2267-00
Products Covered: MRMC-2000-00-JB-0053, MRMC-2000-00-JB-0054

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Studiobot TX90 Quick Start Guide
Products Covered: MRMC-2000-00-JB-0053, MRMC-2000-00-JB-0054
QSG Product Code: MRMC-2267-00
© 2021 Mark Roberts Motion Control Ltd. All rights reserved.
No part of this publication may be reproduced, transmitted, or translated
by any means — graphical, electronic, or mechanical — including
photocopying, recording, taping, or storage in an information retrieval
system, without the express written permission of Mark Roberts Motion
Control.
Although every care has been taken to ensure that the information in this
document is accurate and up to date, Mark Roberts Motion Control
continuously strives to improve their products and may make changes to
the hardware, firmware, and software described in this document. Mark
Roberts Motion Control therefore cannot be held responsible for any
error or omission in this document.
All product names mentioned herein are the trademarks or registered
trademarks of their respective owners.
Contact information
Mark Roberts Motion Control Ltd.
Unit 3, South East Studios
Blindley Heath
Surrey
RH7 6JP
United Kingdom
Telephone: [phone]
E-mail: [email protected]m (sales and general enquiries)
[email protected]m (customer support)
Web: www.mrmoco.com
www.mrmocorentals.com

Studiobot TX90 Quick Start Guide
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Studiobot TX90 Quick Start GuideStudiobot TX90Quick Start Guide
Contents
Chapter 1 Quick Start..................................................................... 1
Overview .................................................................................1
Safety procedures for using industrial robots,
including high speed track....................................................2
Assessing a site ..............................................................3
Installation safety..........................................................3
Software setup ...............................................................6
Operational safety.........................................................6
Mounting the Castor Wheels (Studiobot TX90 On
Pedestal) ..................................................................................7
Mounting the Weight Plates (Studiobot TX90 on
Pedestal) ................................................................................10
Mounting the Riser ..............................................................11
Anchoring Studiobot TX90 on Pedestal to the floor.......11
Mounting the Staubli Arm..................................................14
Connecting the cables — Studiobot On Pedestal ............16
Connecting the cables — Studiobot On Track.................18
Starting up the Studiobot TX90 system ............................20
Studiobot TX90 start-up summary ..........................23
Shutting down the Studiobot TX90 system......................25
Studiobot TX90 shut-down summary .....................26
FreeD Sync Box: Setup and configuration........................27
Changing the IP address of the FreeD box ....32
Testing the FreeD box in Flair Setup........................33
Working with Local Area Networks..................................36
Introduction to LAN addresses ................................36
Changing the IP Address of the Network
Devices .........................................................................37
Flair PC ........................................................................37
Nodes in Network Direct...........................................40
FreeD Box ....................................................................41

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Using Iconic Display in Flair ..............................................42
Run Controls ...............................................................42
Getting Ready to Create a Position ..........................43
Creating a Preset Position..........................................43
Running a Goto to the Preset Position ....................44
Creating a Move..........................................................44
Running a Move..........................................................45
Modifying a Move.......................................................45
Changing the duration of the move................45
Modifying one of the Waypoints in the
Move....................................................................46
Adding a Waypoint in the Move .....................46
Moving the Studiobot TX90 arm by hand........................47
Appendix 1 Troubleshooting........................................................... 50
Typical symptoms, causes, and actions .............................50
Checking robot temperature using the pendant..............51
Appendix 2 Specifications............................................................... 55
Rig Weights ........................................................55
Rig Performance ................................................55
Operating Envelope ..........................................56

Studiobot TX90 Quick Start Guide
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Studiobot TX90 Quick Start GuideStudiobot TX90Quick Start Guide
Chapter 1 Quick Start
Overview
Thank you for using the Studiobot TX90 from Mark Roberts Motion
Control (MRMC). Studiobot TX90 is designed for reliable day-in, day-out
use in professional studio and Outside Broadcast environments. It has a
small, lightweight robotic arm which can be used either as camera rig or
model mover. There are two versions of Studiobot TX90:
Studiobot TX90 on Pedestal
has a stationary base which you
either hold down with weights
or, for more permanent
installations, attach to the floor.
Studiobot TX90 on Track has
a base designed for moving
along Precision Track, which
can be bolted to the ground and
can also be held down with
weights at temporary locations.
It has removable trolley wheels
for moving between sets.

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Safety procedures for using industrial robots,
including high speed track
Note that the words Robot and Rig are completely interchangeable and
identical in meaning, for the purposes of this document.
Motion Control rigs are potentially dangerous. It is important that you
and everyone else on the set understand the safety notes on the following
pages in order to stay safe.
You should use this document in addition to the normal Safety Manual
instructions that are applicable to all motion control rigs, such as Milos.
This section emphasises the safety concerns that are especially important
around high-speed, high-acceleration, industrial-grade robots which can
cause severe injuries, such as Studiobot TX90.
Unlike traditional motion control equipment, Studiobot TX90
can get to maximum speed in the blink of an eye - too fast for
someone to be able to quickly move out of the way.
If you are using Studiobot TX90 on Track, you need to take
extra steps during installation and use due to the additional
risks involved in using track. See the separate Precision Track
Quick Start Guide for information on laying the track, securing
it to the floor, and mounting Studiobot TX90 onto it. The notes
given below for track users are marked with this symbol: .
It is ultimately the operator of the rig who is responsible for
the safe use of the equipment so never bypass any of the safety
points listed here.
No one other than a highly trained operator should use the
robot, no matter how simple it looks or is.
This document is for the use of robots for carrying cameras or
props, not people. Additional safety steps should be taken prior
to using a rig to carry people.

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Assessing a site
Before setting up Studiobot TX90 you need to assess the site, paying
particular attention to the following points:
Is the ground or floor firm enough and level enough? You
might have to use boards or bricks to create a level surface. The
surface needs to be strong enough to take the weight of
Studiobot TX90 itself (294 kg) plus the weight of the track (95
kg per section).
Does the site have access? You need to make sure you can
either push Studiobot TX90 into position on its wheels or carry
it there using a pallet truck or forklift.
Does the site have a power source with sufficient capacity for
the robot and the correct mains voltage?
– Studiobot TX90 on Track requires a 240 Volts,
single-phase power supply via 2x16amps power
connectors.
– Studiobot TX90 on Pedestal requires a 240 Volts,
single-phase power supply via a 16amps power
connector.
– The computer stack that controls Studiobot TX90 are
auto-switching and can run on 120-240 Volts AC.
Does the site have unusual environmental attributes that
require specialised protection from extreme temperatures,
humidity, rain, or dust?
Installation safety
Due to the large mass of the rigs and the accelerations they
achieve it is important that they are securely mounted, with the
recommended plates and bolts to a secure and concrete floor.
When using track, ensure that it is properly bolted to the floor.
If bolting the track is not possible, use 100kg of counter
weights on each corner of the track.
Make sure there is plenty of clearance around the length of the
track for the trailing cables of the rig to slide along the floor.
Ensure that they are not mounted in such a way so that they

Studiobot TX90 Quick Start Guide
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can catch on the track or robot as it moves along the full
length.
Ensure the floor can support the load and the stresses (see
above).
Ensure the power supply is properly earthed (grounded) and of
the correct voltage (see above).
If the rig is mounted to something other than the floor then
the mount should be heavy and strong enough to take the
forces and not move or fall over during sudden starts and
stops. Use the recommended minimum thickness steel plates.
Check with MRMC if you are unsure of the exact requirements
for your robot.
Check that all cables are securely fixed and are not going to
catch during motion.
Ensure the camera, lens, focus motor, accessories, power
supplies/batteries, etc. are all very securely mounted and will
not come off during sudden motions, to become lethal
missiles.
Ensure all safety accessories are securely attached and in
working order, including emergency stops, safety sensors, etc.
Clearly mark the area around the robot in which no persons
are allowed to enter. As a bare minimum, use brightly marked
tape on the floor, outside the reach of the robot, to indicate the
“No Go Zone”. Ideally, use physical safety barriers, and light
guards/curtains.
Keep stands, lights and accessories out of the No Go Zone, if
possible. If not possible then try to take as much care with their
positioning and the motion of the rig, as if they were a person.
Remember a light, accidentally hit at high speed by the robot,
can be just as dangerous to someone standing outside the No
Go Zone as the robot is to someone standing in the zone.
Someone standing outside the No Go Zone as the robot is to
someone standing in the zone.
Where physical safety barriers are impractical, light guards
should be used or similar alternatives such as laser scanners, to
stop anyone entering the No Go Zone during motion.

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Ideally have the robot surrounded on all four sides by a safety
barrier, but where that is not practical, ensure that the
maximum number of sides feasible are closed off, and that any
person having to stand within reach of the robot is located as
far away as possible for the shot.
Never let anyone cross the robot’s track when the track motor
is powered up. In fact, it is a good idea to get into the routine of
walking around the track instead of over it so that you don’t
cross the track out of habit when the track motor is powered
up.

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Software setup
Always ensure you have the right configuration for the robot
you are using, such as maximum axis speeds and accelerations.
Prior to running moves, enter in and keep to a minimum all
software axis and Cartesian limits. For example if the main axis
only needs to travel +/-40 degrees then reduce the limit to +/
-40 degrees even though it could do +/-180 degrees. This keeps
the likelihood of operator or software errors to a minimum.
Also check the Cartesian speed and acceleration limits are set
to reasonable values.
Operational safety
Do not use around flammable gas. All electrical equipment can
generate sparks that can ignite flammable gas.
Keep the equipment dry. The system has not been made
weatherproof. Do not use with wet hands.
Always run moves only when standing within easy reach of the
emergency stop.
Always tell the production
company and the crew to keep
away from the robot and not
approach it when any of its red
lights are on which indicates it is
powered up. Have them sign the
appropriate safety documents
and disclaimers to ensure they
understand this and are
indemnifying MRMC if
anything happens.
Always loudly and clearly indicate to others when the rig is
about to move. Shout “Rig Moving!” if no other means exists.
When using track motion always have someone keep an eye on
the trailing rig cables to ensure they don’t get caught on
anything or anyone.
Always ensure the rig is disabled when someone has to enter
the No Go Zone.

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Always run any move or adjusted move slowly at first to check
the motion. Even if you have checked the move previously, if
you make a minor change to it then you need to recheck it.
Keep the software in “slow mode” unless the move has been
tested and is now specifically doing a high speed pass.
In the event that a person or Actor has to be within the no-go
zone during a move (hand model etc.) ensure that they are
fully briefed on the safety requirements and that they know not
to change their position or do anything other than the
rehearsed moves without fully warning the operator. Any such
person is to have a clear escape route to allow them to move
safely away from the robot.
During use, repeatedly check the rig mounting points, cables,
camera mount, accessories etc. to ensure nothing has, or is,
working its way loose.
Never bypass any safety hardware or software.
Mounting the Castor Wheels (Studiobot TX90 On
Pedestal)
If the castor wheels are not mounted, use the following procedure to
mount the castor wheels:
1. Gently tip the base over from the top so its bottom is visible.

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2. Slide one castor wheel into the base ensuring that edge of the plate
in the wheel assembly is inserted in the slot in the base.
Castor wheel Base (Bottom)
XXXX
XX


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3. Similarly insert all the castors into the base ensuring the plates are
inserted into the slots.
4. Stand the base on the wheels and tighten the four screws to secure
the castor wheels on the base. Do not use the jack screws on the
wheels yet to seat them on the ground.

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Mounting the Weight Plates (Studiobot TX90 on
Pedestal)
1. Use the jack screws on the castor wheels to lift the base high enough
to insert each of the weight plates on either side of the Studiobot
TX90 Base lining up the screw cavities.
2. Lower the base close to the wing but not quite resting on it, close
enough for the two retaining bolts to reach the wings through the
base.
3. Secure the weight plates using the 2xM10 screws on either plate.
4. Lower the base completely so it is resting on both wings. At this
point, you can remove the castor wheels, if so desired.
5. Put the weights onto the wings. Studiobot TX90 requires four boxes
of weights — one at each corner. Each box contains 140kg of weights
(7 × 20kg).
Hint
You can move Studiobot TX90 without removing the wings if you
want, as long as you take the weights off first.
1
2
3
5

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Mounting the Riser
Use the following instructions to mount any riser or an additional riser
on the pedestal:
1. Lower the riser on the base aligning the three screw cavities.
2. Tighten the three screws.
Anchoring Studiobot TX90 on Pedestal to the
floor
If you are setting up Studiobot TX90 on Pedestal in a permanent (or
semi-permanent) location, you can anchor the pedestal to the floor as an
Note
If you are using the 300mm riser, anchor the Studiobot TX90 on
Pedestal down to the floor. Refer to the next section for details.
Limitations when using weights
If you are using weights, reduce the top-speed by 50% when you have
the 300mm riser added. With the small riser (150mm), reduce the
speed by 25%. If you are using both the risers together, then the rig
can only be used at slow speeds.

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alternative to holding it down with weights. The following procedure tells
you how to anchor the pedestal to a concrete floor.
1. Temporarily put the Studiobot TX90 on Pedestal into place where
you want.
2. At one corner of the pedestal, use one of the two holes to draw a
circle on the concrete with a pencil, to mark the position of the hole.
You can use either hole.
Repeat for the other three corners of the pedestal.
3. Temporarily remove Studiobot TX90 on Pedestal and at one of the
four circles that you have drawn, draw a cross centred on the circle,
to help you precisely locate the drill bit.
Repeat for the other three corners.
4. On the 15mm diameter drill bit, put tape around the bit 5 cm from
the tip. This will help you gauge the depth of the hole in the next
step.
5. At one of the corner circles, drill a hole 5 cm deep into the concrete,
centred on the cross. When the tape on the drill bit reaches the floor,
drilling is complete.
Repeat for the other three corners.
6. Clean the four holes.
× 4 corners
2
× 4 corners
3
× 4 corners
5 cm
5 cm
Tap e
5
4

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7. At one of the holes insert the drop-in
anchor insert, threads upward, all
the way to the bottom.
8. Insert the anchor spreader tool into
the drop-in anchor insert.
9. Hit the top of the anchor spreader
tool with a hammer until the anchor
is fully spread in the concrete.
10. Remove the anchor spreader tool.
11. Repeat steps 7 to 10 for the other
three corners.
12. Put Studiobot TX90 on Pedestal in
place over the holes.
13. Insert the four retaining bolts
through the corners of the base and
into the drop-in anchor inserts, and
tighten.
7
Anchor
spreader
tool
8
9
Drop-in
anchor
insert
× 4 corners
13

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Mounting the Staubli Arm
1. Lower the TX90 Staubli arm on the Studiobot TX90 on Pedestal
aligning the sides and screw cavities.
2. Tighten the three screws.

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Notes

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Connecting the cables — Studiobot On Pedestal
J1201
Power Supply: ideally 240V Volt,
1-phase, 3-wire including Ground.
Stäubli CS8
J110
J113
Teach Pendant
J109
Umbilical going
up the arm
E-STOP
ROBOT
ONLY
Serial
Lens
Ethernet
for camera
Video
Video or
sync
Camera Power
Tally Power
Tally HDMI
Cable
wrap