ReconRobotics RSK2012-02 Throwbot XT User Manual Recon Scout User s Manual v5 pub

ReconRobotics, Inc. Throwbot XT Recon Scout User s Manual v5 pub

Users Manual Revised

©2012 ReconRobotics
17
Warranty
The Manufacturer’s Warranty documentation is enclosed with all new product
shipments and is available online at:
http://www.reconrobotics.com/warranty
Manual Translations
This manual is available in several languages online at:
http://www.reconrobotics.com/service/recon-scout_user_manuals.cfm
To Request Service or Repairs
Call or e-mail your ReconRobotics representative or reseller to describe the
problem you are experiencing and request a Return Material Authorization (RMA)
tracking number. In addition to your original sales receipt, you will need to provide
the unit's serial number, your return shipping address, email address and a daytime
telephone number.
ReconRobotics, Inc.
7620 West 78th Street
Edina, MN 55439 USA
1-866-697-6267 or 952-935-5515
support@reconrobotics.com
Warranty and Service
Warranty and Service
Throwbot XT
Throwbot XT
User Manual
User Manual
Version 1.08 June 2012
R001108
Pr o d u c t Identific at ion
This manual applies to the ReconRobotics Throwbot® XT and OCUs.
Notice:
Changes or modifications not expressly approved by ReconRobotics could void the user’s
warranty and could void the user's authority to operate the equipment.
All materials contained in this document are proprietary and confidential.
Reproduction and duplication, without specific written permission, are strictly prohibited.
Corporate Headquarters:
ReconRobotics, Inc.
7620 West 78th Street
Edina, MN 55439 USA
Phone: 1-866-697-6267 or 952-935-5515
Fax: 952-935-5508
Email: support@reconrobotics.com
Website: www.reconrobotics.com
The devices described within this manual are protected under
US Patent Numbers 6,548,982, 6,806,346, 7,559,385 and other
patents pending.
Place Serial Number Sticker Here
©2012 ReconRobotics
16
Lithium Polymer batteries are volatile. Only charge the robot and OCU with
chargers provided by ReconRobotics. Failure to do so may cause fire, which
could result in personal injury and/or property damage.
By purchasing the Throwbot XT robot kit, the buyer assumes all risks associated
with lithium polymer batteries. If you do not agree with these conditions, please
return the robot kit to ReconRobotics.
Do not attempt to disassemble or modify the robot or OCU. This may cause an
electric shock, fire or system failure.
Do not insert any foreign objects inside the robot or OCU. This may cause
electric shock, fire or system failure.
Do not immerse the OCU or chargers into water or liquids.
• If water or any liquid enters the inside of the OCU, immediately stop use
to avoid electric shock, fire or system failure.
The following describes additional symptoms of a device that needs technical
attention and should not be used:
• After a full charge, the OCU display intermittently turns ON and OFF.
• The OCU or charger has been dropped and is malfunctioning.
• There are exposed wires on a charger cable.
• The robot, OCU or charger becomes too hot to touch.
• There is an unusual sound emitted from any of the components.
• There is smoke emitted from any of the components.
• There is a burning smell emitted from any of the components.
If you have questions or concerns regarding the use
or operation of the robot or OCU, discontinue use
and contact ReconRobotics or the vendor from
whom you purchased your equipment.
©2012 ReconRobotics
15
Safety Information & Warnings
Safety Information & Warnings
Read these warnings before charging or using your Throwbot XT
robot or OCU. Failure to read and follow these instructions may
result in fire, personal injury and/or damage to property.
To reduce the risk of electric shock, do not remove the shell of the robot,
Operator Control Unit (OCU) or the chargers. No user-serviceable parts are
inside. Refer servicing to qualified ReconRobotics service personnel.
To reduce the risk of injury or damage, keep these safety precautions in mind
when setting up, using and maintaining your equipment.
Read all safety and operating instructions before operating the robot or OCU.
Retain the safety and operating instructions for future reference.
Follow all operating and usage instructions.
Do not attempt to service the robot or OCU yourself. Repairs or modifications
not conducted by authorized personnel will result in the voiding of warranty
and/or Annual Maintenance Plans.
Keep loose clothing and hair away from the robot.
Considerations for charging:
• Always charge the robot with the activation pin inserted.
• Always keep the OCU turned off while charging.
• Always charge in a cool, ventilated, fire-safe area.
• Do not leave system unattended while charging.
• Always use a proper country-specific AC socket (120-240 VAC) with the
AC Dual DC Battery Charger. Do not force the plug into a socket.
• Ensure the charger plug is inserted at the correct angle when connecting to
the robot or OCU.
• Ensure the barrel of the charging connector is not deformed, bent or
otherwise damaged before inserting in the robot or OCU.
FCC Guidelin e s and Logboo k i-iv
Throwbot XT Kit Inventory 1
Throwbot XT Robot Components 2
OCU Comp onents 3
OCU Audio/Video-Out Capabilities 4
Quick Start Guid e 5
Instructions for Use:
Se t u p 6
Ch argers 7
Field Maintenance:
Robot 9
OCU 10
Frequently Asked Quest ion s 11
Troubleshooting 12
Safety Information and War nin gs 15
War r ant y and Servic e 17
For applicable FCC guidelines, refer to your FCC
logbook (US customers only).
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
©2012 ReconRobotics
1
Throwbot XT Kit Inventory
Throwbot XT Kit Inventory
Please inspect the contents of this package to ensure that all materials are present.
If any of the materials are missing, please contact support@reconrobotics.com.
Your Throwbot XT Kit includes:
One (1) Throwbot XT or Throwbot XT Audio Robot
One (1) Operator Control Unit (OCU) with lanyard
One (1) Throwbot XT & XT Audio 4-Pin AC Dual DC Battery Charger
One (1) Region-Specific AC Power Cable
One (1) Spare Activation Pin
One (1) Tether Kit
One (1) Pelican® Carrying Case
One (1) User Manual
Double Throwbot XT Kits include:
One (1) Additional Throwbot XT or Throwbot XT Audio Robot
One (1) Additional Activation Pin
©2012 ReconRobotics
14
How do I request service if I am still experiencing problems
with my ReconRobotics equipment?
You can request service by contacting your ReconRobotics sales representative (refer
to page 17). When you contact, please have the following information available:
1. Problem description
2. Customer agency
3. Contact name
4. Contact phone or email
5. Serial number of the product that is experiencing difficulties
Our technical staff will attempt to troubleshoot and resolve the problem. If repair
service is needed, we will set up an RMA (Return Material Authorization) and ar-
range for shipment of your equipment to our US repair facility. Standard turnaround
time for repair is under one week after receipt.
If your issue cannot be resolved remotely, ReconRobotics will provide loaner equip-
ment for Throwbot XT kits during the repair process. We pay all shipping costs.
If your issue is not covered under warranty or by an extended service plan, we will
provide a not-to-exceed (NTE) repair cost estimate for your approval before com-
mencing repair. After repairs are complete, you will be invoiced for the actual cost
of repairs up to this estimate.
When sending equipment in for RMA, please include the entire kit (Robot, OCU
and chargers) to ensure all necessary repairs can be completed.
©2012 ReconRobotics
13
Troubleshooting (cont.)
Troubleshooting (cont.)
When I throw the robot, it does not drive straight when it lands.
What could be wrong?
The robot has electronic circuitry that needs to self-calibrate after a throw. When the
robot lands, let it sit still for a few seconds before driving. It will automatically
recalibrate itself during this time and should resume driving as expected.
Why isn’t the robot’s IR light turning on?
The IR LED will not turn on if the light sensor detects sufficient light, in order to
conserve battery life. If your robot's IR light does not turn on when the robot is in a
state of complete darkness, there may be an issue with the light sensor.
What would cause the IR light to stay on constantly, even in
daylight?
If there is dust or debris present on the IR blister, the light sensor may determine the
environment has less ambient light than it really does. Ensure that the IR blister is
free of dust or debris by wiping it with a soft towel.
The robot or OCU doesn’t seem to be holding a full battery
charge. What can be done?
If you feel that your Throwbot XT robot or OCU is not running for its complete
battery life on a full charge, there is a simple self-diagnosis test you can run to check
the performance:
Fully charge your robot and OCU (refer to page 7 for instructions). Start test by
pulling pin from robot and turning on the OCU. Record the time that the units
are turned on. Run both units continuously until:
a. Robot stops moving and sending video
b. OCU screen goes blank and stops sending commands.
Record the time. Contact ReconRobotics for service if:
a. Robot runs for under 60 minutes
b. OCU runs for under 120 minutes
©2012 ReconRobotics
2
Throwbot XT Robot
Throwbot XT Robot
Components
Components
A robot should have the following components:
If any of these items are missing or damaged, please notify
ReconRobotics immediately. (See Warranty and Repair, pg. 17)
Throwbot XT
Two
Antennas
Activation
Pin
Two
Wheels
Stabilizer
Tail
IR Blister
Water
Resistance Passively water
resistant to a depth of one
foot (30cm) for five minutes
Throwbot XT Audio
Passively water
resistant to a depth of one
foot (30cm) for five minutes
Microphone
Not Active
©2012 ReconRobotics
3
OCU Components
OCU Components
An OCU should have...
OCU II
Two Antennas
Lanyard
Power Switch
Headphone Jack*
Audio/Video Out
Jack*
Charging Port
*Audio reception is only available with audio-enabled robots (Throwbot XT Audio),
and A/V out signal is only available with A/V cabling package.
©2012 ReconRobotics
12
I’ve been using the OCU for an extended period of time. Now the
screen is black when I power on, and I cannot control the robot.
What could be wrong?
For safety purposes, when the battery drops below a certain voltage, the OCU deactivates
itself. You will need to recharge the OCU as described in the “Instructions for Use:
Chargers” section (page 7).
I’ve turned the OCU on, and the screen is not displaying a solid video
stream. What could be wrong?
“Bad” video can have several possible causes:
The robot may be out of range.
The robot may be low on power or deactivated.
The robot or OCU may be experiencing interference caused by environmental
factors (e.g. other radio devices in the area or proximity to metal).
The charge indicator lights do not light up when the robot or OCU is
connected to the battery charger.
Refer to page 7 for instructions on how to read the indicator lights on your chargers. If
you are still having issues, test for:
Faulty power to the charger. Try powering the charger from another source.
A general failure in the charger. If the problem persists after changing the power
supply, contact ReconRobotics.
I have headphones plugged into my OCU, but all I hear is static. Why?
The OCU will only transmit audio if you are using an active, audio-enabled Throwbot XT
Robot on the same operational channel.
Troubleshooting
Troubleshooting
©2012 ReconRobotics
11
How long will the robot run on a full charge?
The actual battery run time of a robot will vary depending on the time spent driving and
the terrain the robot is crossing. On a fully charged battery, the robot should run for
approximately 60 minutes.
How long will the OCU run on a full charge?
The battery run time of the OCU is approximately 120 minutes.
How many times can the robot and OCU be recharged?
The robot and OCU use Lithium Polymer batteries which are rated for 300 recharges
before any degradation of capacity.
How long does it take to recharge the OCU and robot?
The recharging times for the OCU and robot are approximately one to three hours
depending on the current state of charge.
Can the robot be operated in wet conditions?
The OCU should only be used in a dry environment. The warranty and Annual
Maintenance Plan do not cover any damage resulting from exposure of the system to
water, salt water spray, hazardous or caustic chemicals, etc.
The Throwbot XT robot is passively water resistant to a depth of one foot (30 cm) for up
to five minutes.
Where can I find the serial numbers on my robot or OCU?
Robot: Underside of shell, near the tail mounting point.
OCU: Bottom of the back side, near the lanyard mounting post.
Format: Eight or nine digits with an alpha character in the fifth digit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
©2012 ReconRobotics
4
OCU Audio/Video Out Capabilities
OCU Audio/Video Out Capabilities
Audio Output
The OCU is capable of receiving audio transmitted from the Throwbot
XT Audio robot. To listen, plug headphones into the appropriate jack on
the left-hand side of the OCU.
Audio/Video Output
The ReconRobotics Audio/Video (A/V) Out Cabling Package (sold
separately) can be used to connect the OCU to an external monitoring/
recording device (not included). The A/V Out jack is located on the
left-hand side of the OCU.
Once connected to the OCU, connect the other end of the A/V Out
cable to the appropriate connector on an external device. Please refer to
the instruction card provided with the A/V Out Cabling Package for
more information.
The A/V Out cables in the A/V Out Cabling Package are specially
designed to work with the OCU. Though they may look similar, cables
manufactured by a third party will not work appropriately with the
OCU.
Video Only Output
If your robot does not have the capability to transmit audio, you will still
be able to output a video signal through the A/V Out jack using the
appropriate cable. Do not use headphones with the OCU unless you are
controlling a Throwbot XT Audio robot.
Do not use third-party cables with the A/V Out
jack on the OCU.
Ensure you are using headphones with in-line
volume control. There is no volume control on the
OCU itself. Be careful to test the audio volume
before using.
©2012 ReconRobotics
5
Quick Start Guide
Quick Start Guide
Operational Specifications
Range: up to 100 feet (30 meters) indoors or non-line-of-sight, 300 feet (91
meters) outdoors within line-of-sight
Battery run time on full charge:
Robot = 60 minutes
OCU = 120 minutes
Robot Speed: 1.5 feet (0.46 meters) per second
Radio Transmission: Analog
Robot Drop Shock Resistance: 30ft/9.1m vertical
Robot Throw Shock Resistance: 120ft/36.5m horizontal
Matching Frequency Channels
The operating frequency channel is indicated by a sticker on the robot
and OCU. They must match for successful operation. To deploy
multiple robots within the same area of operation, different channels
must be used.
Basic Deployment Instructions
1. Charge robot or OCU if needed.
2. Rotate antennas to an upright position.
3. Switch OCU on.
4. Pull pin from robot. Confirm that robot is broadcasting video and
accepting command from the OCU before deploying.
5. Drop or throw robot into target environment.
6. Wait two seconds after robot lands to allow gyroscope to stabilize
before operating.
Equipment on channels A.2, B.2, and C.2 is not
compatible with equipment programmed to
channels A, B, and C.
If using headphones with a Throwbot XT Audio
robot, plug in and test the headphones at a low
volume before using.
©2012 ReconRobotics
10
Field Maintenance: OCU
Field Maintenance: OCU
OCU Field Maintenance
Antennas: Ensure that the antennas are not bent or kinked and that they are able to
easily be rotated.
ReconRobotics does not supply any repair parts except for what is available in a Field
Maintenance Kit (FMK). Repairs or modifications, other than those associated with
the FMK, which are not conducted by authorized personnel will result in the voiding
of warranty and/or Annual Maintenance Plans. Refer servicing to qualified
ReconRobotics service personnel. (See Warranty and Repair, pg. 17)
Field Maintenance Kit for Throwbot XT
DO NOT DISASSEMBLE YOUR ROBOT OR
OCU.
There are no user-serviceable parts inside.
©2012 ReconRobotics
9
Field Maintenance: Robot
Field Maintenance: Robot
The wheels and tail are not interchangeable between
the Throwbot XT & Recon Scout robot models. Use
the correct parts for your model of robot.
The Throwbot XT robots and OCUs are designed to provide mission critical
information in harsh or hazardous environments, but no product is indestructible. In
order to ensure that your ReconRobotics equipment keeps performing as expected,
please follow these steps after each use of the robot and OCU.
Robot Field Maintenance
Wheels: If the nut is loose, tighten the nut with a 5/16 inch nut driver.
Do not over-tighten. The wheel should spin freely.
Stabilizing Tail: If tail is loose, use a 1/16 inch Allen wrench to tighten
the bolts holding on the tail. Do not over-tighten.
Antennas: Visually inspect for scuffing or cracking. If wire is exposed,
antennas will need to be replaced.
The optimal arrangement of the antennas is sticking relatively straight up
into the air with a slight slant toward each other. It may be necessary to
manipulate the antennas into this position by making a sharp kink at the
bottom of the antenna near the shell and straightening out any other kinks
along the length of the antennas.
IR Blister: Lightly dust off the IR Blister to ensure the sensor is clear.
Parts Replacement
The parts and tools supplied in a Field Maintenance Kit (FMK) allow you to replace
the following parts on your Throwbot XT robot:
Antennas
Wheels
Tail
Activation Pin
©2012 ReconRobotics
6
Setting up the OCU
Rotate antennas to an upright position as shown. The
operator may rotate the antennas up or down as needed to
receive the maximum range performance from the robot
system while maintaining a comfortable view of the OCU
screen.
Powering the OCU
Flip the power switch at the base of the controller from the
Off to the On position.
The screen should light up indicating the unit is ready to
use. If the robot is powered on, video from the robot
should appear. Otherwise, the screen will display static.
Powering the Robot
Pull the activation pin from the robot to power it on.
Reinserting the pin turns the robot off.
You will hear and feel a click when the pin is fully
seated.
Instructions for Use: Setup
Instructions for Use: Setup
When not in use, always ensure the OCU is
switched off and the activation pin is inserted in
the robot.
Modification of the antenna
system may violate your
authorization to use this
product.
©2012 ReconRobotics
7
Instructions for Use: Chargers
Instructions for Use: Chargers
Reading Charge Indicator Lights on Battery Chargers
Your kit may include one or both of these chargers. When plugged into an active
power source, the indicator LEDs will display the following charge states:
*Battery not included.
AC Dual DC Battery
Charger
BA5590/BB2590 Field
Charger*
Green
Light
Fully charged
OR
Not plugged into OCU/
robot
Fully charged
NOTE: LED light may shut
off after charging is complete
Red Light Charging
Charging
No Light Not receiving power from
outlet
Not plugged into OCU/robot
OR
Charging is complete (fully
charged)
Blinking
Light
Charger is connected incor-
rectly. Unplug everything
and start over (refer to page
8 for instructions).
N/A
©2012 ReconRobotics
8
Throwbot XT & XT Audio AC Dual DC Battery Charger
1. Turn off OCU and insert activation pin into robot to deactivate before charging.
2. Plug AC electrical cord into the charger. (NOTE: charger must be connected to
a power source before robot or OCU for proper operation)
3. Plug AC electrical cord into the proper country-specific AC wall socket (120-
240 VAC).
4. Plug the appropriate charger cords into the OCU and robot. Ensure connecting
plugs are not bent during insertion or removal. Ensure that the red dot on the
connecting plug is aligned with the red line on the robot when inserting (see
image at right).
5. Remove robot and OCU from charger when charging is complete.
Throwbot XT & XT Audio BA5590/BB2590 Field Charger
1. Turn off OCU and insert activation pin into robot to deactivate before charging.
2. Plug electrical cord into a 5590 or 2590 battery.
3. Plug the appropriate charger cords into the OCU and robot. Ensure connecting
plugs are not bent during insertion or removal. Ensure that the red dot on the
connecting plug is aligned with the red dot on the robot when inserting (see
image above).
4. Remove robot and OCU from charger when charging is complete.
General Instructions & Recommendations
Place the chargers in a cool, ventilated, fire-safe area.
Charge your robot and OCU once per month, even if they were not used. This
will ensure the batteries are kept topped off to ensure the robot is always ready
for immediate deployment.
To prevent battery damage, DO NOT
use any chargers other than those
supplied by ReconRobotics.
The charger plugs are NOT interchangeable.
Inserting the wrong plug into the robot or OCU
could result in permanent damage.
iv
Recon Scout FCC Logbook
Recon Scout FCC Logbook
Version 1.33 September 2012
F C C C l a s s B P r o d u c t C o m p l i a n c e
NO T E : T h i s e q u i p m e n t h a s b e e n t e s t e d a n d f o u n d t o c o m p l y w i t h t h e l i m i t s fo r
a C la s s B d ig i t a l d e v i c e , p u r s u a n t t o P a r t 1 5 o f t h e F C C R u l e s e x c e p t w h e r e
w a i v e d b y w a i v e r D A 1 0 - 2 9 1 . T h i s e qu i p m e n t g e n e r a t e s , u s e s a n d c a n r a d i a t e
r a d i o f r e q u e n c y e n e r g y a n d , i f n o t i n s t a l l e d a n d u se d i n a c c o r d a n ce w i t h t h e
i n s t r u c t i o n , m a y c a u s e h a r m fu l i n t e r f e r e n c e t o r a d i o c o m mu n ica t ion . H o we v e r ,
t h e r e i s n o g u a r a n t e e t h a t i n t e r f e r e n c e w i l l n o t oc c u r i n a p a r t i cu l a r
i n s t a l l a t i o n . I f t h i s e q u i p m e n t d o e s c au s e h a r m f u l i n t e r f e r e n ce t o r a d i o o r
t e l e v i s i o n r e c e p t i o n , w h i c h c a n b e d e t e r m i n e d b y tu r n i n g t h e e q u i p m e n t o f f a n d
on , t h e u s e r i s e n c o u r a g e d t o t r y t o c o r r e c t t h e i n t e r fe r e n c e b y o n e o r m o r e o f
t h e f o l l o w i n g m e a s u r e s :
Re o r i e n t o r r e l o c a t e t h e r e c e iv in g a n t e n n a .
In c r e a s e t h e s e p a r a t i o n b e t we e n t h e e q u i p me n t a n d r e ce i v e r .
C o n n e c t t h e e q u i p m e n t in t o a n o u t l e t o n a c i r cu i t d i f fe r e n t f r o m t h a t t o
wh i c h t h e r e c e i v e r i s c on n e c t e d .
C o n s u l t t h e d e a l e r or a n e x p e r i e n c e d r a d i o / T V t e c h n i c i a n f o r h e l p .
T h i s d e v i c e m a y n o t i n t e r f e r e w i t h F e d e r a l s t a t i o n s o p e r a t i n g i n t h e
4 2 0 - 4 5 0 M H z b a n d a n d m u s t a c c e p t a n y i n t e r f e r e n c e r e c e i v e d .
A l t h o u g h t h i s t r a n s m i t t e r h a s b e e n a p p r o v e d b y t h e F e d e r a l
C o m m u n i c a t i o n s C o m m i s s i o n , i t m u s t a c c e p t a n y i n t e r f e r e n c e r e c e i v e d
f r o m F e d e r a l o r n o n - f e d e r a l s t a t i o n s , i n c l u d i n g i n t e r f e r e n c e t h a t m a y
c a u s e u n d e si r e d o p e r a t i o n .
Operation of the Recon Scout® robot by eligible entities will require a separate Commission
authorization. Licensees must maintain a log of all Recon Scout use. The log will include date
of operation, start/stop times, location of operation, frequency segment of operation, reason for
use, and point of contact. Licensees must provide this log to the Federal Communications
Commission or to the National Telecommunications and Information Administration upon request of
either agency.
When multiple Recon Scout robots are available on separate frequencies, the agency deploying
them must deploy a Channel C Recon Scout robot first, followed by a Channel A, followed by a
Channel B.
Operation of the Recon Scout robot in an unauthorized manner will subject licensees to
Commission enforcement action and license revocation.
Changes or modifications not expressly approved by ReconRobotics could void the user’s
warranty and could void the user's authority to operate the equipment.
FCC RF Radiation Exposure Statements:
To comply with FCC RF exposure compliance requirements, the antenna used for the robot’s
transmitter must maintain a separation distance of at least 20 cm from all persons during use and
must not be co-located or operating in conjunction with any other transmitter except in accordance
with FCC multi-transmitter product procedures.
The Operator Control Unit (OCU) complies with FCC radiation exposure limits set forth for an
uncontrolled environment. End users must follow the specific operating instructions for satisfying RF
exposure compliance. This transmitter must not be co-located or operating in conjunction with any
other transmitter except in accordance with FCC multi-transmitter product procedures.
i R000850
Site Coordinates (degrees-minutes-seconds)
Arecibo, Puerto Rico 18-20-37 N / 66-45-11 W
Westford, Massachusetts 42-37-24 N / 71-29-18 W
Poker Flats, Arkansas 65-07-47 N / 147-28-14 W
ii
FCC Logbook
FCC Logbook
The usage of the Recon Scout robot is subject to maintenance of a logbook. Please
use the following sheet to record the date of operation, the start and stop times,
channel information, the location of usage, a brief reason for usage and a point of
contact. This logbook must be made available upon request of the Federal
Communications Commission or the National Telecommunications and Information
Administration.
Refer to your User’s Manual for serial numbers and channel information. The next
page may be photocopied, or additional pages are available from your authorized
ReconRobotics dealer.
iii
Date Start Stop Location Reason POC

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