Contents

Before You Begin

This getting started guide uses the Moto 1.0 Application to control the Moto and introduce its various modes of use. 

To use the Moto application with your BrainStem module, you need the interface cable appropriate for your host computer platform.  More information about specific interface cables are available through the Related Products links, left. 

Introduction

To use the Moto application with your BrainStem module, you need the interface cable appropriate for your host computer platform. 

The best way to familiarize yourself with the module is to set it up and run it through its paces.  To do this, we suggest having the following available as you go through this guide:

• BrainStem Moto module
• H-Bridge - You need an H-Bridge to amplify the current to the motor.  An H-Bridge provides the interface between the low-current digital output of the moto controller and the high-current motor output. 
• Interface cable for communications between the Moto module and the host computer
• Motor - You also need the manufacturer's instructions for specific power requirement and connectivity information. 
• If you are using an encoder, the encoder connectivity information for pin-outs
• Connection wires for encoder and motor (and the tools for working with them); some motors have built-in wires for the encoders
• Logic power supply (5V)
• Separate motor power supply
• Some way to hold or tape the motor in place while you are working with the various settings

Working with the BrainStem Moto 1.0 board.

About the BrainStem Moto 1.0 Module Application

The Moto application is a useful tool for setting and saving motion control parameters as well as controlling the motors directly. 

The Moto module operates in many different modes, all of which require some custom settings and configuration depending on your motors and the physical properties of what they are connected to. 

Downloading and Installing the Application

Log in to the Acroname Download Center .  Select the Moto 1.0 program for your operating system platform, then select download.  Depending on your platform, the software archive may automatically decompress.  If not, download the software into a temporary location and extract the files.  If you have other BrainStem software already in place, put the Moto application and support files in the same location. 

Launch the Moto application.  The Moto application (moto.exe) is located in the aBinary subdirectory under the main brainstem directory. 

If your host computer has more than one serial / USB port, determine which port you are using.  If you are not using a default port then you will need to adjust the configuration file "moto.config".  Check the BrainStem GP Application starting guide for more detailed instructions on how to do this. 

Connecting with the BrainStem Moto Module

These steps vary, depending on the H-Bridge option and type of motor you are using. 

Step 1

Line up the H-Bridge pins so they all plug into the moto board.

Step 2

Step 3

Serial connection to Moto board

Step 4

Step 5

Close up of connections for example configuration

Running the Moto Application

Launch the Moto application that you downloaded.  The user interfaces for each platform are very similar so the descriptions of use below are the same, regardless of platform.  When launched, the Moto application starts out with the Channel 0 motion control pane selected.  A small status message indicating that the Moto board has not been found may display; this is normal. 

Power up the module.  Refer to the Moto module description in the BrainStem Reference Guide for power supply requirements and considerations.  Take care to get the orientation right when plugging in the power to the module; the voltage regulator has reverse polarity protection, but other devices connected to the module may not and could be damaged. 

Several things should occur:

• The red power LED on the BrainStem module indicates that the board has power. 
• The red LED on the interface cable's BrainStem side indicates the interface cable has power. 
• The yellow LED on the interface cable's host side indicate the host is providing an RS-232 signal. 
• The green heartbeat LED on the BrainStem blinks to indicate the link between the BrainStem module and the host computer is configured correctly. 
• The green LED on the Moto program blinks in unison with the heartbeat on the BrainStem board, indicating that the link is passing data back and forth successfully. 
• The motors may spin briefly upon power up. 

Motion Control Options

The Moto board supports eight modes, seven of which are available for its initial release.  Before you begin exploring the different modes, set the mode to Off to clean up any previous condition. 

Shutting Down

To shut down, first close the Moto Application by clicking the close window box in the title bar of the window.  You can then power down the Moto module by unplugging the power to the module and motors. 

What's Next

The Moto 1.0 Application is written in C and uses the aIO and aStem shared libraries for communication with the BrainStem Moto 1.0 module.  The source for the application is available as a download from the Acroname site.  You can use these libraries as a starting point for your own BrainStem application software. 

Check out the Getting Started section for a complete list of resources to guide you through the BrainStem architecture.  Click 'Starting' on the BrainStem Resources menu at the top of this page. 

To learn more about the BrainStem Moto 1.0 pins and hardware, check out the BrainStem Reference . 

Revision History:

• 2003-04-28: Page Created

Related Links:

Tips on interfacing the BrainStem to a MacOS X USB hub