Hardware Setup Guide

This guide provides detailed instructions for properly setting up the physical components of the RTMC130 Motion Control System. Following these steps carefully will ensure your system functions properly and safely.

System Overview

The RTMC130 Motion Control System consists of several core components that work together to provide precise motion control:

Core Hardware Components

• RTMC48 (or RTMC16) ISA card - The control card installed inside an MS-DOS compatible computer
• Jogbox - A handheld controller that connects to the DB25 connector on the RTMC card
• Motor Drivers - External devices that amplify the control signals to power the motors
• Motors - Stepper or servo motors that provide the physical movement
• Encoders/Joysticks - Optional input devices for manual control or position feedback

System Diagram

┌────────────────────────────────────────┐
│                                        │
│              DOS Computer              │
│                                        │
│  ┌──────────────────────────────────┐  │
│  │        RTMC48/16 ISA Card        │  │
│  └─┬────────────┬─────────┬─────────┘  │
│    │            │         │            │
└────┼────────────┼─────────┼────────────┘
     │            │         │
     ▼            ▼         ▼
┌─────────┐  ┌────────┐  ┌───────────┐
│  Jogbox │  │ Motors │  │ Encoders/ │
│         │  │ DB37   │  │ Joysticks │
└─────────┘  └────────┘  └───────────┘
                 │             ▲
                 ▼             │
         ┌──────────────┐      │
         │Motor Drivers │      │
         └──────┬───────┘      │
                │              │
                ▼              │
        ┌──────────────┐      │
        │ Motion Base/ │      │
        │ Camera Mount ├──────┘
        └──────────────┘
                

Card Connection Overview

The RTMC card has several connectors that interface with different components:

RTMC Card Installation

The RTMC48 or RTMC16 ISA card must be properly installed in the computer before any other connections can be made.

Installation Steps

1. Shut down the computer and disconnect all power cables
2. Take appropriate ESD (Electrostatic Discharge) precautions:
   • Use an anti-static wrist strap connected to a ground point
   • Work on an anti-static mat if available
   • Touch the computer chassis before handling the card to discharge static
3. Remove the computer case cover according to the manufacturer's instructions
4. Locate an available ISA slot (typically a long black slot on the motherboard)
5. Remove the metal slot cover from the back of the computer corresponding to the chosen ISA slot
6. Carefully align the RTMC card with the ISA slot, ensuring the edge connector on the card lines up with the slot
7. Apply firm, even pressure to seat the card fully in the slot
8. Secure the card's metal bracket to the computer chassis using the screw from the slot cover
9. Verify that no components on the card are touching other parts of the computer
10. Replace the computer case cover

Card Resource Settings

The RTMC card uses specific system resources that must be properly configured:

Motor Connections

The RTMC card connects to external motor drivers which in turn control the physical motors. This section explains how to properly connect these components.

Motor Driver Connections

Connect the DB37 cable from the RTMC card (JP1 connector) to your motor drivers following these guidelines:

1. Acquire the appropriate DB37 cable with sufficient length to reach from the computer to your motor drivers
2. Connect one end to the JP1 (DB37) connector on the RTMC card
3. Connect the other end to your motor driver input ports
4. Follow the pinout guide below to ensure correct signal routing:
   • Pins 1 & 20: Axis 1 Step & Direction
   • Pins 2 & 21: Axis 2 Step & Direction
   • Pins 3 & 22: Axis 3 Step & Direction
   • And so on for each axis...
   • Pin 19: Common ground

Pin Assignment and Signal Mapping

For our typical setup, we use the following standard motor assignments:

Motor Driver Setup

When configuring your motor drivers, ensure the following:

• Set the drivers to accept step-and-direction input signals (typically via DIP switches)
• Configure current limiting appropriate for your specific motors
• Set microstepping to match your software configuration (typically set in AxisSetup)
• Ensure proper power supplies are connected to the drivers (typically 24V-48V DC)
• Verify that motor phase wires are correctly connected to the driver outputs

Jogbox Connection

The jogbox is a handheld controller that provides physical buttons and controls for operating the system. Proper connection and setup is essential for manual control.

Connecting the Jogbox

1. Locate the DB25 connector on the RTMC card edge (not to be confused with the standard parallel port on the computer)
2. Connect the jogbox cable directly to this DB25 connector
3. Secure the connection using the screws on the connector to prevent accidental disconnection
4. Place the jogbox in a convenient location for operation

Testing the Jogbox

After connecting the jogbox and powering on the system:

1. The jogbox LCD display should light up when the RTMC130 software is running
2. Press the self-test button combination (typically holding JOYST AX and MEMO KEY simultaneously for 3 seconds)
3. The jogbox should run through a self-test procedure that checks all buttons and the LCD display
4. If any issues are detected, verify your connection and consult the troubleshooting section

Jogbox Layout

The jogbox provides several key functions via its buttons and knob:

┌──────────────────── RTMC JOGBOX ─────────────────────────────────┐
│                                                                   │
│     ┌───────────────── LCD DISPLAY ─────────────────────┐        │
│     │                                                    │        │
│     └────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘        │
│                                                                   │
│  ┌─┬─┬─┬─┬─┬─┬─┬─┐  ┌──────────┐  ┌──────────┐  ┌──────────┐     │
│  │1│2│3│4│5│6│7│8│  │ WIND CAM │  │ JOYST AX │  │ SET HOME │     │
│  └─┴─┴─┴─┴─┴─┴─┴─┘  └──────────┘  └──────────┘  └──────────┘     │
│                                                                   │
│  ┌─┬─┬─┬─┬─┬─┬─┬─┐  ┌──────────┐  ┌──────────┐  ┌──────────┐     │
│  │9│0│+│-│(│)│*│/│  │POSN/VELO │  │ MEMO KEY │  │ JOG 32   │     │
│  └─┴─┴─┴─┴─┴─┴─┴─┘  └──────────┘  └──────────┘  └──────────┘     │
│                                                                   │
│  ┌─┬─┬─┬─┬─┬─┬─┬─┐  ┌──────────┐  ┌──────────┐  ┌──────────┐     │
│  │A│B│C│D│E│F│G│H│  │INCR FRAME│  │ GOTO FR0 │  │ AXIS ON  │     │
│  └─┴─┴─┴─┴─┴─┴─┴─┘  └──────────┘  └──────────┘  └──────────┘     │
│                                                                   │
│  ┌─────────┐        ┌──────────┐  ┌──────────┐  ┌──────────┐     │
│  │ JOYSTICK│        │   RUN    │  │ RUN REV  │  │ LIST KEYS│     │
│  │  KNOB   │        └──────────┘  └──────────┘  └──────────┘     │
│  └─────────┘                                                     │
│                     ┌──────────────────────────┐                 │
│                     │     STOP / CANCEL        │                 │
│                     └──────────────────────────┘                 │
└───────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘

Key jogbox functions include:

• Selecting and jogging axes using the number keys and +/- buttons
• Setting keyframes with the MEMO KEY
• Running moves forward and backward
• Toggling axis modes (REC, NEUT, OFF)
• Emergency stop via the large STOP/CANCEL button

Additional Connections

Depending on your specific setup, you may need to make additional connections:

Camera Connection

For stop-motion or automated photography:

1. Connect your camera trigger cable to the appropriate pins on the DB15 Accessory connector
2. Typically, pins 1 and 2 are used for Camera Trigger 1 and 2 respectively
3. Configure the camera settings in the RTMC130 software's StopMotn screen

Encoder/Joystick Inputs

For recording movements from external control devices:

1. Connect your encoders or "Black Box" joystick channels to the JP4 connector
2. Ensure correct cable orientation (red stripe aligns with pin 1)
3. Configure the encoder resolution and mapping in the RTMC130 software

Timecode Integration

For synchronizing with external timing systems:

1. Connect your timecode source to pins 3 (input) and 4 (output) on the DB15 Accessory connector
2. Configure timecode settings in HardSet → Serial/Timecode Setup
3. Select the appropriate timecode format (SMPTE, EBU, etc.)

Hardware Verification

After completing all connections, verify your hardware setup:

Pre-Power Checklist

1. Confirm all cables are securely connected
2. Verify that no conductive materials or loose cables are touching circuit boards
3. Check that all power supplies are connected to the correct voltage sources
4. Ensure all motors are properly mounted and free to move without obstructions
5. Verify emergency stop buttons or switches are accessible if installed

Power-On Sequence

Follow this sequence to safely power up the system:

1. Power on motor drivers and external equipment
2. Power on the computer
3. Boot to MS-DOS (not Windows)
4. Launch RTMC130 software
5. Verify that the jogbox LCD displays information
6. Test each axis by jogging slowly in both directions