First Use & Basic Testing of PhotoRobot

The following documentation provides technical instructions for the first use and the basic testing of a PhotoRobot device. This includes detailed information on network configuration and networking requirements for using PhotoRobot. There are instructions for connecting Fomei and Broncolor lights, finding the IP address of a PhotoRobot, and for the basic testing of motion control via the Service GUI. This information is intended for use by new PhotoRobot customers in combination with the specific instructions and the user manuals provided for their specific device.

Note: The initial installation of a PhotoRobot device must always be through a PhotoRobot authorized authority. Authorized authorities include an approved distributor, or a representative of the manufacturer itself.

Important: Always refer to PhotoRobot Safety Information & Instructions in addition to the manual provided specifically with your device before first use of PhotoRobot. 

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1. Before First Use of PhotoRobot

From a technical perspective, it is important to understand before first use that PhotoRobot is a modular unit consisting of hardware and software components. This requires PhotoRobot itself to be connected over the same network as the computer operating it. The network must have a connection to the internet in order to access PhotoRobot services, which run in the cloud. Then, the following network prerequisites exist.

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1.1. Network Configuration

To configure the network to properly communicate with PhotoRobot, the network must meet the following prerequisites. 

• The Control Unit must connect onto the local network.
• A computer is necessary to run Service GUI or the operator’s software called _Controls.
• The computer must connect over the same network as the Control Unit.
• There must be a functional internet connection on the network.

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1.2. Fomei Flash Lights Connection Scheme

The following displays the connection scheme for Fomei flash lights. Note: The router type can vary if the rack case is delivered with the PhotoRobot solution.

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1.3. Broncolor Flash Light Connection Scheme

Use the following map on the connection scheme for Broncolor flashlights, keeping in mind that the router type can vary.

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1.4. Electricity Distribution & Network Requirements

Check the electricity distribution system parameters, e.g. the voltage and frequency. To do this, use the RJ45 connector on the back of the Control Unit. Note: If the setup of the Control Unit is not in compliance, set it up first by locating the manual voltage selector on the back of the Control Unit. Then, connect the Control Unit to the network via ethernet cable using the RJ45 connector.

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The network must then meet the following basic prerequisites:

• DHCP server in the network is expected.
• TCP ports 7777, 7778 communication must be allowed.
• UDP broadcasts on port 6666 must be allowed.
• Internet connection is necessary.
• *.photorobot.com access must be allowed.
• as-unirobot.azurewebsites.net access must be allowed.
• Refer to Detailed Network Prerequisites for more information. 
• Connect the power plug to the power socket.

After connecting the Control Unit, press the mains switch on the front panel of the Control Unit. When it changes status from a blinking light to a steady light, it is ready for operation.

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1.5. Find PhotoRobot’s IP Address on LAN

There are the following supporting applications available for searching the network for PhotoRobots.

• Windows - frfind.exe for Windows
• Mac OS X - frfind for macOS
• Android - find PhotoRobot Locator in Google Play
• iPhone, iPad - find PhotoRobot Locator on iTunes.

‍Note: Applications to search for PhotoRobot on the network are also available via links within PhotoRobot Account Downloads.

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2. Basic Testing in Service GUI

After locating the PhotoRobot device’s IP address, input the IP address into any web browser in URL format. This will launch the Service GUI, which displays a basic user interface for testing the motion control of PhotoRobot.

The user interface consists of two main elements: System status, and Move Module status. 

• System status information displays at the top of the user interface. It contains status information for the PhotoRobot system. This includes functional status, connectivity status, and details on the workstation, activity, and operations.
• Move Module status displays at the bottom half of the user interface. It provides motion controls for basic testing, and also displays the hardware status, including calibration, movement, steps executed, moves, and spins.

In order to test the motion control of the PhotoRobot device, use the remote controls in the Service GUI Move module status:

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• Power on the engines (1), and try to operate any movable part of the robot (2). If the robot moves based on your instructions, the PhotoRobot device is ready for regular operation.

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3. PhotoRobot _Controls Software

The software PhotoRobot_Controls App provides remote control of the Centerless Table and other PhotoRobot devices. PhotoRobot _Controls App integrates control over robots, cameras, lighting, and post production. This includes support for every stage of workflow management to provide the necessary functionality for effective automation in post-processing. 

Be aware that PhotoRobot _Controls App software is not included with the machine delivery. The software is available for download via your PhotoRobot Account, and it is purchased separately from the machine. Further, after starting the software application, mind that the interface might automatically start in “wizard mode”. Wizard mode is a simplified user interface which allows for only scanning barcodes to identify objects and begin the capture and post-processing sequences automatically.

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Note: Both a stable version and a public beta version of CAPP are available for download via the installer wizard. The stable version is intended for production use of CAPP, while the beta version provides early access to the latest fixes and features. Be aware that the beta version is not recommended for production use in which stability is a critical factor. The beta is in ongoing development, which may include incomplete features or unresolved issues. Meanwhile, the older versions are not intended for customer or public distribution due to the risk of database corruption. Older versions of CAPP are accessible only to authorized PhotoRobot technicians for internal development, or for extremely special use cases.

For support or troubleshooting of PhotoRobot _Controls App, refer to PhotoRobot Getting Started.