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5 CONTROL OPTIONS
Reach Bravo manipulators can be controlled by using the Reach Control Graphical User Interface, an external
input such as a Gamepad or Blueprint Lab Master Arm, or by implementing the Reach Control Communication
Protocol for custom control setups.
5.1 REACH CONTROL
Reach Control is available in two packages, Reach Control Lite (RC-1000) and Reach Control Pro (RC-2000). A
comparison of these packages are as follows:
Feature
RC Lite
RC Pro
Communication over TCP/IP, serial, or UDP
Yes
Yes
Diagnostics and status monitoring
Yes
Yes
Customisable limits of position, velocity, and force
Yes
Yes
Basic Kinematics for Obstacle Avoidance
Yes
Yes
Workspace Obstacle Avoidance
Yes
Yes
Number of Obstacles
1
8
Advanced Kinematics Engine
Yes
Yes
Cartesian (XYZ) End-Effector Control
No
Yes
Eye-Ball Control (move arm with respect to tool/sensor orientation)
No
Yes
Crack and Feature Measurement Tool
No
Yes
Data Logging Tool
No
Yes
Custom Probe Configuration
No
Yes
End-Effector Tool Configuration
No
Yes
Position Presets
2
4
Reach Control (Lite and Pro) provides a graphical means to control each joint of the manipulator in position,
velocity, or open loop mode. Reach Control Pro provides a further option to operate the arm in Cartesian (XYZ)
mode using the manipulators kinematics engine. Every purchase of a Reach Bravo manipulator comes with an
installation of Reach Control Lite included. Reach Control Pro (RC-2000) is available as an upgrade option.
In-depth instructions are included within the Reach Control software interface explaining the function of each
feature.
5.2 EXTERNAL INPUTS
5.2.1 GAMEPAD
A simple HID gamepad (Blueprint Lab supplied or BYO) can be used in conjunction with Reach Control. The
gamepad control inputs can be customised and mapped to the different functions and joints of the
manipulator. The gamepad can be used to control the manipulator in joint velocity, or end-effector Cartesian
(XYZ) mode.
