Question:

How do I set up my software to talk to my Soloist?

Answer:

Open the help file and go to the Getting Started section. Complete Step 1: Install the software and Step 2: Complete the wiring connections for your Soloist. If you're using an Ethernet connection, please continue to Step 3: Configure communications for detailed instructions on how to configure your system. If you're using a USB connection, there's nothing more to do. Just open a Soloist application and click Connect.

Note: Soloist HMI software will connect to a single USB drive without being configured only when the communications profile is empty, and there is only one USB Soloist found on the network. The Soloist IDE software will connect to multiple USB drives without being configured only when the communications profile is empty. To empty the communications profile, make sure none of the Soloists listed in the communicatioins tab are active.

Question:

How do I set up a program to auto-run?

Answer:

First, open the Soloist HMI, save your program as a .ab file, and use the Build button to build an executable .bcx file from it. Then, connect to the drive you want to auto-run the program on and open the File Transfer Screen. Send the executable .bcx file that was just created (it will have the same name as the .ab file, but with a .bcx extension) to the drive. Then once the file is listed in the file list right click and selecte Set to Autorun. Select the task you wish to have the program autorun on. Once you make the selection all parameter values will be updated accordingly. You can autorun the program by selecting Reset with Autorun from the network menu in the HMI/IDE.

Question:

How can I debug an auto-running program?

Answer:

Open the Soloist HMI and connect to the drive that is auto-running the program you want to debug. Click on the Debug->Load Symbols menu option, choose the correct object file for the auto-running program (it will have the same file name as the original .ab and .bcx files, but with a .bco extension), and click Open. If the symbols were loaded successfully, you can now debug the program normally. If you tried to load the wrong symbol file, you will not be able to debug your program and will have to use the Debug->Load Symbols menu option again to load the correct symbol file before debugging.

Question:

My Soloist has the Auxiliary Power (AUXPWR) option. Where do I connect my power cables?

Answer:

The line voltage connection (85 - 240 VAC) should be wired to the three-pin Phoenix connector located on the bottom of the unit. The AC1 and AC2 connections on the front of the unit will supply the motor bus power.

Question:

How do I know what the latest version of software/firmware for my Soloist is?

Answer:

The Soloist web site will indicate the most recent release version of the Soloist software.

Question:

Can I run the Soloist as a Clock and Direction controller?

Answer:

Yes. The Soloist can use either the Auxiliary Encoder port or the high-speed user interrupt inputs as a clock and direction counter, and can be used to gear off of this as a feedback source. For further details, see the help file.

Question:

Can I run the Soloist as a Velocity controller?

Answer:

Yes. There is a mode parameter on the Soloist that allows it to run a Velocity rather than a Position loop. This allows it to be used with an external position loop controller.

Question:

Can I run the Soloist as a Torque (Current) controller?

Answer:

Yes. There is a parameter setting that allows the Soloist to be configured as a Torque mode controller. This allows it to be used with an external controller to close the position and velocity loops.

Question:

What types of interfaces are available to communicate with the Soloist?

Answer:

It is possible to communicate with the Soloist using our libraries or using Modbus/TCP. Modbus/serial can also be used through an AeroBasic library.

Question:

What languages are available to interact with Soloist libraries (on the PC)?

Answer:

It is possible to use any .Net language (C#, VB.Net, J#, etc.) or C++ (Visual C++ 6.0 and 7.0). Both libraries allow one to communicate, control, and configure a Soloist.