| Title | Description | Time | |
|---|---|---|---|
 | ClearPath: Teknic's Digital Brushless Servo Motor | Learn about the power, price, and performance advantages of this groundbreaking advancement in motion control technology. | 10:26 |
| ClearPath-SD Series Overview | Learn more about the ClearPath-SD series. SD is an easy upgrade from stepper motors, offering you smoother, quieter, and more precise closed-loop motion. | 4:11 |
| ClearPath-MC Series Overview | Learn more about the ClearPath-MC series. ClearPath-MC is the least complex series of the ClearPath series. With the MC, you send the motor a digital input and this input triggers a pre-preprogrammed action. This action may be creating a torque, changing velocities, going to a specific position, going to a sensor, etc. | 3:52 |
| ClearPath-SC Series Overview | Learn more about the ClearPath-SC series. ClearPath-SC is controlled via a host application in software. SC gives customers greater flexibility to meet the needs of conditional and complex applications. The SC does not use a third party indexer like the SD series, nor input triggers like on the MC series. You control SC with your application code written in C++ or a .NET language (e.g., C#) and using Teknic's sFoundation software library. | 5:51 |
| ClearPath-EC Series Overview | Learn more about the ClearPath-EC series. ClearPath-EC combines a conformance-tested EtherCAT vector servo drive, brushless servo motor, and high-resolution encoder into one waterproof and dustproof package, saving space and eliminating complex and failure-prone cabling. | 6:03 |
| Title | Description | Time | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Op Mode #1: Move to Sensor Position | For applications that require positioning control between two sensor locations on your axis. | 3:17 |
| Op Mode #2: Move to Absolute Position (2 Positions) | For applications that require positioning control between two absolute locations on your axis. For example, a two position pneumatic axis. | 3:27 |
| Op Mode #3: Move to Absolute Position (4 Positions) | For applications that require positioning control to four or less absolute locations on your axis. | 3:27 |
| Op Mode #4: Move Incremental Distance | Watch this video if you have an application that requires many locations that are integer multiples of each other (i.e. an indexing table). You can define 2-4 incremental distances and send pulses to ClearPath to move those selected distances, or send multiple pulses at a higher frequency to have ClearPath move one long, continuous move. | 2:59 |
| Op Mode #5: Ramp Up/Down to Selected Velocity | This mode could be a good fit if you are working on an application that requires accurate velocity control and switching between four or less specific velocities. | 3:18 |
| Op Mode #6: Manual Velocity Control | For velocity control applications where you need to smoothly increase and decrease speed. Don't be fooled by the name, this mode can work with Quad A and Quad B signals programmed from a PLC as well. | 5:28 |
| Op Mode #7: Spin on Power Up | If you have a very simple velocity-control application that only requires one speed, watch this video. | 2:16 |
| Op Mode #8: Follow Digital Velocity Command | If you are working on an application that requires accurate velocity control with a wide or continuously variable range of possible speeds, watch this video. To use this mode, you supply a frequency or PWM command signal that is proportional to your desired speed. | 4:05 |
| Op Mode #9: Follow Digital Torque Command | If you are working on an application that only requires precise torque control (web tensioning, constant force/torque axes), ClearPath's Follow Digital Torque mode is a simple and cost effective way to achieve your constant torque needs with simple digital inputs (frequency and PWM). | 5:28 |
| Op Mode #10: Pulse Burst Positioning | Watch this video to learn how to get flexible position and velocity control in your servo motion applications - but without the expensive motion control indexer. | 2:16 |
| Op Mode #11: Step & Direction | Watch this video if you are looking for a fully closed-loop, digital servo motor to replace your stepper motor that keeps losing steps. ClearPath is an all-in-one brushless servo system and can be used in a "Step and Direction" operational mode. | 4:05 |
| Op Mode #12: Follow Digital Position Command | Watch this video if you want to move at a user-defined velocity to a position proportional to the frequency or PWM duty cycle of a digital waveform. | 4:06 |
| Op Mode #13: Multi-Sensor Positioning | Define multiple positions using sensors or switches, and trigger ClearPath to start moving and continue until it sees the next sensor transition (or a user-specified number of sensor transitions). | 5:00 |
| Op Mode #14: Move to Absolute Position (16 Positions) | For applications that require positioning control to sixteen or less absolute locations on your axis. | 5:41 |
| Title | Description | Time | |
|---|---|---|---|
| ClearPath-SD Fractional HP Accessories | Watch this video to understand what accessories are required for SD-Series fractional HP (DC Input) ClearPath motors, and to learn more about optional accessories. | 10:51 |
| ClearPath-SD Integral HP Accessories | Watch this video to understand what accessories are required for SD-Series integral HP (AC Input) ClearPath motors, and to learn more about optional accessories. | 7:47 |
| ClearPath-MC Fractional HP Accessories | Watch this video to understand what accessories are required for MC-Series fractional HP (DC Input) ClearPath motors, and to learn more about optional accessories. | 11:55 |
| ClearPath-MC Integral HP Accessories | Watch this video to understand what accessories are required for MC-Series integral HP (AC Input) ClearPath motors, and to learn more about optional accessories. | 8:51 |
| ClearPath-SC Fractional HP Accessories | Watch this video to understand what accessories are required for SC-Series fractional HP (DC Input) ClearPath motors, and to learn more about optional accessories. | 14:44 |
| ClearPath-SC Integral HP Accessories | Watch this video to understand what accessories are required for SC-Series integral HP (AC Input) ClearPath motors, and to learn more about optional accessories. | 11:35 |
| ClearPath-EC Fractional HP Accessories | Watch this video to understand what accessories are required for EtherCAT fractional HP (DC Input) ClearPath motors, and to learn more about optional accessories. | 11:35 |
| Title | Description | Time | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Getting Started with ClearPath-MC and -SD Servo Motors | This TekTips video will walk you through how to initially set up your ClearPath-MC or -SD series motor. From plugging in the cables and components, to starting up the MSP (Motor Setup Program) and running through a brief demo, this video will explain the necessary preliminary steps to take when you first receive your ClearPath motor. Finally, this video will list the next few steps to take after you've completed the tasks listed. | 8:25 |
| Demonstration: Stepper Motor vs. ClearPath Servo Motor | Have you ever wondered what the differences are between a stepper motor and a servo motor? Do you ever get frustrated with your stepper motor losing steps, but hesitate buying a servo motor because you think they are too expensive or complicated? With this video, learn the differences between servo motors and stepper motors when it comes to power, price, and performance. | 8:07 |
| g-Stop™ Command Tuning with ClearPath-SC | Learn about Teknic's all-in-one ClearPath-SC integrated servo system with g-Stop tuning. G-Stop command tuning sculpts traditional motion profiles in such a way to remove energy from the profiles where there are machine resonances and concentrate energy where there are none. This allows for faster and smoother moves with less vibration. | 4:30 |
| g-Stop™ Command Tuning with the Meridian Motion Controller | Learn about Teknic's Meridian Motion Controller and Brushless Motor Drive with g-Stop tuning. G-Stop command tuning sculpts traditional motion profiles in such a way to remove energy from the profiles where there are machine resonances and concentrate energy where there are none. This allows for faster and smoother moves with less vibration. | 7:36 |
| How to Auto-tune a ClearPath Motor | Auto-tuning is the process by which ClearPath and its associated motor setup program (MSP) calibrate your unique system to create a high-performance motion profile. To accomplish this one must connect their ClearPath servo motor into a computer via USB and select the auto-tune option in MSP. This video discusses the auto-tuning process and walks you through the simple steps to achieve smooth, accurate, quiet motion. | 16:31 |
| How to use the ClearPath Motor Setup Program (MSP) | The ClearPath Motor Setup Program (MSP) is multi-faceted software that works with ClearPath MC- and -SD series servo motors.MSP communicates with your ClearPath motor to auto-tune and optimize its performance. From there, you can save and load motor configuration files, and go on to set and adjust operational modes.Using MSP, you can set all of the associated variables such as positions, velocities, accelerations and more. Once a mode and parameters are determined, you can run your motor. | 24:59 |
| How to Wire an Arduino to a ClearPath Servo Motor | Microcontrollers are an excellent way of controlling and monitoring the state of ClearPath's digital inputs and outputs. In this video we wire ClearPath to the popular Arduino Uno and explain the steps in a simple, straightforward process. After the detailed wiring diagrams and connections are explained we take a look at some example code in the Arduino IDE. Through this, we see what can be done in only a few minutes when combining ClearPath with microcontrollers. Please note, this video just scratches the surface of what can be accomplished, but it can be used as a good starting point. More ClearPath/Arduino videos are being planned, but feel free to give us suggestions for specific videos to make. | 7:43 |
| How to Use ClearPath's Diagnostic Tools | Watch this TekTips video to get a brief overview of how to use ClearPath's diagnostic tools. With the MSP scope tool, you can measure the operation and performance of your mechanics, motor, and control signals. The scope allows you to measure application variables such as the actual torque used in your application, commanded velocity, and tracking error. | 11:01 |
| ClearPath's RAS: Smoother Motion Control than S-Curves | Learn about Teknic's proprietary motion smoothing algorithm: Regressive Auto-Spline (or RAS for short). The RAS goes beyond traditional motion smoothing algorithms such as S-curving or cosine smoothing by limiting the jerk and the jerk-derivative resulting in incredibly smooth motion profiles. The video explains, in detail, what the RAS does graphically and uses a linear axis with a spring load to clearly illustrate the effect that the RAS has on a system. | 15:29 |
| ClearPath Software Control - How to Use ClearView | ClearView is a multi-faceted software program that works with ClearPath-SC series servo motors. ClearView communicates with your ClearPath motor to auto-tune and optimize its performance. From there, you can save and load motor configuration files, and go on to set and adjust operational modes. | 19:17 |
| Motion Control with BeagleBone Black or Raspberry Pi and ClearPath-SC Servos | Watch this video to learn about using ClearPath-SC (Software Control) with single board computers such as BeagleBone Black or Raspberry Pi. ClearPath-SC blends a sophisticated, networked motion controller into the already compact ClearPath all-in-one servo motor system. Using ClearPath-SC, your single board computer, and C++ libraries provided by Teknic, you can coordinate up to 48 axes or more. This system also gives you access to features such as g-Stop tuning, head-tail moves, conditional torque limiting, position capture, and more. | 9:05 |
| ClearPath Servo Safety Features | Learn about the different safety features you can set up for your ClearPath servo application. With the MSP or ClearView software programs, a user is able to set up speed limits, asymmetric torque limits, tracking error limit, and other safety settings specific to the application. | 8:58 |
| Troubleshooting with ClearPath's Software Oscilloscope | Watch this TekTips video to get an extended overview of how to use ClearPath's diagnostic tools. With the MSP scope tool, you can measure the operation and performance of your mechanics, motor, and control signals. The scope allows you to measure application variables such as the actual torque used in your application, commanded velocity, and tracking error. This video will cover the layout of the scope, different variables you can measure, different trigger modes, and more. You'll also learn how to store multiple traces, read the strip chart, and use the cursors to measure variables such as move time, torque amplitude, and maximum velocity. | 13:38 |
| Title | Description |
|---|---|
| Selecting the Best Power Supply for your Application | This article discusses the technical considerations unique to motor drive power, and compares the three power supply types. If you already have a bulk linear supply or a switcher you were planning to use, you will learn what modifications may be necessary to optimize them for motor power applications. |
| Securing Mechanics to Motor Shafts | Although Teknic doesn't manufacture mechanical stages or coupling components, we do manufacture the motion control products that drive these stages. Teknic's engineers have worked on thousands of different mechanical systems over the last 30 years and are familiar with the coupling methods that work best in difficult, bi-directional servo applications. We've found that the ideal mechanical attachment approach for your application is not always obvious, is often different than what has been done traditionally, and will depend on a variety of metrics. |
| How to Choose the Best Linear Actuator for your Application | Every day, Teknic's servo systems power hundreds of thousands of actuators. We don't build actuators, but for our customers to be successful, their actuators must perform well and reliably. For the past thirty years, Teknic has worked alongside our OEM customers, helping them select and design mechanical systems to optimize their motion performance. We've learned quite a bit over the years that we'd like to share here. |
| What is a Planetary Gearbox? | In many motion systems, there are two big benefits of using gear reduction: torque multiplication and inertia reduction. In this article, we discuss what planetary gearboxes are and how to take advantage of them to improve the design and performance of your system. Find more information about planetary gearboxes sold by Teknic here. |
