Help with specs of "Lynxmotion AL5D PLTW Robotic Arm Kit" and "Lynxmotion AL5D 4DOF Robotic Arm SSC-32U Combo Kit (No Software)"

Lynxmotion Robot Arms
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Hello,
I have some questions regarding the “Lynxmotion AL5D PLTW Robotic Arm Kit” and the “Lynxmotion AL5D 4DOF Robotic Arm SSC-32U Combo Kit (No Software)”.

  1. What programming language can be used?
  2. What does the software FlowArm PLTW allow us to do? Can we program the robot to run autonomously with it?
  3. Can the board be replaced by another one like an Arduino Uno?

Thank you.

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@elior Welcome to the RobotShop Community. Regarding the following products:

  1. What programming language can be used?

Both arms use the dedicated SSC-32U servo controller, which has a very easy to understand and easy to implement communication protocol. The board can be connected to a computer via USB, or a microcontroller via the Tx, RX and GND pins. To get started, there is a free graphical program which can be used:

More basic (and also free) program:

Since the SSC032U board is not programmable, it is really up to you to decide what programming language to interface it with. In the code, you need to set up the COM port and baud rate, and send serial commands.

  1. What does the software FlowArm PLTW allow us to do? Can we program the robot to run autonomously with it?

It connects directly with the SSC-32U servo controller and sends it position commands. You can drag the arm on screen to move the real arm, calibrate offsets and create and save sequences. You can also assign specific keyboard inputs to sequences, and trigger sequences based on sensors (not included) connected to the SSC-32U’s inputs.

  1. Can the board be replaced by another one like an Arduino Uno?

Sure. We have an Arduino-compatible board called the BotBoarduino which has the pins broken out already (for easy connection), and screw terminals for power. Note that FlowArm is not compatible with Arduino. There is an AL5D kit which uses it already:

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