I recently purchased the LSS 4DOF robotic arm kit (https://www.robotshop.com/en/lynxmotion-lss-4-dof-robotic-arm-kit.html). When using the LSS Configuration software to configure the servos, one servo immediately disconnected from the software after the firmware update, and will not reconnect. The other four servos work fine and can connect to the software after updating the firmware, but this servo (one of the four standard torque servos) won’t connect.
When this servo is used in the arm, the entire arm does not function when using the available FlowArm software. I replaced the faulty servo with another LSS (HT1) I had purchased separately for a different project that hasn’t been finished yet, and the arm works great.
I’ve tried changing the COM ports, and uninstalled and reinstalled the Config and FlowArm software, but the servo still isn’t recognized. Are there additional steps I can take to troubleshoot this servo, or does it need a replacement?
Did you try re-uploading the firmware for the non-working servo ?
Could you also try a Factory Reset on the non-working servo using using the button ? Here is the Button Menu.
Factory Reset is in the bottom of the menu.
Did it actually update once ? If you click “Connect” in LSSConfig (while the problematic servo is connected), the “Firmware” button will normally be accessible and sometimes, if it’s not a hardware issue, the servo can be “forced” into firmware update so you can re-upload it.
Please let us know how it goes with the factory reset.
The servo was updated once, and as soon as that update completed, it disconnected and hasn’t reconnected since. I realized there was an issue with the computer I was using (long story), and now I do have the option to select Firmware while the servo is plugged in. When I select Firmware, the Firmware selection screen pops up but it’s blank, and there’s no option to update (presumably because it’s not registering a servo as being connected?)
I’m looking into the factory reset, but I’d like some clarification on how to read the button menu
From what I’m understanding, the gray boxes refer to how I’m using the button (holding it, releasing it, etc). What are the yellow boxes (FW Mode and Pulse) referring to? As long as I press the button in the right sequence indicated by the arrows, will it perform the reset? (if there’s a link to some kind of tutorial that would be great)
Disregard the question about the button menu, I figured that much out.
When I go through the steps to perform the factory reset (after the confirmation), the LED remains red indefinitely. The servo still won’t connect to Config. I tried the reset twice and got the same result.
Here’s some info and questions for you concerning your issue:
Just in case someone else reads this topic later, those blocks represent the RGB LED bar of the LSS and the state it will be in.
In the flowchart above after holding the button and powering up the LSS the LED bar will show a red-yellow-green sequence followed by a solid yellow. Once you release the button the LED bar blinks yellow indicating it is ready for either a firmware update (using LSS Config) or a factory reset.
This typically means that the servo’s firmware is either corrupted or not initializing properly. Luckily though this does not necessarily mean it cannot be recovered.
This seems a bit weird to be honest. Is it possible you were not connected to the Internet when you click the Firmware button? Firmware updates are obtained from our server so an empty list would make sense if you do not have Internet access when the update is attempted.
Which version of the LSS Config are you currently running (visible int he splash screen on startup and top-left corner of the title bar)? It should be 19.7.9 at this time.
As for your servo, please try the following:
Connect the LSS Adapter Board by USB to your computer, ensuring you obtain a proper COM port (leave the servo not powered).
Start the LSS Config (preferably version 19.7.9). Once started select the LSS Adapter Board COM port and click connect. After three full scans of the baud rate you will get this pop-up:
Press Cancel to stay connected.
Pres and hold the button on the problematic LSS and power it up. Once the LED bar is solid yellow, release the button. The LED bar should now blink yellow.
Press the FIRMWARE button. In the Firmware selection window leave all settings to default and press OK.
(this step assumes Internet access on this computer)
The update process should start. This will be visible in the console at the bottom and on the LED bar of the LSS (magenta & blue colors per data page).
If the process completes properly the LSS should reset and have the LED bar off/black by default and the LSS Config should connect to it at a baud rate of 115200.
Please try this out and let us know if you have any issues at any of the steps with as many details as possible.
