PhotoRobot C850 & C1300 Turntable User Guide

This installation manual provides technical instructions for the assembly, connection, and use of the PhotoRobot C850 and C1300 turntable modules. The information supports the initial setup and first operation of either the C850 or C1300 robot by the customer. It also describes the assembly of the optional Robotic Arm V8 expansion, and the mounting of the optional telescopic pole.

Note: PhotoRobot previously distributed the C1300 under the name Case 1300. C1300 now replaces the original model name.

Important: Always refer to PhotoRobot Safety Information & instructions before any self-installation, first use, storage, or service of PhotoRobot devices.

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C850 & C1300 Self-Installation & First Use

Thank you and congratulations on your PhotoRobot purchase. PhotoRobot technology represents decades of professional experience, insights, and innovation in automated photography. Everything from the robust, stylish design to the modularity of PhotoRobot systems is with your business in mind. Use the following information for the self-installation and first use of the C850 & C1300 turntables. This manual covers the product description, and provides instructions for one-time installations and testing. 

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1. C850 & C1300 Product Description

In comparison, the only difference between the PhotoRobot C850 & C1300 systems is that the C1300 accommodates different size turntable plates (up to 1300 mm). 

Both the C850 & C1300 have the same size body, with a strong steel frame weighing over 100 kg. This is heavier than the 70 kg aluminum design of the Case 850, but allows for greater stability and performance in the studio. Although it is at the cost of being slightly less portable, the sturdier design no longer requires a support bridge under the turntable. Thus, the design is more open, providing more angles for lighting objects.

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Key components of the C-Class photo turntable systems include:

• The system Control Unit (an integral built-in device for control over C-Class modules)
• The robot body (strong steel frame with an open design for superior object lighting)
• White diffusion cloth background (mounted to the machine for the automatic capture of photos on a pure white background)
• Built-in castors for in-studio mobility
• Capability of comfortable transport by moving van
• Optional Robotic Arm V8 Expansion (including Control Unit, and optional docking station)
• Optional Mounting Telescopic Pole

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1.1. Device Overview - C850, C1300

Power and control of the C-Class turntables C850 and C1300 is via the built-in Control Unit. The Control Unit powers up the system, and controls robotic movements of the turntables. It is also what provides power to and control over the optional Robotic Arm expansion if in use with a module.

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Note: The Control Unit of the C-Class turntables are built-in to the devices. If using the Robotic Arm V8 expansion, the Robotic Arm has its own Control Unit that is not built-in. Instead, the Control Unit of the Robotic Arm can be positioned in the HD rack of the C-Class devices, with connection from the arm to the arm Control Unit via the motor cable.

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2. Robot “Assembly” / Prep

2.1.1. To begin robot assembly, first locate the support feeds and wheels, and then mount each to the machine skeleton.

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2.1.2. Next, locate the two black holders, and mount both to the vertical parts of the skeleton.

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2.1.3. Note: The special screws and nuts should be put and fastened into holes as in the following graphic.

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2.2. White Background Assembly

2.2.1. Assembling the white diffusion cloth background requires mounting the device to the machine frame.

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2.2.2. To mount the white background, there are five parts to the background frame:

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• Top part (1) - 122 cm
• Vertical parts (2) - 97 cm
• Arch parts (3)
• Horizontal parts (4) - 82 cm 
• Front part (5) - 122 cm

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2.2.3. Locate the power switch in order to identify the back side of the robot.

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2.2.4. Locate the two arch profile background frame parts. These parts will function as number (3) from the background diagram:

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2.2.5. Next, find the eight couplers for joining the aluminum profiles.

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2.2.6. Retrieve the two arc aluminum profile parts (3) from the background frame diagram, and then mount couplers into each part  - left and right. The couplers connect on each end of the arch in the same line. 

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Note: The right side of the arch is shown in the images below. Couplers should be on each end in the same line. The image below represents the right arch.  

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Additionally: Ensure that couplers are inserted as shown in the images above. The couplers connect on each end of the arch in the same line. Repeat steps for the left part.

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2.2.7. Find two aluminum profile background frame parts 82 cm in length. These parts will function as the horizontal parts (4) from the background diagram. 

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Each part will be connected to the left and right arch on the bottom, and will represent the bottom horizontal part (4) of the background. 

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Join the curved aluminum profiles and fasten the screws into the coupler.

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2.2.8. Locate the other two aluminum background frame parts 97 cm in length. These will serve as the vertical parts (2) from the background frame diagram and repeat steps as shown in 2.2.7.

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2.2.9. Find four special sets of screws, washers, and nuts for fastening the frame of the background to the robot.

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2.2.10. Insert two sets of screws into the outer side of each side of horizontal parts (4) left and right and assemble. Note: The outer side is the side where the couplers are visible.

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2.2.11. Loosen the left and right background holders on the robot. Then, ensure that the holder is attached to the second set of holes from the top.

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2.2.12. Mount the left and right side of the frame to the background holder on the robot.

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2.2.13. At this point, the frame is ready for the insertion of the white background.

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2.2.14. Note that there are threads at the open ends of the coupler.

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2.2.15. Mount the tool to assist with inserting the white background edge into the horizontal part (4) from the background diagram.

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2.2.16. Find the rolled white background paper, and unwrap it.

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2.2.17. Locate the plastic background guide rollers. Note that there are two different lengths.

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2.2.18. The guide length must correspond to the appropriate side of the background.

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2.2.19. Insert and feed all four guides into the corresponding pockets of the white background.

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2.2.20. Insert the guides completely through the pocket until it protrudes out from both ends of the background.

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2.2.21. Repeat the process by feeding the shorter guide completely through the other side of the background, and on both longer sides as well.

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2.2.22. Ensure the plastic guides at the corners of the background are in the right position.

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2.2.23. If the plastic guides protrude too far out of the corners, cut the guides to the appropriate length.

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2.2.24. Locate the bottom side of the white background.

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2.2.25. Insert the background into the frame as follows.

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2.2.26 Next, remove the tool for feeding the white background edge into the profiles, and slide the aluminum profile (5) in the diagram onto the white background at the front edge.

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2.2.27. Next, find the four corner couplers.

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2.2.28. Fasten two couplers using the screws provided to the front edge of the background frame.

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2.2.30. Next, locate four square nuts for assembly of the vertical parts.

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2.2.29. Insert two nuts into the right-side vertical part, and the other two into the left-side vertical part.

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2.2.30. Prepare the top part of the frame for connection to the white background.

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2.2.31. Insert the top part of the frame into the white background.

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2.2.32. Insert nuts into the frame, slide and screw the top laser into the nut, and position it to the center vertical part.

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2.2.33. Mount the last corner coupler remaining in the top-right and left corner of the machine.

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2.2.34. Locate four plastic corner protectors, and place them on each of all four frame corners.

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2.2.35. Find two black background holders and four screws, and mount them to the frame using the square nuts which were prepared in advance.

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2.2.36. Finally, mount the black background to the forks, and then add the chain and weight.

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2.3. Robotic Arm V8 Preparation (Optional)

2.3.1. If the PhotoRobot Robotic Arm V8 is delivered with the C-Class robot, use the following instructions for assembly. Note: For additional technical information on self-installation and first use of the Robotic Arm V8, refer to the Robotic Arm V8 Installation Manual.

Depending on the configuration, the Robotic Arm V8 can have one short shank, one long shank, or both a short and a long shank.

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2.3.2. Remove the shank(s) and robot body from the packaging.

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2.3.3. Prepare the top part of the Arm V8 to mount the shank.

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2.3.4. Position a shank onto the Arm.

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2.3.5. Fasten all protective parts securely into their respective locations.

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2.3.6. Locate the box of the Manfrotto geared head, and prepare the head for mounting.

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2.3.7. Remove the white string from the screw at the end of the Arm V8 shank.

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2.3.8. Attach the Manfrotto geared head by screwing it onto the shank.

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2.3.9. Adjust the Manfrotto head until leveled.

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2.3.10. Mount the camera onto the Manfrotto head, and add some weights onto the opposite side of the shank. The weights must compensate for the weight of the camera.

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2.3.11. The weight of the camera should prevail slightly in order to push the end switch when in the zero-degrees position.

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2.3.12. Mount two docking mechanism parts onto the Arm V8.

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2.3.13. Mount docking part onto the C850 or C1300.

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2.3.14. Slide the lever to the left in order to lift the Arm V8 up and move it.

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2.3.15. Dock the Arm V8 to the C850 or C1300.

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2.3.16. Slide the lever to the right to lower the Arm V8 and securely dock the device.

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2.3.17. Find the HD rack case folded in the cartoon box.

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2.3.18. Assemble the HD rack case.

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2.3.19. Mount the Control Unit for the Arm V8, and then mount the router and the power multi socket to the rack case. Next, connect the last port (the one with the highest number) of the router to the internet. All other router ports are bridged and work as a switch on the LAN site connecting the Control Unit, C-Class robot, and the computer. Finally, connect the bold gray motor cable to the Arm V8 on one side, and the Control Unit mounted in the rack on the other side.

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2.4. Mounting Telescopic Pole Installation (Optional)

2.4.1. Some configurations will also include a telescopic pole for mounting an optional PhotoRobot Cube device to the ceiling above a C-Class module. In these cases, the telescopic pole is installed into the ceiling to hold the Cube above the C-Class robot. This allows for suspending items (or parts of items) above the turntable using the Cube with nylon strings to stage and rotate items for 360 photography. At the same time, the Cube is able to sync the rotation of suspended items to the rotation of the turntable, the movement of other robots, the studio lights, and camera capture.

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2.4.2. The telescopic pole requires a concrete ceiling, and attaches to the ceiling using 8 pieces of threaded rods. It is necessary to drill 8 holes into the ceiling, and to be precise when drilling to observe the exact spacing between holes. Prepare a chemical anchor substance in advance, using it to fill in holes and fit the threaded rod into it. Repeat this process for all 8 pieces.

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2.5. Camera Connection

2.5.1. In order to connect the camera to the computer, it is necessary to use a compatible USB cable. Note that the connector type varies depending on the camera model. It is also recommended to use an active USB extension if the cable length is longer than 3 meters.

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‍2.5.2. If preparing to use fast spin mode, connect the shutter cable (delivered optionally with the robot) to the camera on one side, and to the OUT port of the C-Class robot on the other side.

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3. PhotoRobot First Use

Before the first use of PhotoRobot, it is important to understand that PhotoRobot is a modular unit consisting of both hardware and software components. Additionally, PhotoRobot represents an all-in-one system to automate every stage of production workflows. This means that it is necessary that PhotoRobot itself has a connection to the network as well as to a computer on that network. Due to this, the network must have internet connection to access PhotoRobot services. 

The basic operation requirements for PhotoRobot are then as follows.

• The PhotoRobot system must connect to the local network.
• There must be a computer to run service GUI or the operator’s software (PhotoRobot _Controls App).
• The computer must connect to the same network as the PhotoRobot system.
• There must be internet connection over the network.

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3.1. Fomei Flash Lights Connection Scheme

The following displays the connection scheme for Fomei flash lights. Note: The route type can vary if the rack case is delivered with the PhotoRobot solution.

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3.2. Broncolor Flash Light Connection Scheme

Use the following map on the connection scheme for Broncolor flashlights, keeping in mind that the route type can vary.

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Note: Connection scheme for Broncolor flash lights. Please mind the router type can vary

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3.3. PhotoRobot Device Connection

To connect the PhotoRobot device to the network for its proper functionality, first check the electricity distribution system parameters (e.g. the voltage and frequency). 

Next, proceed to the following steps to prepare the PhotoRobot device.

• Connect the Control Unit via ethernet cable to the router provided. Note: The RJ45 connector is on the back side of the Control Unit.
• Connect the computer via ethernet cable to the router provided.
• Connect the router to the internet (port number = 1).

In order to connect to the network, also note the following basic networking requirements.

• A DHCP server in the network is required.
• TCP ports 80, 7777, 7778 communication must be allowed.
• Internet connection is required.
• Refer to the Detailed Networking Prerequisites for more information if necessary.
• Connect the power plug to the power socket.
• Press the mains switch on the Control Unit. (When it changes status from a blinking light to a continuous light, it is ready for operation.)

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3.4. Find PhotoRobot’s IP Address Over LAN

To search the network for PhotoRobot devices, the following supporting applications are available.

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• Windows - frfind for Windows
• Mac OS X - frfind for MacOS
• Android - PhotoRobot Locator in Google Play
• iPhone, iPad - PhotoRobot Locator on iTunes

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3.5. Basic PhotoRobot Testing

3.5.1. On a computer, open a web browser and enter PhotoRobots’ IP address in URL format. This will look for example like: https://11.22.33.44. (However, note that this address is just an example; use the IP address you found in the above section.) 

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‍3.5.2. If successful, there will be a basic user interface similar to the graphic below.

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3.5.3. Turn on the engines (arrow 1 above), and try to operate any movable part of the robot (arrow 2). If the robot movements follow your instructions, your PhotoRobot device is ready for regular use.