PhotoRobot Carousel 5000 & Carousel 3000 User Guide

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The following user manual provides technical information on the installation, connection, and use of the Carousel 5000 & Carousel 3000 modules by PhotoRobot. This information aims to support PhotoRobot customers with the initial setup, basic testing, and operation of their device. It presents the product overview of the Carousel 5000 & 3000 models, and describes the main components of each system. This includes the dimensions of each device, their available configurations, and instructions for the connection and first use of PhotoRobot.

Important: The first installation of a PhotoRobot device must always be carried out by an authorized PhotoRobot authority. Authorities with authorization to install PhotoRobot are an approved distributor, or a representative of the manufacturer itself. 

‍Note: Before proceeding with any self-installation, always refer to PhotoRobot Safety Information & Instructions in addition to the manual provided specifically with your device from PhotoRobot.

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Carousel 5000 & Carousel 3000 Installation & First Use

Congratulations on your PhotoRobot Carousel 3000 or Carousel 5000 purchase! We thank you for joining PhotoRobot in our mission to share decades of professional experience, insight, and innovation in automated photography. The design of PhotoRobot is with every customer in mind, tailorable to specific use cases while catering to the entire PhotoRobot ecosystem at once.

Use the following documentation to familiarize yourself with the technology, and for instructions on the assembly and first use of the solution. 

If experiencing issues, refer to PhotoRobot Troubleshooting for solutions to common issues relating to hardware installation, cameras, robots, lights, editing, and post production.

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1. Product Description - Carousel 5000, Carousel 3000

The primary difference between the Carousel 5000 and Carousel 3000 robotic photography platforms is the diameter of the two rotating plates. While the platform of the Carousel 5000 is 5 meters in diameter, the plate diameter of the Carousel 3000 is slightly smaller at 3 meters.

Both platforms are equally capable of supporting large and heavy objects such as furniture, motorbikes, and other larger items. However, the larger dimensions of the Carousel 5000 make it also suitable for photography of automobiles and larger machinery such as tractors, or RVs. The platform of each device is also a separate part from the engine. This gives the platform a low profile which can become level with the floor during installation of the device.

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Key components and features of the Carousel 5000 and 3000 models include:

• Carousel 5000 plate diameter of 5 meters (3 meters for the Carousel 3000)
• Carousel 5000 Load capacity of 4,000 kg
• Low profile for installation level with the floor
• Grooves for air-driven dirt & dust removal
• Replaceable plate flooring for higher workloads and wear

‍Note: The floor is delivered without the top surface part, and is always completed following the customer’s installation requirements.

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1.1. Device Overview - Carousel 5000, Carousel 3000

The PhotoRobot Carousel 5000 & 3000 are available in two different configurations: either in a circular shape, or in a square shape installation. Primarily, the standard configuration is the circular shape, with drive-up ramps on all sides of the platform. Alternatively, the square shaped system has drive-up ramps only on the front, left, and right sides. This allows space for a locking mechanism at the back edge of the Carousel to fix a background or cyclorama.

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• Circular installations (left) have drive-up ramps all around the rotary platform.
• Square installations (right) allows for fixing backgrounds or cycloramas at the back.

‍Note: Both the circular or square installation of the Carousel 5000 & 3000 install on top of any existing floor space. However, it is also possible to install the Carousel 5000 directly recessed into a studio or showroom floor.

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1.2. Main Components of Carousel 5000, Carousel 3000

There are 7 main component parts of the Carousel 5000 and 3000 models. The main parts are: the rotary platform, the plate floor, the motor assembly, the machine connector dome, background / cyclorama connecting points, drive-up ramps, and the Control Unit.

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• Rotary platform (1)
• Plate floor (2)
• Motor assembly (3)
• Machine connectors dome (4)
• Drive-up ramps (5)
• Background / cyclorama connecting points (6)‍
• 19-inch rack Control Unit (7)

Note: The 19-inch rack (7) houses the Control unit, which is installed horizontally in a ventilated space to ensure the cooling of electronic components.

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1.3. Carousel Machine Dimensions

1.3.1. Carousel 5000 is 5 meters diameter (5.60 m with access ramps), with a ramp height of 78 mm.

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1.3.2.Carousel 3000 is 3 meters diameter (3.60 meters including access ramps), with a ramp height of 78 mm.

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2. Carousel 5000 & 3000 Connection Scheme

The Carousel connects to the workstation computer over a router on the local network (LAN or WAN), with a 110-240V electrical connection for all devices. A motor-cable and signal-cable connect the rotating platform to the Control Unit and engine, while the camera connects to the workstation computer via USB. Studio light connection is using a plug-in adaptor for wireless connectivity to the router.

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Note: Before first use, power on the router and wait approximately 2 minutes for the system to boot up and start running. After this time, power on the workstation computer, and then power on the PhotoRobot Carousel 5000 robot.

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3. PhotoRobot First Use

Before first use of PhotoRobot, it is necessary to understand the solution from a technical perspective. PhotoRobot is a modular unit consisting of hardware and software components. Thus, PhotoRobot itself must be connected to the same network as the computer operating it.

Note: For specific operating requirements and technical instructions on connection of PhotoRobot to the network, refer to PhotoRobot First Use & Basic Testing. 

In general, the following operating requirements exist.

• The Control Unit must be connected to the local network.
• A computer must run service GUI or the operator’s software called _Controls.
• The computer must connect over the same network as the Control Unit.
• There must be a functional internet connection on the network.

It is also required to check the electricity distribution system parameters (e.g. the voltage and frequency). To do this, locate the RJ45 connector on the back of the Control Unit. The network configuration requirements are then as follows.

• DHCP server in the network is mandatory.
• TCP ports 7777, 7778 communication must be allowed.
• UDP broadcasts on port 6666 must be allowed.
• Internet connection is mandatory.
• *.photorobot.com access must be allowed.
• as-unirobot.azurewebsites.net access must be allowed.
• Refer to PhotoRobot Networking Configuration & Prerequisites if necessary.
• Connect the power plug to the power socket.

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3.1. Find PhotoRobot’s IP Address

To find the IP address of the PhotoRobot Carousel 5000 and other PhotoRobot devices, use the following supporting applications to search the network for PhotoRobot.

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

Note: After locating a PhotoRobot device using a supporting application, copy the IP address to paste into any web browser open on the computer. If successful, this will open the service GUI, which will display a basic user interface for testing PhotoRobot.

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3.2. Power the Device Motor On

In the Service GUI, turn on the motor using the green power button Motor ON.

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3.3. Basic PhotoRobot Testing

Finally, to test if PhotoRobot is fully operational, use the service GUI interface controls to turn the platform to any desired angle.

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If the robot moves based on the instructions, the PhotoRobot device is ready for regular use.

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4. PhotoRobot _Controls App Software

Control over the robotic workstation is provided by PhotoRobot _Controls App software, which is available for download via a PhotoRobot Account.  The software controls all robots, cameras and lighting, while at the same time managing workflow and providing the necessary functionality for effective automation in post-processing. PhotoRobot _Controls App is not included with the machine delivery; it is purchased separately from the machine.

Additionally, after starting the software application, mind that the interface might automatically start in “wizard mode”. Wizard mode is a simplified user interface. It allows for example the scanning of barcodes to identify objects and begin the capture and post-processing sequences automatically.

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Note: Both the Stable version and a Preview version of CAPP are available for download via the installer wizard. The stable version contains the most recent version of CAPP, and receives frequent version releases. Meanwhile, the preview version of CAPP provides early access to the very latest features and fixes which transfer to the stable version within days of development. This allows users to test any issues that occur in the preview version before contacting support, as most reported issues on the stable version have already been resolved on the preview version. However, be aware that the preview version is not recommended for production use in which stability is a critical factor. The preview version is under active development, which may still include incomplete features or unresolved bugs.

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Important: The older versions of CAPP are not intended for customer or public distribution due to the risk of database corruption. Older versions of CAPP are accessible only to authorized PhotoRobot technicians for internal development, or for extremely special use cases. To find the latest stable version and preview version of CAPP, refer to CAPP Latest Download Versions. 

For support or troubleshooting of PhotoRobot _Controls App, refer to PhotoRobot Getting Started.

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5. Information Labels

5.1. Symbols Overview

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5.2. Carousel 5000

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5.3. Carousel 3000

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6. Maintenance and Review

Maintenance and review of the PhotoRobot Carousel 5000 or 3000 must be carried out once per year by a PhotoRobot authorized authority. Inspection and service include:

• Rotary platform drive inspection
  
  • Gear chain re-tensioning and review (including cog-wheels)
  • Main platform gear inspection
  • Indexing belt inspection (if included)
• Inspection of the machine floor and its support
• Motor drive cover safety switch function test
• Firmware updates (paid or free, depending on the support contract)