BasicMicro Motion Studio is a software suite for configuring, monitoring, and maintaining RoboClaw motor controllers. It supports all modes and options, and provides real-time control and diagnostics. Motion Studio can be downloaded from the BasicMicro downloads page. Once installed, it automatically checks for the latest version each time it runs.
Connection
When Motion Studio launches, the first screen displays a list of detected RoboClaw units. If more than one is shown, select the desired unit from the list, then click Connect Selected Unit to establish a connection.
Once connected, the firmware section will display the current firmware version and check for any available updates. If a newer version is available, click Update Firmware to begin the update process. A progress bar will indicate update status.
Status indicators show key RoboClaw conditions. Green indicates normal operation, yellow signals a warning, and red indicates a fault or error.
Device Status
Once a RoboClaw is connected, the screen switches to the Device Status view. The settings panel becomes active, allowing configuration of the connected device. Monitored parameter fields and status indicators update in real time to reflect the current state of the RoboClaw.
The Stop All button is also enabled upon connection. A checkbox allows this function to be triggered using the spacebar, providing a quick and safe way to stop all motor activity while using Motion Studio.
Device Status Screen Layout
| Function | Description |
|---|---|
| Settings Selection | Used to select which settings or testing screen is currently displayed. |
| Monitored Parameters | Displays continuously updated status parameters. |
| Status Indicators (detailed) | Displays current warnings and faults. |
| Status Indicators (abbreviated) | Displays abbreviated status of warnings and faults. Visible at all times. |
| Stop All | Stops all motion. Can be activated from the keyboard space bar. |
Status Indicator Abbreviations
The status indicators at the bottom of the screen provide a quick overview of any active errors, warnings, or faults reported by the connected RoboClaw. These serve as a summary view of the full status indicators shown on the Device Status screen.
| Label | Description |
|---|---|
| OC1 | Motor 1 over current. |
| OC2 | Motor 2 over current. |
| MBH | Main battery over voltage. |
| MBL | Main battery under voltage. |
| LBH | Logic battery over voltage. |
| LBL | Logic battery under voltage. |
| TP1 | Temperature 1. |
| TP2 | Optional temperature 2 on some RoboClaw models. |
| DF1 | Motor driver 1 fault. |
| DF2 | Motor driver 2 fault. |
| ESP | Emergency stop, when active. |
| HM1 | Motor 1 homed or limit switch active, when the option is in use. |
| HM2 | Motor 2 homed or limit switch active, when the option is in use. |
| SE1 | Speed error on channel 1. Active when encoders are in use. |
| SE2 | Speed error on channel 2. Active when encoders are in use. |
| PE1 | Position error on channel 1. Active when encoders are in use. |
| PE2 | Position error on channel 2. Active when encoders are in use. |