Library Demo for Hamilton Heater Coolers

Hamilton (Venus)
1

Hi,

Like the name states, I was wondering if there’s a library demo method for controlling the HHC modules? I installed the driver, physically plugged in my devices, verified that they are showing up on the device manager as COM ports, yet I can’t get it to work on Venus. First, I want to rule out that I am misusing the library somehow.

Thanks, Nat

2

Sorry for the ping @EricSindelar_Hamilton, but could I get any help on this? Or any additional manual on setting them up, in case I have missed something?

3

Hi Nat,

Here is a link to a folder containing the method and a test method. I hope this helps! If you need more info, then please provide more detail on your setup - what platform, if you’re plugging it into a system or using a control box, etc.

Thanks,

Eric

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4

Hi @EricSindelar_Hamilton,

Thank you very much for the folder, as I will test them out shortly. In the meantime, we ran into another concerning issue as I was trying to troubleshoot the driver on my own. The computer of our robot got extremely hot, as one could cook an egg on it.

Looking in the task manager, there were several instances of the Hamilton com logger .exe that were opened and using a lot of CPU, which explains why our computer got hot. I do not know how long it stayed like this, but I guess that the com logger is related to the heater coolers, and the several instances popping up could be due to improper usage of the driver. But I want to confirm that with you.

Edit: As for my platform, I am running on VoV and connecting to 3 HHC via USB to the computer and their power source is connected to the Vantage

5

What version of the HHC driver are you using? I recommend contacting your local support team to help diagnose and correct.

6

I am using the driver that is provided in the forum (Hamilton Heater Cooler (HHC) - HSL v2.0 (6603596-01 rev.B)), unless there’s a version specific for VoV?

7

That should be the latest driver. I recommend submitting a service ticket with your local support so they can investigate and address.

8

Wanted to give a quick update and say that the demo worked and I can control my HHC now :slightly_smiling_face: Thank you, Eric!

It confirmed that I wasn’t using the library properly since the daisy chain and output array parameters were tripping me up :sweat_smile:

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10

Hi Eric,

Do you have any demo/examples on how to connect/operate HHC modules when connected via a control box (the control box also has HHS connected to it) on a STAR?

11

I will see what have, but can you confirm how many HHC and HHS devices? If the number of HHS devices is only 1 or 2, then I would recommend plugging those into the STAR TCC ports (if unoccupied) and using the control box just for the HHCs. Keeps things simpler and more straightforward.

12

Hi Eric, thank you for your prompt reply. We currently have 4 HHS and 2 HHC.

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13

I followed up and understand that currently, there is an issue with more than 4 HHS + HHCs on a control box. A firmware fix is being worked on, but I don’t have a status or know if it will be field upgradeable.

My recommendation would be to plug in the 2 x HHCs to the TCC ports with the appropriate cable for your platform. On the programming side, this makes it easier to split the devices so you can treat them with their own respective libraries.

14

Thank you Eric at the end we’ve connected the HHCs on the control box just for power and to the computer via usb for controlling the devices. The library you’ve previously shared on this thread seems to be working with this kind of setup on our STAR.

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15

Hey there,

im trying to use the HamiltonHeaterCooler library but running in to the following problem:

If simulation is set to 1 via OverrideSimulation (before connecting?) the array of Serial nubers is returned empty.

If set to 0 and run in simulation (no access to robot currently) it at least creates the Object and trys to connect to the COM Port and then of course fails.

I did run the .exe file (driver installer) and i am using the library from the installation.

What are the needed setup steps to use the library in simulation specifically (Venus 6.2.3.50015).

I have the feeling im missing something fundamental/obvious here.

Thought this would be a good place for this question cause its set up related somewhat. Feel free to move :slight_smile:

Thanks in Advance

1 Like
16

Here’s a link to an HHC method that goes through a number of HHC functions. See this link for the HHC manual - make sure that the dip switches are set properly for it to connect.

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