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ClearPath Overviews

TitleDescriptionTime
play videoClearPath: Teknic's Digital Brushless Servo MotorLearn about the power, price, and performance advantages of this groundbreaking advancement in motion control technology.10:26
play videoClearPath-SD Series OverviewLearn more about the ClearPath-SD series. SD is an easy upgrade from stepper motors, offering you smoother, quieter, and more precise closed-loop motion.4:11
play videoClearPath-MC Series OverviewLearn more about the ClearPath-MC series. ClearPath-MC is the least complex series of the ClearPath series. With the MC, you send the motor a digital input and this input triggers a pre-preprogrammed action. This action may be creating a torque, changing velocities, going to a specific position, going to a sensor, etc.3:52
play videoClearPath-SC Series OverviewLearn more about the ClearPath-SC series. ClearPath-SC is controlled via a host application in software. SC gives customers greater flexibility to meet the needs of conditional and complex applications. The SC does not use a third party indexer like the SD series, nor input triggers like on the MC series. You control SC with your application code written in C++ or a .NET language (e.g., C#) and using Teknic's sFoundation software library.5:51

ClearPath Operating Modes

TitleDescriptionTime
play videoOp Mode #1: Move to Sensor PositionFor applications that require positioning control between two sensor locations on your axis.3:17
play videoOp Mode #2: Move to Absolute Position (2 Positions)For applications that require positioning control between two absolute locations on your axis. For example, a two position pneumatic axis.3:27
play videoOp Mode #3: Move to Absolute Position (4 Positions)For applications that require positioning control to four or less absolute locations on your axis.3:27
play videoOp Mode #4: Move Incremental DistanceWatch this video if you have an application that requires many locations that are integer multiples of each other (i.e. an indexing table). You can define 2-4 incremental distances and send pulses to ClearPath to move those selected distances, or send multiple pulses at a higher frequency to have ClearPath move one long, continuous move.2:59
play videoOp Mode #5: Ramp Up/Down to Selected VelocityThis mode could be a good fit if you are working on an application that requires accurate velocity control and switching between four or less specific velocities.3:18
play videoOp Mode #6: Manual Velocity ControlFor velocity control applications where you need to smoothly increase and decrease speed. Don't be fooled by the name, this mode can work with Quad A and Quad B signals programmed from a PLC as well.5:28
play videoOp Mode #7: Spin on Power UpIf you have a very simple velocity-control application that only requires one speed, watch this video.2:16
play videoOp Mode #8: Follow Digital Velocity CommandIf you are working on an application that requires accurate velocity control with a wide or continuously variable range of possible speeds, watch this video. To use this mode, you supply a frequency or PWM command signal that is proportional to your desired speed.4:05
play videoOp Mode #9: Follow Digital Torque CommandIf you are working on an application that only requires precise torque control (web tensioning, constant force/torque axes), ClearPath's Follow Digital Torque mode is a simple and cost effective way to achieve your constant torque needs with simple digital inputs (frequency and PWM).5:28
play videoOp Mode #10: Pulse Burst PositioningWatch this video to learn how to get flexible position and velocity control in your servo motion applications - but without the expensive motion control indexer.2:16
play videoOp Mode #11: Step & DirectionWatch this video if you are looking for a fully closed-loop, digital servo motor to replace your stepper motor that keeps losing steps. ClearPath is an all-in-one brushless servo system and can be used in a "Step and Direction" operational mode.4:05
play videoOp Mode #12: Follow Digital Position CommandWatch this video if you want to move at a user-defined velocity to a position proportional to the frequency or PWM duty cycle of a digital waveform.4:06
play videoOp Mode #13: Multi-Sensor PositioningDefine multiple positions using sensors or switches, and trigger ClearPath to start moving and continue until it sees the next sensor transition (or a user-specified number of sensor transitions).5:00
play videoOp Mode #14: Move to Absolute Position (16 Positions)For applications that require positioning control to sixteen or less absolute locations on your axis.5:41

ClearPath Accessories

TitleDescriptionTime
play videoClearPath-SD Fractional HP AccessoriesWatch this video to understand what accessories are required for SD-Series fractional HP (DC Input) ClearPath motors, and to learn more about optional accessories.10:51
play videoClearPath-SD
Integral HP Accessories
Watch this video to understand what accessories are required for SD-Series integral HP (AC Input) ClearPath motors, and to learn more about optional accessories.7:47
play videoClearPath-MC Fractional HP AccessoriesWatch this video to understand what accessories are required for MC-Series fractional HP (DC Input) ClearPath motors, and to learn more about optional accessories.11:55
play videoClearPath-MC
Integral HP Accessories
Watch this video to understand what accessories are required for MC-Series integral HP (AC Input) ClearPath motors, and to learn more about optional accessories.8:51
play videoClearPath-SC Fractional HP AccessoriesWatch this video to understand what accessories are required for SC-Series fractional HP (DC Input) ClearPath motors, and to learn more about optional accessories.14:44
play videoClearPath-SC
Integral HP Accessories
Watch this video to understand what accessories are required for SC-Series integral HP (AC Input) ClearPath motors, and to learn more about optional accessories.11:35

Demos & Tutorials

TitleDescriptionTime
play videoGetting Started with ClearPath-MC and -SD Servo MotorsThis TekTips video will walk you through how to initially set up your ClearPath-MC or -SD series motor. From plugging in the cables and components, to starting up the MSP (Motor Setup Program) and running through a brief demo, this video will explain the necessary preliminary steps to take when you first receive your ClearPath motor. Finally, this video will list the next few steps to take after you've completed the tasks listed.8:25
play videoDemonstration: Stepper Motor vs. ClearPath Servo MotorHave you ever wondered what the differences are between a stepper motor and a servo motor? Do you ever get frustrated with your stepper motor losing steps, but hesitate buying a servo motor because you think they are too expensive or complicated? With this video, learn the differences between servo motors and stepper motors when it comes to power, price, and performance.8:07
play videog-Stop Command Tuning with ClearPath-SCLearn about Teknic's all-in-one ClearPath-SC integrated servo system with g-Stop tuning. G-Stop command tuning sculpts traditional motion profiles in such a way to remove energy from the profiles where there are machine resonances and concentrate energy where there are none. This allows for faster and smoother moves with less vibration.4:30
play videog-Stop Command Tuning with the Meridian Motion ControllerLearn about Teknic's Meridian Motion Controller and Brushless Motor Drive with g-Stop tuning. G-Stop command tuning sculpts traditional motion profiles in such a way to remove energy from the profiles where there are machine resonances and concentrate energy where there are none. This allows for faster and smoother moves with less vibration.7:36
play videoHow to Auto-tune a ClearPath MotorAuto-tuning is the process by which ClearPath and its associated motor setup program (MSP) calibrate your unique system to create a high-performance motion profile. To accomplish this one must connect their ClearPath servo motor into a computer via USB and select the auto-tune option in MSP. This video discusses the auto-tuning process and walks you through the simple steps to achieve smooth, accurate, quiet motion.16:31
play videoHow to use the ClearPath Motor Setup Program (MSP)The ClearPath Motor Setup Program (MSP) is multi-faceted software that works with ClearPath MC- and -SD series servo motors.
MSP communicates with your ClearPath motor to auto-tune and optimize its performance. From there, you can save and load motor configuration files, and go on to set and adjust operational modes.
Using MSP, you can set all of the associated variables such as positions, velocities, accelerations and more. Once a mode and parameters are determined, you can run your motor.
24:59
play videoHow to Wire an Arduino to a ClearPath Servo MotorMicrocontrollers are an excellent way of controlling and monitoring the state of ClearPath's digital inputs and outputs. In this video we wire ClearPath to the popular Arduino Uno and explain the steps in a simple, straightforward process. After the detailed wiring diagrams and connections are explained we take a look at some example code in the Arduino IDE. Through this, we see what can be done in only a few minutes when combining ClearPath with microcontrollers. Please note, this video just scratches the surface of what can be accomplished, but it can be used as a good starting point. More ClearPath/Arduino videos are being planned, but feel free to give us suggestions for specific videos to make.7:43
play videoHow to Use ClearPath's Diagnostic ToolsWatch this TekTips video to get a brief overview of how to use ClearPath's diagnostic tools. With the MSP scope tool, you can measure the operation and performance of your mechanics, motor, and control signals. The scope allows you to measure application variables such as the actual torque used in your application, commanded velocity, and tracking error.11:01
play videoClearPath's RAS: Smoother Motion Control than S-CurvesLearn about Teknic's proprietary motion smoothing algorithm: Regressive Auto-Spline (or RAS for short). The RAS goes beyond traditional motion smoothing algorithms such as S-curving or cosine smoothing by limiting the jerk and the jerk-derivative resulting in incredibly smooth motion profiles. The video explains, in detail, what the RAS does graphically and uses a linear axis with a spring load to clearly illustrate the effect that the RAS has on a system.15:29
play videoClearPath Software Control - How to Use ClearViewClearView is a multi-faceted software program that works with ClearPath-SC series servo motors. ClearView communicates with your ClearPath motor to auto-tune and optimize its performance. From there, you can save and load motor configuration files, and go on to set and adjust operational modes.19:17
play videoMotion Control with BeagleBone Black or Raspberry Pi and ClearPath-SC ServosWatch this video to learn about using ClearPath-SC (Software Control) with single board computers such as BeagleBone Black or Raspberry Pi. ClearPath-SC blends a sophisticated, networked motion controller into the already compact ClearPath all-in-one servo motor system. Using ClearPath-SC, your single board computer, and C++ libraries provided by Teknic, you can coordinate up to 48 axes or more. This system also gives you access to features such as g-Stop tuning, head-tail moves, conditional torque limiting, position capture, and more.9:05
play videoClearPath Servo Safety FeaturesLearn about the different safety features you can set up for your ClearPath servo application. With the MSP or ClearView software programs, a user is able to set up speed limits, asymmetric torque limits, tracking error limit, and other safety settings specific to the application.8:58
play videoTroubleshooting with ClearPath's Software OscilloscopeWatch this TekTips video to get an extended overview of how to use ClearPath's diagnostic tools. With the MSP scope tool, you can measure the operation and performance of your mechanics, motor, and control signals. The scope allows you to measure application variables such as the actual torque used in your application, commanded velocity, and tracking error. This video will cover the layout of the scope, different variables you can measure, different trigger modes, and more. You'll also learn how to store multiple traces, read the strip chart, and use the cursors to measure variables such as move time, torque amplitude, and maximum velocity.13:38

Motion Articles

TitleDescription
Selecting the Best Power Supply for your ApplicationThis article discusses the technical considerations unique to motor drive power, and compares the three power supply types. If you already have a bulk linear supply or a switcher you were planning to use, you will learn what modifications may be necessary to optimize them for motor power applications.
Securing Mechanics to Motor ShaftsAlthough Teknic doesn't manufacture mechanical stages or coupling components, we do manufacture the motion control products that drive these stages. Teknic's engineers have worked on thousands of different mechanical systems over the last 30 years and are familiar with the coupling methods that work best in difficult, bi-directional servo applications. We've found that the ideal mechanical attachment approach for your application is not always obvious, is often different than what has been done traditionally, and will depend on a variety of metrics.
How to Choose the Best Linear Actuator for your ApplicationEvery day, Teknic's servo systems power hundreds of thousands of actuators. We don't build actuators, but for our customers to be successful, their actuators must perform well and reliably. For the past thirty years, Teknic has worked alongside our OEM customers, helping them select and design mechanical systems to optimize their motion performance. We've learned quite a bit over the years that we'd like to share here.