LCR First Use Guide - directedmachines/customer-support GitHub Wiki
Welcome to the first in a series of guides on the Land Care Robot: a heavy-duty, solar-electric machine that can perform a wide variety of land care tasks (mowing, hauling, grading) either under operator control or in autonomous mode. Stainless chassis, 60HP peak power, 1400 ft.lb of torque for a fraction of the cost of conventional tractors or robots.
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A Land Care Robot with a 3PT powered hitch and Directed Machines electric 48" mowing deck in tall grass / brush configuration
Axle Side - The driven axle end of the LCR, where the 3PT hitch is usually mounted. If the Axle Side direction is set, LCR will move wheels/tracks first
Caster Side - The caster end of the LCR. The LCR is bi directional and selecting "Caster Side" as the direction of motion will make the machine move casters first
The LCR has a 45KW electric drive and utilizes the Directed Machines high current motor controllers and custom charge control electronics, packaged in our IP65 high current electronics tray
Auxiliary motor, usually the ePTO (electric Power Take Off) or implement motor (mower, trimmer)
The standard way small tractors connect to power implements or regular attachments. Our 3PT hitch can be inserted on either 2" hitch receiver on the LCR (axle side or caster side)
The graphical design interface displayed on the smart phone or PC that is connected to the LCR through WiFi. The LCR supports different user interface screens, for different functions
The LCR can be attached to various external accessories using the 2" hitch receivers on either end or the 3PT Category 1 powered hitch. Implements driven by PTO shafts require installation of the ePTO on the 3PT hitch. The Directed Machines mower unit, pictured above, uses the high current cable and connector plus the 3PT hitch to mount on the LCR. Implements / Attachments can be connected on both ends of the LCR at the same time. For example, a mower on the axle side and a cart on the caster side.
The LCR is a large, powerful, heavy machine that must be given a large open area in which to operate. The environment in which your LCR operates is challenging and unpredictable. The LCR's software and sensors have severe limitations:
The LCR cannot detect small objects (less than 12” long) or objects within 24” of the ground plane.
The LCR cannot detect any objects that are on its side, including living things such as humans and animals.
The LCR cannot always react in time if a person or animal suddenly appears in front of it.
The LCR, its solar panel, and any implement or attachment, swing quickly during turns.
For all these reasons and unforeseen circumstances (including software flaws not yet known), make sure that your LCR is always at least 10 feet away from humans (especially small children), animals and property.
Small, red, mushroom shaped buttons mounted by the solar panel, one per side. Pressing the button stops motion
Black handle, side of robot between casters and front wheels / tracks, electrically disconnecting drive motors from batteries. WARNING: This does not disconnect the mower motor, you must disconnect the mower before servicing.
Please do NOT handle, disconnect or otherwise manipulate the main connector from batteries into the electronics tray. Always communicate with support before doing anything related to the high current electronics. If the robot will be kept indoors for a long time and AC charging is not available, contact support for long term storage procedures.
The following images illustrate the field of view of the LCR camera sensors and the respective blinds spots on the sides of the LCR
Please always keep the following in mind:
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Stay at least 10 feet clear of the LCR (including any implements and/or attachments) whenever it is in operation - regardless of whether it is being controlled by a human (including yourself) or performing an autonomous task. This should allow you to react in time in case the LCR turns or moves towards you.
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If the LCR does not react as expected to your input, or exhibits unpredictable behavior, press the LCR's e-stop button as soon as it is safe to do so, stop using the LCR and contact customer support ( support @ directedmachines . com )
Review the agreement carefully and reply to your onboarding email confirming you have read it and agree with its terms. Please let us know of any questions at anytime.
If your Land Care Robot arrived in a crate, please follow these steps:
- Check for any signs of damage during shipment and report to directed machines. Do not use LCR if visible damage to sensors, drive train, solar panel or electronics
- Remove straps that hold casters together
- Remove straps that hold chassis to crate / base
- Remove straps and protective material around solar panel. Be careful of nails.
- Remove any packing material surrounding the robot
- Remove the bubble wrapped Pixel XL phone, tucked in the side of batteries, inside the frame.
- Power on your Pixel phone.
- Your LCR will be in E-Stop mode and will require you to release one or more E-Stop buttons, then enable manual control.
- Please review the Connectivity section, then Manual Control Tutorial
Click here for a guide on connecting your smartphone to the LCR's WiFi and accessing the user interface through your web browser.
- When charging the LCR or using inverter outlets on the LCR, renogy must be ON.
- The renogy must be OFF unless AC charging or using inverter. It must always be off if not in one of those conditions.
- The outlet must be able to provide a continuous 15 Amps.
- Protect the LCR from weather and pests, especially over the stormy season or winter. It needs to be put away during winter whenever not in use. This is for weather protection and critter protection. Wherever you park it, you need to cover the mower from the elements when not in use.