PhotoRobot Cube V5 / V6 / Compact User Manual

This user manual provides technical instructions on the installation, connection, and use of the PhotoRobot Cube V5 / V6 / Compact. It includes instructions on how to install the Cube robot as a rotating mannequin torso holder. The manual aims to support PhotoRobot customers during assembly of their device, its first use, and in onboarding production line operators.

Note: 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.

‍Important: Always first refer to PhotoRobot Safety Information & Instructions in addition to the manual provided specifically with your device before any self-installation or first use.

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Cube V5 / V6 / Compact First Use & Installation

Thank you and congratulations on your PhotoRobot Cube purchase! Your device represents decades of professional experience, know-how, and innovation in automated photography. The design of every robot is with you in mind. Meanwhile, the software is under constant development – tailoring to unique needs while benefitting the entire PhotoRobot ecosystem with every update. 

Welcome to PhotoRobot. Use this technical documentation on the Cube V5 / V6 / Compact PhotoRobots to familiarize yourself with the technology, and for instructions detailing assembly and first use of the solution.

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1. Product Description - Cube V5 / V6 / Compact

The PhotoRobot Cube V5 / V6 / Compact devices are one of the most versatile photo studio robots. Each Cube is able to function standalone or in combination with other PhotoRobots, and features configurations for 3 different modes of operation. The Cube functions as a rotating photography platform, in object suspension mode, and as a rotating mannequin torso holder.

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Key features of the PhotoRobot Cube include:

• Standalone use or in use in combination with compatible PhotoRobots
• Quick setup as a 360 turntable, or in object suspension mode
• Support for a mannequin torso holder or rotating platform
• Compatible with photography mannequins of different types and sizes
• Available in Cube V5, V6, and Compact versions for greater versatility

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1.1. Device Overview - Cube V5 / V6 / Compact

PhotoRobot’s Cube V5,  Cube V6, and Cube Compact are operational in three different configurations. The standard configurations involve using the device as a rotating photography platform, or to suspend objects in air for photos. Alternatively, it is possible to set up the device as a rotating stand to mount a mannequin torso.

a) 360 Photo / Rotary Platform Setup:

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b) 360 / Rotary Suspension Mode:

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c) Rotating Mannequin Torso Holder:

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Note: The Control Unit of the Cube V5 and Cube V6 are a separate but integral component to the devices. The Cube Compact has an integrated Control Unit within the machine. 

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• The above image shows the Control Unit for the Cube V5 / Cube V6.

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2. First Use - PhotoRobot Cube V5 / V6 / Compact

Before first use of PhotoRobot, it is necessary to understand the concept behind the technology. PhotoRobot is a revolutionary all-in-one solution for the automation of product and object photography. From a technical perspective, it is a modular unit consisting of hardware and software. Therefore, it is necessary for PhotoRobot itself to be connected over the same network as the computer operating it. The network also must have a connection to the internet to access PhotoRobot services, which run in the cloud. There are then the following requirements which must always be met.

• There must be a PhotoRobot Control Unit connected to the local network.
• A computer is necessary to run service GUI or the operator’s software called _Controls.
• The computer must be connected to the same network as the PhotoRobot Control Unit.
• The network must be connected to the internet.

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After ensuring connection of PhotoRobot to the computer and local network, check the electricity distribution system parameters (e.g. voltage and frequency). 

Then, check the Control Unit power setup. It must comply with all electricity distribution system parameters. If the setup of the Control Unit does not comply, refer to the next section on Control Unit Power Setup.

If compliant, then proceed by connecting the Control Unit to the network via an ethernet cable. 

‍Note: For the Cube V5 / V6 models, the Control Unit is a separate device. Find the RJ45 connector on the back of the Control Unit. The Cube Compact has the Control Unit integrated into the machine. Find the RJ45 connector on the back of the Cube robot.

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2.1. Control Unit Power Setup

To check the Control Unit power setup, the older model Control Unit has a manual voltage selector on the back of the device.

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Alternatively, the newer model Control Unit has no voltage selector, and it has a functional range of operation at 110V - 240V. 

If unsure about the Control Unit power setup, contact PhotoRobot Technical Support for assistance from a specialist PhotoRobot technician.

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2.2. Network Configuration

To configure the network to properly communicate with PhotoRobot, the following requirements must be met on the network.

• A 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.
• Wired connection of PhotoRobot to LAN is recommended.
• Refer to Detailed Network Prerequisites for more information if necessary.
• Connect the power plug to the power socket.

Next, press the mains switch on the Control Unit for the Cube V5 / V6 (or on the back of the Cube Compact). The status light will change from blinking to continuous light to signal when it is ready for operation.

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2.3. Find PhotoRobot’s IP Address on LAN

After configuring the network properly, use one of the following supporting applications to search the network for PhotoRobot. 

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

‍Note: Applications to search for PhotoRobot on the network are also available via links within PhotoRobot Account Downloads.

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2.4. Basic Testing - Cube V5 / V6 / Compact

To test the Cube V5 / V6 / Compact, next open a web browser and enter the IP address associated with your PhotoRobot in URL format. For example, enter: https://11.22.33.44 (although note that this address is only an example). If successful, a basic user interface will launch.

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• Turn on the engines (arrow 1 above), and try to operate any movable part of the robot (arrow 2 above). If the robot moves based on your instructions, you are ready to use your PhotoRobot device regularly.

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3. Cube V5 / V6 Assembly and Mannequin Torso Holder

When assembling the Cube V5 or Cube V6 models, note that assembly of the separate Control Unit and rack is necessary. This is not the case for the Cube Compact. If using the Cube Compact, proceed to the section on assembling the paper background.

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3.1. Assembly of HD Rack and Control Unit (V5 / V6)

3.1.1. To assemble the separate Control Unit of the Cube V5 and Cube V6, start with assembly of the rack. For this, follow the instructions within the manual attached to the box of rack on-delivery.

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3.1.2. Next, locate and unpack the Control Unit from its carton shipping box.

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3.1.3. Then, prepare the following cables: the power cable (1-meter length), shutter cable, motor cable, and the ethernet cable (2-meter length).

a) Power cable (1-meter length):

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b) Shutter cable (1-meter length):

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c) Motor cable:

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d) Ethernet cable (2-meters length):

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3.1.4. Place each cable prepared in the previous step into the rack.

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3.1.5. Connect the cables from the previous steps into the Control Unit.

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Important: The motor cable must be fastened tightly using the two screws on the connector. The shutter cable connects into the OUT port of the Control Unit.

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3.1.6. Insert the Control Unit into the rack case, and fasten the screws to seal it closed.

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3.2. Assembly of Accessories and Connections

3.2.1. To connect all accessories for the Cube V5 / Cube V6, begin by unpacking the router from the carton box, and then mounting the rack holders. Next, attach the power cables or adapter (depending on the type of router), and insert the router into the rack case before screwing it shut. 

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3.2.2. Secure the power multi-socket onto the bottom part at the back of the rack by fastening it on with screws.

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3.2.3. If the router delivered has a power adapter, find the power adapter interface and plug it into any power multi-socket connector.

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3.2.4. Find the free end of the Control Unit power cable, and attach it to the power multi-socket.

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3.2.5. Using the longest ethernet cable, plug the cable into the data wall socket of your studio. Please note that by default it is expected internet access will be available through this data wall socket, and therefore the IP address will be obtained automatically.

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3.2.6. Plug the other end of the ethernet cable into the last port of the router. Use either port number 10 or port number 13, depending on the type of router.

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3.2.7. Next, plug in the free end of the ethernet cable from the Control Unit into the router using any port number 1-9.

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‍3.2.8. Find the power adapter interface, and plug it into the power multi-socket.

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3.2.9. Unbox the Wi-Fi module from the carton box, and find another 2-meter ethernet cable to attach to the Wi-Fi module. The other end of the ethernet cable attaches to the router using any port number 1-9.

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3.2.10. Next, unpack the Fomei Wi-Fi converter and power adapter, and connect the devices.

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3.2.11. Plug the power adapter interface into the power multi-socket, and then plug in the adapter. The other end of the cable connects to the router using any port number 1-9.

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3.2.12. Connect the power multi-socket plug into the wall socket.

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3.2.13. Find the shutter cable terminator variant passes to your camera model, and plug it into the shutter cable coupler.

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3.3. Assembly of the Paper Background

3.3.1. To assemble the paper background, first find two Master LS 13-B light stands. Then, mount W-2 fixing forks for the Expander Stud Set on top of each stand.

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3.3.2. Place the paper background with the stud set onto the fixing forks of the two tripods. One will hold the left side of the background, and the other will hold the right side of the background.

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3.3.3. Next, watch the Screen Recording of Installing the Stud Set, and repeat the steps in the video. 

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3.4. Assembly of the Cube V5 / V6 Robot

3.4.1. To configure the Cube robot to support the rotating mannequin torso holder, start by unpacking the robot and attaching its four legs to the bottom of the device.

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3.4.2. Next, connect the other end of the motor cable to the Cube, fastening both screws on the connector.

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3.4.3. After connecting the device, place the Cube robot on the ground in the center of the white background. Position the Cube 1 meter away from the paper.

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3.4.4. Place the reduction plate for the torso holder onto the top of the Cube robot, and secure it in place with the four screws provided.

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3.4.5. Position the body of the torso holder onto the reduction plate, and secure the torso holder into place using the large hand screw.

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Important: It is necessary to pay careful attention to this step. Ensure that the triangle symbols from the reduction plate are visible through the torso holder. This means that the torso holder has been correctly installed.

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‍3.4.6. At this point, note that the height of the torso is adjustable by loosening and tightening the hand screw, and sliding the extension higher or lower.

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3.5. Flash Lights Setup

3.5.1. To set up the flash lights with the Cube robot, first unpack the flash lights from the box, and next insert the pilot bulb into each flash light.

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Note: To insert the pilot bulb, carefully unscrew the glass from the main. Then, do the same for the glass protector from the main bulb, before taking out the pilot bulb from the carton box. Be sure to use a napkin or cloth when handling the pilot bulb, otherwise its lifetime may drastically lower. Next, insert the pilot bulb into the connection at the exact position as in the following photos.

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When ready, remember to put the glass protector back on, and then repeat the previous steps to assemble each light.

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3.5.2. After setting up the pilot bulbs and replacing their glass protectors, connect the power cables to all of the flash lights.

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3.5.3. Then, insert receivers into each light, and mind the FOMEI labels for orientation.

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3.5.4. Plug in the free ends of the power cables from the lights to the power multi-socket.

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3.5.5. Switch the power on for all flash lights.

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3.5.6. Position the lights physically around the robot in the following recommended lights setup.

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3.5.7. Note that if a boom stand is installed as in the recommended lights setup, it will be necessary to first construct the boom stand. To build a boom stand, you will need a tripod, a 1.5 meter wall boom pole, and a wall boom set.

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Additionally, refer to the following images for the construction of the boom stand.

a) Wall boom pole clamp:

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b) Balancing weight at the end of the pole to support the light:

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c) Illustrative picture of a constructed boom stand:

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4. PhotoRobot _Controls Software

The software PhotoRobot _Controls App provides control over the entire Virtual Catwalk robotic workstation. This includes remote control over all robots, cameras and lighting. The software manages workflow and provides the necessary functionality for effective automation in the field of post-processing.

PhotoRobot _Controls App software is available for download via your PhotoRobot Account. It is not included with the machine delivery. PhotoRobot _Controls App software 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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Important: Only the most recent and up-to-date stable version of CAPP is available for download via the installer wizard. Although there is a beta version with the latest fixes and features, it is not recommended for production use. Meanwhile, the older versions 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. 

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. Cube Compact Labels