1. Prior Day Preparations
- Ensure all required equipment is fully charged and functional.
- Prepare necessary supplies (color checkers, measuring tape, small step ladder, grease gun, etc.).
- Verify the availability of power sources (BBot, flash, camera, and other devices).
2. Supplies Checklist
- Flash battery charged.
- BB camera power cable ready.
- 4 charged Amiga Lithium-Ion batteries with battery keys.
- Ethernet cable for data transfer.
- Color checkers (large and passport versions).
- UI protective cover.
- Measuring tape.
3. Potting Area Maintenance
3.1 Debris Removal
- Use a leaf blower to clear debris from the surface of the landscape fabric.
- Ensure debris is not blown into the pots.
- Manually remove any remaining loose materials.
3.2 Individual Plant Spacing
- Identify and thin out any overlapping plants.
- Ensure clear separation between plants.
- Fully clean and space the first 8–10 rows before starting BBot imaging.
- Continue spacing and cleaning remaining rows while the BBot is imaging.
3.3 Weed Potting Area
- Remove all overlapping target weeds from pots.
- Check and remove non-target weeds from:
- Inside the pots.
- Underneath the pots.
- The surrounding landscape fabric.
- Uproot, shake off soil, and dispose of removed weeds in a designated bucket or bag.
- Ensure no removed weeds or debris are left in the imaging area.
- Avoid being in the images while removing weeds.
4. Camera, Flash & BBot Setup
4.1 Camera & Flash Setup
- Attach the camera securely to the BBot bracket.
- Check and set camera aperture, focus, and flash power according to the settings table.
- Confirm the correct height from the lens to the potting soil using a measuring tape.
- Place the color checker in the frame of the starting position.
- Open the BBot app and take a test image.
4.2 Attaching the SVCam
- Securely attach the SVCam to the BBot.
- Plug in all necessary cables before powering on the BBot to avoid potential damage.
4.3 BBot Setup
- Ensure the gantry is properly aligned and locked into place.
- Position the BBot camera over the first row.
- Adjust motor speed to 4 bars (value of 80).
- Verify auto-control is enabled before beginning image collection.
5. Test Image Collection
- Place color checkers in their designated starting positions.
- Take a test image and confirm:
- Flash is triggering correctly.
- No visible image quality issues.
- BBot wheels or frame are not in the image frame.
6. Begin the Batch
- Place two color checkers in the potting area: one ~15 cm above the pots, one at pot height.
- Input species count, pot spacing, and other settings.
- Start BBot collection using the "Run" button in the Traversal tab.
- Monitor the first two rows to confirm proper function.
- Move the color checker as the BBot progresses to ensure proper calibration.
- Check outermost images to ensure no parts of the Amiga frame are visible.
7. Packing Up
- Return BBot to its starting position.
- Power off the BBot and remove all batteries.
- Disconnect all cables and cover ports to protect from dust.
- Carefully remove the camera from the BBot and store it securely.
- Pack away all accessories (color checkers, measuring tape, step ladder, etc.).
- Bring all equipment indoors and recharge batteries for the next session.
8. Troubleshooting
8.1 "Missing JPG/RAW" or "Image Loading Indefinitely"
- Check camera connections by unplugging and reinserting cables.
- Remove and replace the camera battery.
- Restart the BBot and try again.
8.2 BBot Stuck in the Same Spot (X & Y Axis Motors Not Moving)
- Restart the BBot app.
- Verify the Auto button is enabled.
8.3 No Images Taken
- Ensure all cables are securely plugged in.
- Restart the BBot and camera connection.
- Access the mini-computer and execute
localhost:5000/image
to check for errors. - Make sure the camera is connected before turning on the BBot.
- Power cycle the BBot and camera if necessary.
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