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Matthew Kutugata

Matthew Kutugata

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  •  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.

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4. Camera

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and Flash

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Setup

4.1A Attaching the SVCam and Flash (Bbot V3.1

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)

  •  Attach the camera securely to the BBot bracket.Make sure the BBot is off
  •  Check and set camera aperture,focus, and flash power according to the settings table.
  •  Slide the black triangle piece on camera bracket into the piece toward the bottom of the Z-axis.
  •  Make sure to have a strong grip on the flash/camera and have a hand below the camera, ensuring it does not drop to the ground.
  •  Ensure it is firmly locked in place to prevent movement during imaging.
  •  Plug in green cable to brain of camera
  •  Plug in ethernet training cable from camera to BBot power box
  •  Attach “audio jack” to the flash box
  •  Plug in flash bulb power cable to flash box
  •  Power on flash and check settings on flash box
  •  Safely set Flash box on top of camera mount
  •  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

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4.1B Attaching the Sony Camera and Flash (Bbot V3.0)

  •  Plug jack into flash.
  •  Run camera cable to flash.
  •  Attach camera to flash bracket.
  •  Align camera lens parallel with the ground.
  •  Tighten screw & two washers until sturdy.
  •  Attach camera to BBot bracket.
  •  Attach camera to bracket on BBot
    •  Slide the black triangle piece on camera bracket into the piece toward the bottom of the Z-axis.
    •  Make sure to have a strong grip on the flash/camera and have a hand below the camera, ensuring it does not drop to the ground.
  •  Remove lens cap.
  •  Unscrew the protective cap on the BBot power box. Inside is a USB port.
  •  Plug USB-A to USB-C cable into USB port and camera respectively.
  •  If cable has extra slack, make sure it is not dangling in view of lens.
  •  It is advisable to put a sunshade over the camera.

5. BBot Setup

5.1 Turning the BBot On

  •  Place the 4 Amiga batteries into their slot above each wheel.
  •  Turn keys from “Unlocked” to “Off”, gentle pressure must be applied towards the battery.
  •  Plug the dangling power cable into each respective battery.
  •  Turn the key to the “On” position. Boot up will commence.

5.2 Configure Bbot

  •  Remove cover from Amiga interface if applicable and press “Start”.
  •  Reduce motor speed to 4 bars (value of 80)
  •  Ensure the gantry is properly aligned and locked into place.
  •  Adjust alignment using the joystick. Get the wheels parallel to the pot edges, as best as possible.
  •  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.

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6. 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.

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  •  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. Refer to the table.
  •  Start BBot collection using the "Runrun" button in the Traversal “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.

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  •  Return BBot to its starting position.
  •  Leave the BBot on for sometime to allow images to transfer
  •  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.