Checklist

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.