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Checklist

Checklist

Owned by Matthew Kutugata
Last updated: Jan 29, 2025
4 min read

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

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 and Flash Setup

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

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.

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.
Verify auto-control is enabled before beginning image collection.

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.

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. Refer to the table.
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.
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.

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