Configure a Fake Gantry

Configure a fake gantry to test implementing a gantry component on your machine without any physical hardware:

Navigate to the CONFIGURE tab of your machine’s page in the Viam app. Click the + icon next to your machine part in the left-hand menu and select Component. Select the gantry type, then select the fake model. Enter a name or use the suggested name for your gantry and click Create.

An example configuration for a fake gantry in the Viam app Config Builder.

{
  "name": "<your-fake-gantry-name>",
  "model": "fake",
  "type": "gantry",
  "namespace": "rdk",
  "attributes": {}
}

No attributes are available for fake gantries. See GitHub for API call return specifications.

Test the gantry

Once your gantry is configured and connected, open the gantry’s TEST panel on the CONFIGURE or CONTROL tabs.

Use the panel to adjust the position of the actuator on the axis and check whether it moves as expected.

Gantry test panel.

If the gantry does not appear on the TEST panel, or if you notice unexpected behavior, check your machine’s LOGS tab for errors, and review the configuration.

Troubleshooting

If your gantry is not working as expected, follow these steps:

  1. Check your machine logs on the LOGS tab to check for errors.
  2. Review this gantry model’s documentation to ensure you have configured all required attributes.
  3. Click on the TEST panel on the CONFIGURE or CONTROL tab and test if you can use the gantry there.

If none of these steps work, reach out to us on the Community Discord and we will be happy to help.

Next steps

For more configuration and usage info, see:

Gantry API

Give commands for coordinated control of one or more linear actuators.

Configure a machine

Create a machine in a few steps using Viam's modular system of components and services without writing much or any code.

Write control code for your machine

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If you notice any issues with the documentation, feel free to file an issue or edit this file.