3.3.4.7. Console height adjustment
Introduction
On the da Vinci Classic (aka Standard) and S, the HRSV (High Resolution Stereo Video) can be moved up and down to adjust to the height of the user. Some dVRK groups have received the original surgeon console, sometimes as-is and some other times gutted from their electronics.
Original electronics
If you still have the original electronics, you can simply plug the da Vinci console to a power outlet and power it. Then you can use the two black buttons somewhat hidden on the left side of the arm rest to raise and lower the top part of the console.
Classic console original lift
dVRK solution
If you don’t have the original electronics, you can hack together a simple motor controller. For this you will need:
A power supply, ideally providing 24V DC. You can use an old laptop power supply.
A PWM motor controller, ideally adjustable, so you can drive the lift up AND down. We used the following from Amazon but there are tons of alternatives: https://www.amazon.com/EPLZON-Controller-Adjustable-Electric-Regulator/dp/B0BVBKDY1Q/
First connect your power supply output to the input of the PWM motor controller. Then connect the output of the motor controller to the motor lift. You can find the motor under the HRSV. The motor cables go towards the back of the surgeon’s console using a pass-through. At JHU, we just zip-tied the controller to the side of the console.
Classic console dVRK lift