Looping a Move Forward Continuously — Repeat Run A-B A-B Mode¶
Summary¶
Flair has a Repeat Run function with two modes: A-B B-A (forward then backward, ping-pong) and A-B A-B (forward only, looping). To loop a move continuously in the same direction (ABCABC…), use Repeat Run with A-B A-B mode, ensure the end keyframe matches the start position, and disable the prompt so each loop starts automatically. This is confirmed working for extended runs including tracker-app imported moves. For Bolt, the note from the community is that the second pass may show "slow" in the display but will still run at the programmed speed.
Community Guidance¶
[RESOLVED] Use Repeat Run A-B A-B Mode¶
Community — Julian Hermannsen, Riley Morgan — February 2022
Riley Morgan: "Basically was hoping for an auto-run function that loops ABCDABCD forever until told to stop."
Julian Hermannsen: "There's 2 options in the repeat run function. AB BA and AB AB. If end and beginning matches use A-B A-B. No need to replicate."
Julian Hermannsen: "I used that for these dancing robot moves. If you turn off prompt it will run automatically."
Setup:
- Program your move with the final keyframe position matching the start position (so the loop joins seamlessly).
- Open Repeat Run in Flair (Move menu → Repeat Run).
- Select A-B A-B mode (forward only, not ping-pong).
- Disable the prompt between loops so each loop begins automatically.
- Set the loop count, or leave unlimited.
- Press Run.
confidence_score: 0.88
[INFORMATIONAL] Bolt Speed Display on Repeat Loops¶
Community — Julian Hermannsen — February 2022
Julian Hermannsen: "If it's a Bolt it would still run the 2nd one fast although it says slow."
On Bolt, the speed indicator may display "ROBOT SLOW" on subsequent repeat loops even though the robot is running at the programmed speed. This is a display-only artefact — the move executes at full programmed speed.
confidence_score: 0.83
[INFORMATIONAL] Replicate as an Alternative¶
Community — Simon Wakley — 2021
For a move that you want to run back and forth, Replicate (Move menu → Replicate) copies and reverses the move's keyframes, creating a seamless forward-and-back sequence. This is an alternative to Repeat Run for ping-pong loops.
Simon Wakley: "Replicate will repeat the move backwards and forwards and has been in Flair for MANY years. Make sure you have a hold of at least one frame so it comes to a complete stop at each turnaround."
confidence_score: 0.85
[INFORMATIONAL] Safety Note for Unattended Repeat Runs¶
Community — Simon Wakley — 2020
Simon Wakley: "It is not safe to repeat run a fast move."
At high speeds, the robot must come to a complete stop between loops (end hold frame). Continuous looping of fast moves without a speed limit is a safety risk. Always set appropriate maximum speed limits and include a hold at the turnaround point when using repeat run unattended.
confidence_score: 0.88
Related Issues¶
- See also: Return to Start / A-B-A Workflow
- See also: Stop Points vs Part Runs
- See also: Tracker Live Recording / Mimic Window
- See also: Adding a Track Axis to a Tracker App or Mimic Recording
- See also: Part Runs and Preroll Extents - Hard Stops, Track Travel, and Safe Checking
Related Tutorials¶
- Tutorial: What is a Repeat Pass?
- Tutorial: 12. Example Move Program