VRO 300T™ REFERENCE MANUAL
Readout Parameter Access Code An access code must be entered before machine-related parameters can be set or changed. This prevents inadvertent adjustments to the setup parameters. IMPORTANT The access code is 8891 Refer to the Setup section. Begin by pressing the SETUP key, then the INSTALLATION SETUP softkey. Press the 8 , 8 , 9 , 1 , and ENTER keys. The readout is now ready for machine parameter setting operations.
Warranty ACU-RITE Products and accessories are warranted against defects in material and workmanship for a period of three years from the date of purchase. ACU-RITE will, at its option and expense, repair or replace any part of the ACU-RITE product that fails to meet this warranty. This warranty covers both materials and factory labor. In addition, authorized ACU-RITE service representatives will provide service labor (field service) for a period of one year at no charge.
Table of Contents VRO 300T Introduction..................................................................................................................... 1 A Tour of the Readout..................................................................................................1 Front and Back Views...............................................................................................1 Connections......................................................................................................
VRO 300T Table of Contents Setup .............................................................................................................................. 32 Job Setup ....................................................................................................................33 Setting Up the Tool Library .....................................................................................33 Defining Tools with Auto-Offset ......................................................................
VRO 300T ! This symbol alerts you to the fact that important information concerning the installation and operation of this readout has been included in this manual. Keep these instructions in a secure place for future reference.
VRO 300T Introduction Introduction ACU-RITE’s VRO 300 readout series provides the application-specific features required for you to obtain the most productivity from your manual machine tools. The VRO 300T is designed specifically for turning applications. Special features include tool offsetting, axis lock (hold), programming, and vectoring.
Introduction VRO 300T Connections External video output Ground wire connection EXT VIDEO CONTRAST PENDANT ! Remote switch (pendant) input PARALLEL PORT Parallel (printer) port Power switch and voltage selector Model number and Serial number PN 200x00x SN 9766554 Control function interface port Encoder inputs CFI EDGE FINDER Electronic edge finder input Serial (RS-232) port TOUCH PROBE SERIAL PORT INPUT 6 INPUT 5 INPUT 4 INPUT 3 INPUT 2 INPUT 1 Touch probe input 2
VRO 300T Introduction Keypad Selects absolute or incremental display ABS INCR Selects radius or diameter display RAD DIA System information and help TOOL POS Application-specific function keys INFO MM System setup parameters SETUP English / metric conversion Begin a preset Move up or down on the screen Zero an axis X ZERO Z1 ZERO Z2 ZERO 7 8 9 CALC Y ZERO 4 5 6 + 1 2 3 - .
Introduction VRO 300T Display The 9” CRT display screen is divided into four sections. 1 2 3 4 1 Status bar – displays the feed rate, current tool, scale factor, the job clock, and inch/mm status. 2 Information screen – displays information for the task being performed. • Used as a readout, the screen will display the current position for each axis. • When programming, the program steps will be displayed. 3 Message line – operator prompts and messages will appear here.
VRO 300T Introduction Readout and Program Displays The DRO and PGM keys switch the display between the digital readout (DRO) display and the program (PGM) display. In the DRO display, all standard readout operations are available. The display can show up to four axis positions simultaneously. If you use more than four, press the OTHER AXES softkey to view the other axes. Softkeys for zeroing and presetting these other axes will also appear. In the PGM display, you can create and run programs.
Introduction VRO 300T Power-On Position Recovery Position-Trac Certain ACU-RITE encoders, such as the ENC 150, contain closely-spaced reference marks that enable the display to show the correct position after a power interruption. The readout will indicate when power has been lost, and will prompt you to move each axis until a reference mark is located. By traversing the reference marks once in each axis, you will re-establish the display position relative to the last known zero.
VRO 300T Readout Operations Readout Operations Clear Key Use the CLEAR key to erase digits that you have entered by mistake or to take you back if you’ve pressed an incorrect function key. Absolute and Incremental Displays Absolute Zero, also called datum or Workpiece Zero. The tool is positioned at -1.625 ABS. Absolute Display Shows the distance from your current position to absolute zero. -1.625 Z -1625 ABS Incremental Display Shows the distance from your current position to the incremental zero.
Readout Operations VRO 300T Radius / Diameter Displays Pressing the as a diameter. RAD DIA key lets you view the part dimension either as a radius or X 1.250 DIA RAD DIA X 0.
VRO 300T Readout Operations Zeroing the Displays 3.00 Absolute Zero 1.75 1.00 On many prints, the dimensions are measured from one or two surfaces of the part. By setting the readout’s absolute display to zero at a wellchosen surface, you can enter the part’s dimensions directly from the print, using absolute presets. Absolute zero Setting Absolute Zero at the Current Position 1. Move to desired location. 2. Make sure that the absolute position is displayed. 3. Zero the appropriate axis.
Readout Operations VRO 300T Crossfeed Axis 1. Touch the tool to the diameter of the workpiece. 1.25 2. Make sure that the absolute position is displayed. 3. Press the 4. ZERO key for the appropriate axis. ABS INCR ZERO Enter the tool position—either as a radius or as a diameter, depending on the display. 1 .
VRO 300T Readout Operations Setting Absolute Zero with the Tool under Load Longitudinal Axis 1. Make sure that the absolute position is displayed. 2. Machine the face of the workpiece. 3. While the tool is still contacting the workpiece, press the ZERO ABS INCR ABS key for the appropriate axis, then the softkey. The readout will lock this tool position in the display, even if you move the tool. LOCK AXIS 4. Move the tool away and measure the face location, if required . .83 5.
Readout Operations VRO 300T Crossfeed Axis 1. Make sure that the absolute position is displayed. 2. Machine the diameter. 3. While the tool is still contacting the workpiece, press the ZERO ABS INCR ABS key for the appropriate axis, then the LOCK AXIS softkey. The readout will lock this tool position in the display, even if you move the tool. 4. Move the tool away and measure the diameter. Dia = 1.05 5. Enter the diameter. 1 .
VRO 300T Readout Operations Presetting When you preset a dimension, the readout places an incremental zero at the location you specify. Then, the display automatically switches to the incremental display so you can move to zero. Begin a preset by pressing an axis key ( X for example). The information from the previous preset will appear. The display will show you if the preset is absolute or incremental. Use the ABS INCR key to change from one to the other. Enter the dimension you want to preset.
Readout Operations VRO 300T Absolute and Incremental Presets To maintain the best tolerance and to minimize the chance for errors, use • absolute presets for absolute dimensions • incremental presets for incremental dimensions. When you enter an absolute preset, it does not matter where the tool position is. The VRO 300T calculates the desired location automatically. The display shows this. 3.00 1.75 ABS Z1 INCR Z1 Z1 1.00 ABS +/- 1 . 0 ENTER ABS +/- 1 . 7 5 ENTER ABS +/- 3 .
VRO 300T Readout Operations Near Zero Warning When you are moving to zero, the readout can “warn” you when you are getting close. This allows you to machine faster and avoid overshooting your desired location. You can set the near zero range in Setup.
Readout Operations VRO 300T Tool Offsetting The VRO 300T can store the dimensional offsets for up to 100 tools. When you change a workpiece and establish the absolute zero, all the tools are automatically referenced to the new zero. 0 1 To select a tool, press the TOOL 2 3 ... 99 98 key, enter the tool number, and press the softkey. The new tool number appears in the status bar, and the current position is changed to reflect the new offset values.
VRO 300T Program Operations Program Operations A program is a list of tool changes and position presets that you can save for later use. Creating a Program Press the PGM key, and the program view screen appears. Program Name Axis Position Displays Program Steps You create a program by entering a list of the steps in the order you want to do them. • POS To create a new step, press either the TOOL or the key.
Program Operations VRO 300T Tool Steps Put this step in your program whenever you need to use a different tool. Press the key to bring up the Set Tool form. SET TOOL TOOL TOOL NUMBER TOOL—enter the tool number. When you press OFFSET , the offset information from the Tool Library is displayed. X Z1 ENTER 2 -1.2540 0.5210 OFFSET—displays the offset information. You can change this in Setup. Press the TOOL LIBRARY softkey if you want to select a tool directly from the Tool Library.
VRO 300T Program Operations Position Steps This step lets you program a positioning move. You can preset up to four axes at once. The dimension in each axis can be absolute or incremental. POINT—press an axis key to specify which direction you wish to move. Enter the dimension. If the dimension is incremental, press the 003 POSITION POINT X Z1 ABS INCR key and enter the number of the step you want to reference. The reference step must precede the current step in the program. 1.000 1.
Program Operations VRO 300T Saving and Loading Your Programs Programs can be saved in the VRO 300T. If a program is saved, it is safe from power loss. Saving and other program functions are found by pressing the PROGRAM FUNCTIONS softkey. PROGRAM FUNCTIONS CLEAR PROGRAM LOAD SAVE To save a program, press or use the ALPHABET SAVE RUN DELETE CANCEL . Name the program using the numeric keys, softkey to select alphabetic characters. When you have named the program, press ENTER or SAVE .
VRO 300T Program Operations Alphabet Entry When you need to enter alphabetic characters, press the the alphabet box appears. ALPHABET softkey and ALPHABET D I N S A E J O T X B F K P U Y C G L Q V Z H M R W Use the softkeys to move around the alphabet, and the letter. LEFT UP ALPHABET DOWN ENTER key to select a RIGHT You can mix alphabet characters with numerals from the keypad. Press the ALPHABET softkey again to clear the alphabet box.
Program Operations VRO 300T Running a Program To run a program, move to the first step and press the RUN must now execute the step and, when you are done, press the to run the next step. softkey. You NEXT softkey You can run a program starting from any step; just move to the step you RUN want to start with and press . Remember that Position steps are normally preceded by a Tool step that is required to calculate the correct tool offsets.
VRO 300T Program Operations Teaching a Position To teach a position to the readout as you are making a part, select a step as you normally would. In any field where a position is needed, instead of entering numeric position values, machine to the position that you want to enter, then use the TEACH POSITION softkey to enter the position value. Only absolute position values are used. Example The Position step below needs to have the Z1-axis entered.
Calculator VRO 300T Other Features Calculator , are available when you are in any numeric data entry field. Just use these keys as you would any calculator. The four-function calculator keys, + - x The keys will act on a number that is already in the field. For example, if you move to a field which already has a value of 3.125, and you want to double it, just press x 2 ENTER to get 6.250.
VRO 300T Calculator Trig functions are calculated by entering the angle first and then the appropriate trig function. For example, enter 3 0 , then select the softkey. A value of 0.5000 (sin 30º) will be displayed. SIN Taper Calculator You can calculate tapers either by entering dimensions from a print, or by touching a tapered workpiece with a tool or indicator. TAPER CALCULATOR TAPER AXES—use the axis keys on the keypad to change the axes if needed.
Calculator VRO 300T RPM Calculator This feature lets you calculate the correct rotational speed based on the diameter you are cutting and the desired surface speed. DIAMETER—enter the workpiece diameter. You can change to metric with the MM key. RPM CALCULATOR DIAMETER 2.000 INCH SURFACE SPEED 150 FT/MIN RPM SURFACE SPEED—enter the desired surface speed. You can change between feet/minute and meters/minute using the softkeys.
VRO 300T Printing Printing If you have a printer connected to the VRO 300T, you can have the readout print various pieces of information. Softkeys are available whenever there is something that you can print. PRINT POSITION POSITION—when the axis positions are displayed, press the print the positions. The current tool number is printed before the position. The absolute and incremental positions for each displayed position is printed with the units of measure.
Printing VRO 300T TOOL LIBRARY—when you are looking at the tool library, press the to print a copy of it. NUMBER OFFSET 00 0.0021 01 1.3822 05 PRINT TOOL LIB softkey TOOL LIBRARY X OFFSET Z 0.5020 INCH 0.2953 INCH 2.0030 - SYSTEM PARAMETERS—the PRINT SETUP softkey is displayed in the Job Setup screen. Both job-related and machine-related parameters are printed. JOB SETUP PARAMETERS DISPLAY RESOLUTION X = 0.0005 INCH Z1 = 0.0005 INCH SCALE FACTOR 1.
VRO 300T Remote Interface Remote Interface You can enter commands into the VRO 300T from a remote terminal or computer if you have configured the serial port as a COMPUTER. These remote commands are in the form of ANSI standard ASCII characters. The remote device can request that the readout send information, such as the current position, or the device can control the readout by simulating the pressing of any of the readout’s hard keys or softkeys.
Remote Interface VRO 300T Keypad Commands Sending one of the control characters from the following table to the readout is equivalent to pressing the corresponding readout key. Control Character Readout Keypress Control Character Readout Keypress Q X 3 3 W Z1 4 4 E Z2 5 5 R Y 6 6 A ZERO X 7 7 S ZERO Z1 8 8 D ZERO Z2 9 9 F ZERO Y . .
VRO 300T Other Features Job Clock The job clock can help you estimate jobs or monitor throughput. It records to the nearest minute. You can start, stop, and reset the job clock using the softkeys in Setup. Refer to page 43. Hours : Minutes Reference Tables Several useful tables, including thread sizes and machine cutting speeds, are included in the VRO 300T. Press the INFO key, then the INDEX the index of topics. Move to REFERENCE TABLES and press the 31 softkey to see ENTER key.
Setup VRO 300T Setup The SETUP key lets you change the system parameters. Some of these parameters are job related, meaning that they may change from job to job. Others are machine related and should be set as part of the installation. The machine-related parameters can be accessed by pressing the and entering the access code. The softkey keys to move from one parameter to the next, and the Use the ENTER INSTALLATION SETUP key to select the parameter.
VRO 300T Setup Job Setup Setting Up the Tool Library The VRO 300T can store the dimensional offsets for up to 100 tools. When you change a workpiece and establish the absolute zero, all the tools are automatically referenced from the new workpiece zero. 0 1 2 3 ... 98 99 The offset dimensions can be determined using a tool presetter, or you can use the auto-offset calculation feature of the readout. Press the softkey and select the method you wish to use.
Setup VRO 300T Longitudinal Axis: 1. Make a face cut. 2. While the tool is still in contact with the workpiece, press the 3. LOCK AXIS softkey. Move the tool away from the workpiece and measure the face location. .83 4. Enter the measured value. 5. Press the DONE . 8 3 ENTER softkey to save the tool offset. Repeat the above procedure for each tool you want to use. As your tools wear, you will begin to see differences between the readout display and workpiece dimensions.
VRO 300T Setup Display Resolution The display resolution will normally be the same as the encoder resolution. However, if the job tolerance is coarser than the encoder resolution (for example, the job tolerance may be ±0.005"), you can adjust the display resolution so you won’t be tempted to waste time by machining to a finer resolution. DISPLAY RESOLUTION X AXIS 0.0005 DIA Z1 AXIS 0.001 Z2 AXIS 0.0005 Use the COARSER and FINER softkeys to cycle through all the possible choices.
Setup VRO 300T Linear Error Compensation The VRO 300T includes a linear error compensation feature that enables you to compensate for machine tool inaccuracies. You can have up to 99 different compensation segments per encoder. In order for linear error compensation to function properly, the readout needs to be able to establish the segment boundaries in the same physical locations each time you turn on the readout. This means that you must find the encoder’s reference mark.
VRO 300T Setup Anchoring the Segments If you anchor the beginning of the first segment at a known location on the encoder, then the segment boundary values will be the actual physical distances from the anchor point, as shown below. 23.4 Segment 1 anchored here 8.0 Segment 1 Segment 2 Segment 3 Encoder Reading Head ENCODER ERROR COMPENSATION 01 492 PPM 02 -697 PPM 03 -78 PPM ENCODER END -- 8.00 8.00 -- 23.40 23.
Setup VRO 300T Compensation Entry Methods You can enter the segment boundaries and compensation factors using the keypad, or you can have the readout calculate them for you. Normally, you would use the keypad entry method only to restore or adjust a known compensation value. Manual Entry ENTER COMP This brings up the softkeys needed to let you enter compensation and segment information using the keypad.
VRO 300T Setup Calculated Entry CALCULATE COMP This brings up the softkeys needed to have the readout calculate the compensation factors. NEW SEGMENT The NEW SEGMENT CLEAR TABLE ANCHOR SEGMENT 1 CANCEL DONE softkey brings up the CALCULATE SEGMENT form. STANDARD—This is where you enter the actual length of the standard. CALCULATE SEGMENT STANDARD 0.0000 TRAVEL—Shows the measured length of the standard.
Setup VRO 300T You will need a dial indicator and a measurement standard. 1. Position the standard in the center of the segment. 2. Enter one edge of the standard. FIRST POINT 3. Enter the other edge of the standard. SECOND POINT 4. Enter the actual size of the standard, including the probe diameter if necessary. 1.000 Same side 0.875 Opposite sides If the calculated factor is 9999 or –9999, the machine inaccuracy is too great and cannot be compensated. 5.
VRO 300T Setup Feed Rate Units IPM and MMPM softkeys to change the feed rate units between Use the inches per minute and mm per minute. Remote Switch The external switch (pendant or footswitch) can be enabled to perform any or all of the following functions: REMOTE SWITCH PRINT NO PRINT—print the current position. Enable the print function with the it with the NO YES ZERO softkey, disable softkey. XZ1 NEXT NO ZERO—zero one or more axes.
Setup VRO 300T Vectoring Vectoring breaks down the movement of the compound axis into the crossfeed or longitudinal axes. If you are turning threads, for example, vectoring lets you see the diameter of the thread in the X-axis display, even though you are moving the cutting tool with the compound axis handwheel. DIA 2 DIA 1 With vectoring enabled, you can preset the desired radius or diameter in the X axis, so that you can “machine to zero”.
VRO 300T Setup Scale Factor The scale factor can be set to scale the workpiece up or down from the preset or programmed size. All preset and displayed dimensions are multiplied by this scale factor. All programmed dimensions will be multiplied by this scale factor when the program is run. The SCALE FACTOR numbers in your program are not changed. SCALE 1.0000 A scale factor of 1.000 causes the readout to use preset or programmed dimensions exactly.
Setup VRO 300T Installation Setup Display Configuration Individual encoders are connected to the VRO 300T at inputs numbered 1 through 6. The assignment of each encoder to an axis display (X, Z1, or Y for example) is done by completing this form. Each axis display can be configured in one of the following ways. DISPLAY CONFIGURATION X DISPLAY 1 OFF softkey to delete the Unused—press the axis from the DRO display. Z1 DISPLAY 2 Single Encoder—use the numeric keypad to enter the encoder input number.
VRO 300T Setup Encoder Setup You must tell the readout something about the encoders. Select ENCODER SETUP from the Installation Setup list and enter the encoder number (the number is defined by the input connector number on the back panel of the readout). The encoder number you selected is shown at the top of the form. ENCODER 1 SETUP RESOLUTION 10.0000 RESOLUTION—first use the softkeys to select between linear and angular movement.
Setup VRO 300T Serial Port You can configure the serial port to connect to a printer or to a computer. Check the specifications for your printer or computer to determine how to complete the following information. For most SERIAL PORT items, the softkeys will provide you with the available choices. PORT CONFIGURATION FUNCTION—identifies what you’re communicating with, a printer or a computer. Press disable the serial port.
VRO 300T Setup Parallel Port Most printers connect to the parallel port. You can experiment with these settings to format the printed output. PARALLEL PORT FUNCTION—select PRINTER OFF to disable the port or to enable it for printing. OUTPUT TAIL—enter the number of blank lines (CR character), from 0 to 9, that you want to print after the information is sent.
Installation VRO 300T Installation IMPORTANT Before installing the VRO 300T readout, record the serial number on the warranty card and return it to ACU-RITE INCORPORATED. The serial number label is located on the back of the readout. Selecting a Location Selecting a location for the readout is an important consideration for proper installation.
VRO 300T Installation Connecting the Encoders Insert the connector from each encoder into the mating connector on the back of the readout. Fasten it with a small screwdriver. Provide enough slack in the encoder cables to allow for full travel of all machine axes. Check that machine movements will not pinch the cables. Use the cable tie-down hardware kits supplied with the encoders to fasten the cables neatly to the machine.
Readout Specifications VRO 300T Readout Specifications Characteristic Specification Operating conditions 0° to 40°C (32° to 104°F) 25% to 85% relative humidity (non-condensing) Storage conditions -40° to 60°C (-40° to 140°F) 25% to 95% relative humidity (non-condensing) Input requirements Voltage: 95 – 264 VAC single phase Frequency: 47-63 Hz Current: 350ma @115V, 200ma @230V Fuse ¾ A, 250V, 3AG, Slo-blo Encoder input Position signals: channels A & B TTL square wave signal in quadrature (9
VRO 300T Troubleshooting Troubleshooting This section is intended to provide you with some basic troubleshooting assistance with your readout system. If you cannot correct the problem after following these instructions, contact your authorized ACU-RITE distributor or OEM/OEI for repair or replacement procedures. No Operation NOTICE If you turn power off, you must wait at least 5 seconds before turning it back on, or the readout may not power up.
Troubleshooting • VRO 300T Check fuse. With the power cord removed, use a thin straight-blade screwdriver to remove the cover of the electrical input module. Slide out the fuse holder and check the fuse. If necessary, replace it. Replace the input module cover by snapping it back into place, and reconnect the power cord. Opening slot ! CAUTION Replace fuses only with the specified type. Using incorrect fuses can present a safety hazard. The readout may also be permanently damaged.
VRO 300T Troubleshooting If the system seems to be displaying incorrect positions, check the following items. • Verify presets. Make sure that the numbers you entered are correct. • Verify tool. Check that the correct tool number is being used. Make sure the correct tool offset has been entered. Check the tool for wear. • Verify the scale factor. Ensure that the correct scale factor is being used. • Verify linear error compensation.
ACU-RITE Readout Systems are manufactured in the USA ACU-RITE IS AN ISO 9001 CERTIFIED MANUFACTURER ACU-RITE INCORPORATED ONE PRECISION WAY MASON INDUSTRIAL PARK JAMESTOWN, NEW YORK 14701 2002-702 EDITION A PRINTED IN USA
