Milling, plotting, engraving, drilling, grinding, dispensing, cutting and much more besides with... WinPC-NC Light ...the software that turns your standard PC into a universal stepper motor NC unit Version 2.
WinPC-NC Light Lawful purchase of the diskette and the manual conveys permission for one person to utilise the WinPC-NC control program. Copying the diskette and the manual or changing any of the individual files or elements of the manual are forbidden. Furthermore any unauthorized transmission of the program or extracts of it will be legally prosecuted by all available means. The authors reserve all rights to the programs and to the manual, in particular the copyright.
WinPC-NC Light Table of contents The structure of this manual................................................................................................5 Definitions...........................................................................................................................5 Use of typography................................................................................................................6 Various versions of WinPC-NC.........................................................
WinPC-NC Light 4. Parameter settings...........................................................................................................36 4.1. Tool management....................................................................................................36 4.2. Speeds......................................................................................................................39 4.3. Coordinates..............................................................................................
WinPC-NC Light The structure of this manual ... This manual provides you with all the information needed for using WinPC-NC. It is divided into individual chapters, the contents of which are summarised below: Chapter 1: Brief explanation about WinPC-NC, the possibilities for using it and the hardware requirements. Chapter 2: Initial start-up procedure, description of how to install the program and how to adjust the initial specific parameters.
WinPC-NC Light Descriptions of the machine and the movement directions of the individual axes are made with reference to the following mechanical layout of a flat-bed machine. The assignment of axes depend on your personal position and your viewport to the machine. Schematic layout of a flat-bed machine with your position aside Schematic layout of a flat-bed machine with your position in front of Use of typography Keyboard entries Normal script enclosed in a box, e.g.
WinPC-NC Light Different versions of WinPC-NC The controlling program WinPC-NC is available in three different versions. Our lowcost program WinPC-NC Light offers all necessary functions for beginners, e.g. engraving, milling, drilling and PCB drilling or manufacturing modelling parts. WinPC-NC Economy is equipped with additional functions and offers with up to four axes a lot of special functions and provides support of extraordinary mechanical components.
WinPC-NC Light What can WinPC-NC Light do ? 1. What can WinPC-NC Light do ? Universal program WinPC-NC is a software program which takes any standard personal computer and turns it into a universal NC control system for up to 3 axes. Does not require additional hardware WinPC-NC Light is operating without any external hardware and is able to control a CNC machine or the drives directly by the controlling signals of the LPT printer port of the Windows PC.
WinPC-NC Light What can WinPC-NC Light do ? Sample of a 3 axis milling plant Special features Special features of WinPC-NC Light : • 32-bit arithmetic for an almost unlimited working range • according to industry standards it is controlling by clocking/direction signals any commercial stepper motor cards and producing stepping frequencies up to 12 kHz • as an alternative a version for the commonly known SMC stepper motor cards is available, however with restrictions of the card itself • jog mode
WinPC-NC Light What can WinPC-NC Light do ? WinPC-NC main screen Also available for SMC800 and SMC1500 stepper motor cards i • extensive tool management function, tools can be selected individually, colors can be set • speeds can be set between 0.01 and approx. 1000 mm/s • high-performance integrated editor • lots of external signals for synchronizing the procedure, e.g.
WinPC-NC Light What can WinPC-NC Light do ? Please consider the following restrictions with SMC stepper motor cards : • limit of the stepping frequency to max. 5kHz • not more than 3 axes connectable • all reference switches and additional inputs can only be connected to one input line on the card.
WinPC-NC Light First steps 2. First steps 2.1. Requirements to hardware WinPC-NC Light is able to control a connected CNC machine and the corresponding drives directly by the LPT printer port. In order to make this procedure possible, a real time driver has been installed in the lowest plane of the operating system providing the necessary timers and mechanisms. A faultless operation is therefore only guaranteed with Personal computers with certain minimum of requirements.
WinPC-NC Light Please avoid background programs First steps Ill effects concerning realtime ability... • access to hard disks, diskettes and network system as well as wireless system actions • battery loading on notebooks or the constant monitoring and measuring of the battery capacity • virus scan and firewall programs in the background • Media-Player or other highspeed start-up programs awaiting in the background certain user actions.
WinPC-NC Light First steps 2.4. Launching the program WinPC-NC is launched simply by clicking the desktop icon or by means of the start menu. After a short time the window of the realtime module appears in the upper left corner of the screen and in the middle the WinPC-NC working screen which is divided into several areas.
WinPC-NC Light First steps The function of the individual buttons is as follows : Exit program Open file load editor Start job Jog Joystick jog Help Information Select tool Operating molette Change parameters Reference move Speed button bar in WinPC-NC The status bar at the bottom displays information about the operating status of the software and the machine, or else a help text about the functions which are currently active.
WinPC-NC Light First steps WinPC-NC is using the following signals for motor actuation... Pin 2 Pin 3 Pin 4 Pin 5 Pin 6 Pin 7 Pin 8 Pin 9 i direction motor X clock motor X direction motor Y clock motor Y direction motor Z clock motor Z direction motor 4 clock motor 4 Using a SMC steppermotor card it is not necessary to consider the exact signal assignment. It is sufficient to utilize a commonly used printer cable for connecting LPT port and SMC card.
WinPC-NC Light First steps The detected port address has to be registered in WinPC-NC under parameter-ports- LPT.port address and complete the process by clicking the function keys SAVE and OK. After this procedure it should be possible to perfom a simple test run with function JOG or MOTOR TEST. Please be very careful in performing and be aware of uncontrolled movements of the machine. i When first delivered, the LPT port address is registered with 0378hex. This applies for nearly all internal ports.
WinPC-NC Light Operating WinPC-NC 3. Operating WinPC-NC 3.1. Graphical display of the NC file Graphical preview The graphical preview function in WinPC-NC is activated as soon as of the NC files an NC file is selected. All contours or vectors can be seen in the tool color. In addition, two rulers can be seen with the current dimensions and positions. The workpiece zero point is identified by a small black dot and the current machine position as a small red dot.
WinPC-NC Light Operating WinPC-NC Zoom in the graphical display of the NC file Move The move function makes it possible to use the mouse to move a zoomed image and enables you to view another part of the NC file in greater detail. After the function has been activated, the cursor appears as a hand. With it, you can click and drag any point to move the image to where you want. The movement track is displayed as a line while you are dragging.
WinPC-NC Light Operating WinPC-NC Cancel function Once a zoom, move or positioning action has been started, it can be cancelled by clicking the cancel button. The cursor reverts to its normal arrow shape. Turning data By clicking the TURN button it is possible to turn the indicated data by 90°. In this way it is easier to place the data on the material. Selecting the display area By means of the button AREA the grahical display can easily be changed.
WinPC-NC Light Operating WinPC-NC Graphical display with inactive tools 3.2. Drop-down menus and function keys Modern interface WinPC-NC has a modern user interface. All functions can be activated by drop-down menus. In addition, frequently required functions can be activated quickly using the function keys or speed buttons. The drop-down menus are divided into several functional groups, e.g. all functions concerned with selecting and editing files are grouped together in one menu.
WinPC-NC Light Operating WinPC-NC 3.3. The individual menus The following text describes all the menus and functions in detail. Not all menu items are active all the time. Functions are sometimes unavailable, depending on the program status. For example, it is not possible to use the joystick if it has not been defined in the parameters. 3.3.1. File menu The FILE menu combines all functions used for selecting files to process and analyse them. In addition, it is also possible to exit WinPC-NC here.
WinPC-NC Light Operating WinPC-NC FILE-OPEN WITHOUT PARAMETERS The second OPEN function only loads the corresponding NC file without taking account of any project parameters. All current parameter settings remain valid. FILE-EDITOR Revising NC data The EDITOR menu item activates the editor for creating or revising the NC files. NC file in the integrated editor The editor can also be activated using function key (F7) or by clicking the editor button.
WinPC-NC Light Operating WinPC-NC Start F3 Jog Joystick jog Reference move F5 shift-F5 F8 Select tool Press the (Alt-F) shortcut key to open the menu. MOVE-START After a working file has been loaded, the START menu item can be used for processing the job. Pressing the (F3) key or clicking the START button has the same effect. WinPC-NC controls the X and Y motors during move commands. The Z motor moves up and down during tool movement commands.
WinPC-NC Light Operating WinPC-NC Jog function Exact movement In JOG mode, it is possible to move all motors step-by-step or with the keyboard continuously with the white arrow keys or with the mouse. Pressing or mouse a key briefly or clicking the corresponding direction button causes only one motor step to be performed. Pressing the key for longer or keeping the mouse button pressed causes the motor to move continuously. The changeover time can be defined as a parameter.
WinPC-NC Light Operating WinPC-NC In addition to the predefined distances, it is possible to enter any distance in the text box. Switching additional signals Clicking the check boxes with the mouse is all that is required to switch the additional signals drilling spindle and coolant pump. This switches the signals on or off. Both signals are switched off when you exit the JOG function. During manual movement, it is possible to move and store certain help points.
WinPC-NC Light Operating WinPC-NC Manual move with joystick MOVE-REFERENCE The function REFERENCE MOVE also called homing runs all axes to the reference switches in a defined sequence. Reference point of the machine Every axis starts moving at reference speed 1 and searches for the reference switch of the machine. Movement stops when the switch changes its level. Then movement starts at speed 2 in the opposite direction back away from the switch.
WinPC-NC Light Operating WinPC-NC The dialog box contains the following possible functions : • Place an inserted tool in the magazine • Pick up a new tool • Measure the length of a tool • Identify the tool which has just been inserted As a rule, WinPC-NC always remembers which tool was used last and the status of the collet chuck. As a result, this information is retained over more than one session.
WinPC-NC Light Operating WinPC-NC Tools... Speeds... Coordinates... Miscellaneous... Data format... Machine... Signals... Interfaces... Save Save as... Load shift-F2 The shortcut key for activating the PARAMETERS menu is (Alt-P) . Clicking the parameters button has the same effect. The individual parameters are explained in detail in a subsequent chapter. PARAMETER-SAVE Saving parameters All parameter and tool settings can be stored in files using the SAVE specifically for a menu item.
WinPC-NC Light Operating WinPC-NC Saving parameters and tool settings Subdividing between two parameter files offers the advantage that all machine parameters only have to be saved once, and they only have to be saved in this file whenever changes are made. PARAMETERS-SAVE AS... The second Save function allows you to enter any file name for the project parameters. In this way it is possible to produce parameter settings for various operating procedures or materials. PARAMETERS-LOAD...
WinPC-NC Light Operating WinPC-NC Signal test Motor test Status information Joystick calibration Check position SPECIAL FUNCTIONS-SIGNAL TEST This test function can be used for checking the axis inputs of the controller, i.e. the limit and reference switches, as well as the outputs. Signal test Interactive testing of all inputs/outputs WinPC-NC continuously interrogates the limit switches and reference switches on all supported axes and displays their status. Grayed out switches are not defined.
WinPC-NC Light Operating WinPC-NC SPECIAL FUNCTIONS-MOTOR TEST The MOTOR TEST special function is used for ascertaining the optimum speed settings. A window displays all parameters relevant to the step calculation. Motor test The required values can be entered in the parameter boxes, after which a test run can be performed immediately in order to check all parameters. Clicking the Move button causes WinPC-NC to move the selected axis continuously forwards and backwards.
WinPC-NC Light Operating WinPC-NC i The optimum parameters for a stepper motor axis depend on many factors, e.g. the motor characteristic, the type of drive used (spindle or belt) and the load to be moved. SPECIAL FUNCTIONS-STATUS INFORMATION Informationen about the realtime module WinPC-NC Economy works only in conjunction with the realtime module WCNCCON.DLL. The special function Status information reads out and displays the version and serial number of it.
WinPC-NC Light Operating WinPC-NC Joystick calibration SPECIAL FUNCTIONS – CHECK POSITION The CHECK POSITION function is another test function in WinPCNC. It can be used for checking the accuracy of the reference switches. Result of the position check Check reference position Relatively small step discrepancies may be due to the switches. Large discrepancies, on the other hand, indicate previous step losses.
WinPC-NC Light Operating WinPC-NC 3.3.5. HELP-menu There are three items in the help menu: Help topics... Liability About WinPC-NC HELP-TOPICS The HELP TOPICS function gives you access to the help system. A dialog box appears containing the main selection. HELP-LIABILITY The HELP-LIABILITY function displays a text with the license conditions and a disclaimer. Please read this information carefully before using WinPC-NC.
WinPC-NC Light Parameter settings 4. Parameter settings 4.1. Tool management Project-related tool management WinPC-NC has a user-friendly tool management function. It is possible to define up to 10 tools with specific values for each working project. The parameters are divided between several dialog boxes. WinPCNC stores all the values defined in these dialog boxes into the tool file using the PARAMETERS-SAVE menu function. Tool files have the *.WPW filename extension.
WinPC-NC Light Parameter settings Color Colors in the graphical display The Color parameter for each tool is used in the graphical display of the data. As a result, it is easy to adapt the color display to suit your own requirements or to harmonize with the CAD program you are using. Clicking the colored box opens a dialog box in which you can select a new color. All colors supported by the current Windows display settings can be selected.
WinPC-NC Light Parameter settings Advance speed The advance speed or feed rate defines the working speed for each tool when the tool is pushed into the workpiece. This value is irrelevant for straightforward drilling applications. However, if WinPC-NC is used for milling, engraving or grinding, then the maximum feed rate depends on the tool used and the material. Withdrawal speed The withdrawal speed is used for raising or withdrawing the tool from the workpiece.
WinPC-NC Light Parameter settings Tool dimensions Tool management (window 3) Plunge depth The plunge depth specifies the distance by which the Z-axis of each tool is moved downwards into the workpiece. The depth is defined in millimeters and is always measured starting from the plane of the zero point. Plunge depth measured from the zero point of the Z-axis 4.2. Speeds All the parameters which control the speeds of the motors are grouped together in the Speeds dialog box.
WinPC-NC Light Parameter settings All parameters must be set separately for X, Y and Z. This means the correct speed can always be calculated and used, even when different axis resolutions are involved. Speeds parameter Rapid speed Speed with the tool raised Rapid speed is used for moving to a new position with the tool lifted out of the workpiece. These are unproductive movements which WinPC-NC always moves at the fastest possible speed.
WinPC-NC Light Parameter settings The axis is braked when the switch changes the level, at which point the axis moves in the opposite direction away from the switch at speed 2. Reference movement of an axis Reference point of The edge of the reference switch defines the absolute machine zero the machine point or reference point for this axis. A low value should be specified for speed 2 so the movement ends with the shortest possible ramp when moving free.
WinPC-NC Light Parameter settings Setting the working area and the help positions Machine and workpiece coordinates It is necessary to distinguish between two types of position definitions. There are absolute machine coordinates with their zero point at the machine reference point. Then there are workpiece coordinates with their origin at the workpiece zero point. Working area and monitoring working area Software area monitoring The working area defines the section, e. g.
WinPC-NC Light Parameter settings Working area and help positions Zero point as origin of the workpiece coordinates The zero point can also be defined manually. To do this, it is necessary to move to the required position using jog movement and then save this as the new zero point. The positions of the axes can also be saved individually. The unit is millimeters and the lengths represent the absolute distance from the machine reference point (machine coordinates).
WinPC-NC Light Parameter settings Tool lift Additional clearance for avoiding collisions It is possible to define an additional height above the zero point level of the Z-axis as a safety clearance. The tool is lifted above the zero point by this distance during every unproductive movement with rapid speed and the new height is used as tool lift height.
WinPC-NC Light Parameter settings Data formats and associated parameters Data format WinPC-NC understands various NC data formats, and is able to import these files, display them and perform the movements on the machine. At present, the commonly used plotter format HPGL, and two drilling formats are possible. HPGL is from the well known plotters made by Hewlett Packard and is supported by almost every CAD or drawing program.
WinPC-NC Light Parameter settings errors are produced in this way. If it should be the case they can be easily eliminated by switching off the identification function and by manual adjustment of the correct format. Ignore movement to zero (PA0,0) It is a feature of HPGL files that there is usually a PA0,0 command at the end of the program to move to the coordinate zero point. This can be suppressed using this parameter if it is not required.
WinPC-NC Light Parameter settings 4.5. Miscellaneous parameters The miscellaneous parameters include various switches and other settings which are not assigned to any other group. Miscellaneous parameters Start and end position This switch specifies where the start and end point of each working process should be located. The machine also moves to the position after reference movement.
WinPC-NC Light Parameter settings Tool change The parameter defines how WinPC-NC handles the tool change commands during a working process.
WinPC-NC Light Parameter settings According to the status of June 2006 following languages are available: german, english, french, spanish, portuguese, italian, turkish and polish. i The language changeover takes place as soon as you select a new language and click Save. Automatic reload The reload function continuously monitors the date and time of the currently loaded file and reloads the newly modified file if there is a discrepancy.
WinPC-NC Light Parameter settings Z-axis clipping When the Z-axis clipping function is activated, WinPC-NC monitors the maximum Z-axis depth and cuts off all deeper movements at the working area limit. Password and period of validity This parameter acitvates a password which must be entered prior to change the parameters or a loaded program. The password is fixed. The period of validity stipulates the term how long the password is valid and how long it is not interrogated again.
WinPC-NC Light Parameter settings Save last positions WinPC-NC can save the current machine position after each movement and job. This is meaningful if the machine works without reference switches or if it is not always possible to carry out a reference movement. The position values remain unchanged even after exiting or restarting the program.
WinPC-NC Light Parameter settings Smoothing contours Filter for producing finer contours WinPC-NC is equipped with a filter in order to smooth contours and sheets consisting of many small vectors. This is necessary for producing fine and neat edges. The paramter defines a factor of 0-2000. 4.6. Ports Port parameters Joystick If you want to use a joystick to set up the machine, you must use this parameter to define the game port used.
WinPC-NC Light Parameter settings Address of LPT port Address of the LPT port WinPC-NC Economy actuates a connected machine directly by the existing printer port without requirement for additional hardware. However, it is not possible to identify the address of the port automatically. This information can be learned from the device manager in the windows operating system.
WinPC-NC Light Parameter settings 4.7. Signals and dwell times All input signals and associated parameters are grouped in a separate dialog box. Signal parameters Input signals Synchronisation with input signals ist available in WinPC-NC Economy and Professional only. Dwell time after Z up and Z down In many applications, it is a good idea or indeed a requirement to wait a moment after the tool has been lowered or raised, before starting X and Y-axis movements.
WinPC-NC Light Parameter settings 4.8. Maschine parameters Machine-specific parameters include all settings which relate to the mechanical characteristics of the machine. Only some or even none of these parameters are present in certain OEM versions of WinPCNC. Instead, the parameters will have already been set correctly in advance for the machine in question. i Always take the greatest possible care when setting or modifying any machine-specific parameters, in order to avoid machine defects.
WinPC-NC Light Parameter settings parameters offers the advantage that no calculation inaccuracies can arise. The unit is millimeters with decimal places. Maximum speed You should use the MOTOR TEST function to ascertain the maximum speed of each axis. This represents the absolute top limit speed with which the axis can be moved. WinPC-NC monitors the speed entries made in all other parameter windows and always corrects them to the value defined here. The unit is millimeters with decimal places.
WinPC-NC Light Parameter settings Speed profile of a motor movement Accelerating and braking with ramps prevents step losses of the motors and allows faster maximum speeds. The gradient of the ramp remains unchanged in all movements, i.e. the ramp time is shorter for movements at slower speed. Invert movement direction There are two possible remedies if one of the motors is moving in the wrong direction.
WinPC-NC Light Parameter settings Clocking pulse length Signaltiming Controlling stepper motor drives is usually executed by brief clocking impulses. The pulse duration is susceptible by this parameter and they are always generated for at least 10µsec. These impulses may be to short to be recognized by the electronics when using specific input filters or opto-couplers. Therefore you have the possibility to prolong this time by parameter.
WinPC-NC Light Parameter settings Machine bed dimensions and area monitoring Machine size The effective movement area of the machine can be defined using these parameters. If area monitoring is activated, WinPC-NC checks and monitors these limits during subsequent movements, including jog movement. A parameter activates or deactivates monitoring of this limits.
WinPC-NC Light Initial start-up with the machine 5. Initial start-up with the machine Machine adjustment After software installation on your PC it is necessary to carry out some start-up processes and corresponding adjustments. This procedure is only necessary with the initial start-up procedure and generally relates to the adjustment of your machine.
WinPC-NC Light Initial start-up with the machine Assignment and application of the possible input/output signals concerning the existing port pins is characterized in the following chapter. For an initial start-up, you do not require any signal input or, to simplify matters, you can use the predefined signals. i Please note ! The software WinPC-NC Light is a controlling component only and used within a unit.
WinPC-NC Light User definable additional in-/outputs Initial start-up with the machine All inputs on pins 10, 11, 12, 13 and 15 as well as the additional outputs at pins 1, 14, 16 and 17 are free definable and assignable to the desired signals. When the software is delivered above mentionned signals are assigned. 5.1.2. Pinning of the SMC version: SMC stepper motor cards are connected to the PC by a commonly used printing cable.
WinPC-NC Light i Initial start-up with the machine Attention ! For safety reasons it is essential to use limit switches on all axes. In order to avoid accidents by contact during operation it is advisable to install a system for access control, e. g. a protective housing or a savety fence. Please connect these safety appliances with the controlling component and define the corresponding inputs. 5.2.
WinPC-NC Light Initial start-up with the machine 1. Open the device manager under My computer, control panel, system, hardware 2. Open the category Ports COM & LPT and select the LPT port to which the machine is connected. 3. Click with the right mouse button to properties followed by resources 4. Note the port address under which the LPT port is integrated into the system.
WinPC-NC Light Initial start-up with the machine 5.4. Determination of direction Call the function JOG MOVE and move all axes with the cursor button or by mouse clicking to the arrow buttons and check machine direction. Each button corresponds to a certain axis or direction. Please start with axis X. Arrow keys showing to the right side are to start a positive movement of the X-axis, i.e. following movement to the right of the machine.
WinPC-NC Light Initial start-up with the machine The machine has to move backwards when arrow keys showing to the top. The Z-axis moves down when arrow keys showing downwards. For a direction reversal of one axis it is only necessary to change the parameter INVERT MOVE DIRECTION. i The move directions to be determined are always relating to the movement of the tool above the workpiece. Please pay attention to the correct setting of move directions by mechanics with moved table.
WinPC-NC Light Initial start-up with the machine Special function SIGNAL TEST with LED displays of the most important inputs Manual activating After manual activating the switch of your machine please observe of the switch the reactions on the screen. Each change of switch must be cleary displayed.The LED flashes of the reference switch should change the color from black to red.
WinPC-NC Light Initial start-up with the machine 5.6. Sequence and direction of reference move In the following step settings for reference move of the machine are stipulated. Please carry out the following steps: 1. Open parameter dialog box parameter-machine 2. Under reference switch at pos./neg. end you have to adjust on which axis side the switch is located.
WinPC-NC Light Initial start-up with the machine Error Solution Axis moves into correct direction, but very slowly Switching logic has been adjusted incorrectly and has to be inverted and define the reference switch at the other end Axis moves slowly into correct direction, but stops on the switch Switching logic has been adjusted incorrectly and has to be inverted and define the reference switch at the other end Axis moves very slowly into wrong direction Switching logic has been adjusted incorrec
WinPC-NC Light Signal wizzard 6. Signal wizzard 6.1. Using input and output signals One of the most essential functions of WinPC-NC is the management of input and output signals. Input and output signals By means of inputs many useful functions have been implemented, e.g. • Monitoring of the axes by limit switches • Moving reference and thereby calibration of the axes • Synchonization with various signals, e.g.
WinPC-NC Light Integration of the signals Signal wizzard WinPC-NC is able to manage a lot of different signals, certainly all inputs and outputs are not reqired for each task. In this way it is quite simple to assign the required signals to the available supplies of the LPT printer port using the signal wizzard. Each LPT printer port disposes of 5 input lines at the pins 10, 11, 12, 13 and 15 and 4 additional output lines at the pins 1, 14, 16 and 17.
WinPC-NC Light Signal wizzard Interactive signal testing 4. Click to the function Done and change again into the window of the signal wizzard. Select now the corresponding input signal in the lefthand window (e.g. I235 reference switch X) and open the drop-down menu below in order to assign the pin number (e.g. LPT1 Pin11). Assignment of pin numbers to the input lines 5. With normally open contacts (color change from black to red) always select the normal pin number.
WinPC-NC Light i Signal wizzard With inputs WinPC-NC reacts only to a HIGH level. Please take care that the switching logic with the possibility for inverting is assigned in the way that an activated switch generates a HIGH level. 6.3. Assignment of output lines Assignment of outputs The assignment of outputs is similar to the assignment of inputs. Please carry out the following steps : 1. Connect the required cables to the available pins and use for control purposes a LED light or a lamp. 2.
WinPC-NC Light Signal wizzard Assignment of the pin number for output lines 6. Proceed in the same way with all other required input signals and finally save the settings. 6.4.
WinPC-NC Light Signal wizzard 6.5. Output signals available Possible outputs WinPC-NC is able to manage the following output signals : Output signal Q255 Ready Q251 Axes move Q250 Boost Q242 Spindle Q243 Cooling Q244 Dispensing Q245 Purging with compressed air Q246 Job works Q220-230 vacant Assigned actions Indicates whether the controlling software is ready with HIGH level. In the case of error the output turns to LOW. Indicates moving (HIGH) or stopping (LOW) axes.
WinPC-NC Light Additional Information 7. Additional Information 7.1. Interpreters At present, interpreters are implemented in WinPC-NC Economy for serveral NC data formats. • • HPGL Drilling data 7.1.1. HPGL-Interpreter Plotter data with the HPGL Interpreter The HPGL interpreter recognizes the most important commands in HPGL plotter language. Successful tests have been carried out with various CAD and drawing programs. Drawings from...
WinPC-NC Light Additional Information PD [x,y[,x,y]]; SP x; IP x,y,[,x,y]; SC x,y,x,y; CI r[,a]; AA x,y,a[,c]; AR x,y,a[,c]; Lower and move tool Select tool Define scaling points Define scaling factors Draw complete circle Absolute arc Relative arc In addition, the interpreter recognizes the following commands although no response is produced on the machine : DT...; LB...; IN...; LT...; VS...; CA...
WinPC-NC Light Additional Information 7.1.2. Drilling data interpreter Various drilling data formats The drilling data interpreter recognizes data in the following standards Excellon, Sieb&Maier1000 and Sieb&Maier3000. A drilling file always starts with one or two percent signs and ends with the command M30. In between, there can be any number of lines with X and Y coordinates and the tool number. Drilling data sntax The syntax is as follows: % oder %% [Xval][Yval][Tx] .....
WinPC-NC Light Additional Information And here is the same example in format 1: (always 5-digit values, with trailing zeros discarded) Sample of drilling Short drilling program in data in format 1 format 1 % T1 X01Y01 X012Y0234 X027Y0295T2 Y01 M30 Remark lines Start of program Select tool 1 Drill hole at 1000/1000 Drill hole at 1200/2340 Tool 2 drill hole at 2700/2950 Drill hole at 2700/1000 End of program 7.2.
WinPC-NC Light Additional Information • Error xx from controller An internal error has occurred in WinPC-NC during communcation with the realtime module. Please report this error to the program authors, providing as many details as possible. • Data cannot be displayed The NC data for the current file cannot be displayed graphically. Either they do not match the selected format or they do not contain any tool actions.
WinPC-NC Light Additional Information • Workpiece exceeds working area The set working area was exceeded during machining of the current workpiece. It may be possible to rectify this condition by performing reference travel. If not, either change the unit of measurement,move the zero point or increase the working area. • Next position outside working area The current working process has been cancelled because the next position to which movement should take place is outside the set working area.
WinPC-NC Light Additional Information 7.3. Special versions of WinPC-NC Special applications on request The authors are always grateful for opinions and suggestions. If required, hardware and software solutions can be worked out for your special application, or our standard products can be adapted to optimize their functions for you. Please ask us for a quote without obligation.
