Cimco Edit 6 User Guide
Below you will find brief information for Edit v6. This user guide covers the features and functions of the CIMCO Edit v6 CNC editor, including its new user interface, optimized editor engine, and flexible configuration options. It provides information on editing CNC programs, file comparison, DNC functionality, and various setup options for different CNC machine types.
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CIMCO Edit v6 User Guide
II
CONTENTS
Contents
1 Introduction
1.1
What is new in this version of CIMCO Edit v6 . . . . . . . .
1.2
Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
1.3
License information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2 Installation
3 Database 11
3.1
Database . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
11
3.2
Search . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
13
3.3
Program . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
15
3.4
Status . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
20
3.5
Transfer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
23
3.6
Backup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
25
3.7
Customer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
27
3.8
Administration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
29
2
5
1
1
9
4 Editor 33
4.1
File . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
33
4.2
File Type . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
35
4.3
Edit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
36
4.4
Find . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
38
4.5
Window . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
39
4.6
Help . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
40
5 NC Functions 41
5.1
Block Numbers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
41
5.2
Insert / Remove . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
42
5.3
Transform . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
43
5.4
Info . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
52
5.5
Macros . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
53
5.6
Macro Setup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
56
III
IV CONTENTS
5.7
Multi Channel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
63
6 Backplot 65
6.1
File . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
66
6.2
View . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
67
6.3
Toolpath . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
70
6.4
Tool . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
71
6.5
Solid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
73
6.6
Other . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
75
6.7
Information Bar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
78
7 File Compare 81
7.1
File Compare . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
81
7.2
Go To . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
82
7.3
Sync . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
83
7.4
Other . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
83
8 Transmission 87
8.1
Transmission . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
87
8.2
Machine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
88
9 Editor Setup 89
9.1
General Program Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
89
9.1.1
Editor Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
92
9.1.2
Printing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
95
9.2
File Types . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
97
9.2.1
Colors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
99
9.2.2
Block Numbers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 102
9.2.3
Load/Save . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 106
9.2.4
File compare . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 109
9.2.5
Machine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 112
9.2.6
Backplot . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 115
9.2.7
CNC-Calc . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 118
9.2.8
Multi Channel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 121
9.2.9
Tool List . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 124
9.2.10 Other . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 126
9.3
Global Colors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 128
9.4
External Commands . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 129
9.5
Mazatrol Viewer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 131
9.6
Plugins . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 133
CONTENTS
10 DNC Settings 135
10.1 Port Setup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 137
10.2 Transmit settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 140
10.3 Receive settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 143
10.4 Directory settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 145
10.5 Version info . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 147
11 Serial communication overview 149
11.1 RS-232 / RS-422 / RS-485 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 149
11.1.1 RS-232 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 149
11.1.2 RS-422 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 150
11.1.3 RS-485 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 150
11.2 RS-232 layout for 9 pin connector . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 151
11.3 RS-232 layout for 25 pin connector . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 151
11.4 Standard RS-232 serial cable . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 152
11.5 How to build a loopback device . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 153
11.5.1 Loopback device for a 9 pin connector . . . . . . . . . 153
11.5.2 Loopback device for a 25 pin connector . . . . . . . . 154
12 Using on-line help 155
12.1 Using help in dialogs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 155
12.2 Printing help information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 156
V
VI CONTENTS
LIST OF FIGURES
List of Figures
1.1
CIMCO Edit v6 User interface . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2.1
CIMCO Edit v6 setup program . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2.2
CIMCO Edit v6 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
3.1
Database Login . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
11
3.2
Search . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
13
3.3
Program . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
15
3.4
The dialog ’Add Program’ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
16
3.5
Add existing file . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
17
3.6
Add new file . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
17
3.7
Status . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
20
3.8
Add change comment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
22
3.9
Transfer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
23
3.10 Select a machine for the receive operation . . . . . . . . . . .
24
3.11 Backup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
25
3.12 Restore . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
26
3.13 Customer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
27
3.14 Add customer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
28
3.15 Administration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
29
3.16 System Log . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
30
2
9
9
4.1
File . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
33
4.2
File Type . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
35
4.3
Edit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
36
4.4
Mark/delete dialog box . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
37
4.5
Dialog ’Insert File’ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
37
4.6
The Find dialog . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
38
4.7
Window . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
39
4.8
Help . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
40
5.1
Block Numbers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
41
5.2
Insert / Remove . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
42
VII
VIII LIST OF FIGURES
5.3
Transform . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
43
5.4
Adjust feedrate dialog . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
44
5.5
Adjust spindle speed dialog . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
45
5.6
Simple math functions dialog . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
46
5.7
Rotate Dialog . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
48
5.8
Mirror Dialog . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
49
5.9
Offset/Tool compensation Dialog . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
50
5.10 Translate Dialog . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
51
5.11 Info . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
52
5.12 Macros . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
53
5.13 Program Start/End Dialog . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
54
5.14 NC Code selection in an inserted macro . . . . . . . . . . . .
54
5.15 The dialog ’Modify Macro’ (example) . . . . . . . . . . . . .
55
5.16 Macro Setup dialog . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
56
5.17 Example of ’Macro definition’ with 6 parameters . . . . . . .
58
5.18 Macro parameter input fields (example) . . . . . . . . . . . .
59
5.19 Error message for value lower than ’Min’ . . . . . . . . . . . .
60
5.20 Allow letters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
62
5.21 Multi Channels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
63
6.1
File . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
66
6.2
Backplot Setup for ISO Milling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
67
6.3
View . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
67
6.4
Measure distance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
69
6.5
Toolpath . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
70
6.6
Show/hide the paths of the tool . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
70
6.7
Options for toolpath simulation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
71
6.8
Tool . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
71
6.9
Tool libary (Milling tools) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
72
6.10 Tool setup and Tool path color . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
73
6.11 Solid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
73
6.12 Solid Setup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
74
6.13 Other . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
75
6.14 Workpiece- and tool offsets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
76
6.15 5-Axis Machine Setup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
77
6.16 The Backplot Information Bar (Milling) . . . . . . . . . . . .
78
6.17 The Backplot Information Bar (Turning) . . . . . . . . . . . .
79
7.1
The File Compare menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
81
7.2
The ’Go To’ menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
82
7.3
The Sync menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
83
7.4
The ’Other’ menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
83
7.5
File Compare Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
84
LIST OF FIGURES
7.6
File compare results with the option ’Show all differences’. . .
85
7.7
File compare results with the option ’Mark changes only’. . .
86
8.1
The Transmission menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
87
8.2
The Machine menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
88
9.1
General program settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
89
9.2
Editor setup dialog . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
92
9.3
Printer setup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
95
9.4
File type overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
98
9.5
Add a new file type . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
99
9.6
Color setup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
99
9.7
Block number configuration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 102
9.8
Load/Save configuration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 106
9.9
File compare configuration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 109
9.10 Machine type configuration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 112
9.11 Backplot Setup dialog . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 115
9.12 The CNC-Calc configuration dialog . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 118
9.13 Multi Channel configuration dialog . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 121
9.14 Tool List Dialog . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 124
9.15 ’Other’ configuration dialog . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 126
9.16 Global Colors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 128
9.17 The External Commands Dialog . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 129
9.18 Mazatrol Viewer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 131
9.19 The Plugins dialog . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 133
10.1 DNC Setup dialog . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 135
10.2 Add a new DNC machine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 136
10.3 Basic port settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 137
10.4 Transmission setup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 140
10.5 Receive settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 143
10.6 Transmit and Receive directories setup . . . . . . . . . . . . . 145
10.7 Version info . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 147
11.1 Diagram for 9 pin connector . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 151
11.2 Diagram for DB25 connector . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 151
11.3 Standard RS-232 serial cable . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 153
11.4 Loopback device for a 9 pin connector . . . . . . . . . . . . . 153
11.5 Loopback device for a 25 pin connector . . . . . . . . . . . . 154
12.1 Click the question mark . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 155
12.2 The question cursor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 155
12.3 The pop-up information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 155
12.4 Help buttons . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 156
IX
X LIST OF FIGURES
LIST OF TABLES
List of Tables
11.1 9 pin RS-232 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 151
11.2 25 pin RS-232 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 152
11.3 Standard RS-232 serial cable . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 152
XI
XII LIST OF TABLES
Introduction
Congratulations on your purchase of CIMCO Edit v6. CIMCO Edit v6 is the latest version in a long line of proven CNC editing solutions from CIMCO
Integration.
1.1
What is new in this version of CIMCO
Edit v6
CIMCO Edit v6 includes a number of improvements over previous versions.
• New user interface
The new user interface in CIMCO Edit v6 follows the latest standards for Windows user interface design.
• Comprehensive on-line help
Now everything you need to know about functions that was previously contained in the reference manuals is on-line and at your fingertips.
Stumped on a function? the F1 key or the Help button will take you right to the information you need.
• Optimized editor engine
The new optimized editor engine loads large files quickly, and with minimal memory usage.
• Flexible configuration
Flexible configuration of colors, NC commands etc.
• Advanced standard protocol
Advanced standard protocol allows you to communicate with multiple
CNC’s simultaneously.
1
2 1. Introduction
1.2
Overview
• Purpose
You can use CIMCO Edit v6 to make changes and check CNC programs for your CNC machines. If you have a serial communication line from the PC to the CNC machine, you can send and receive programs directly, even when working with other CNC programs.
CIMCO Edit v6 is designed for editing CNC-programs. CIMCO Edit v6 is able to distinguish between several different formats including
ISO, APT and Heidenhain to name some.
• User interface
CIMCO Edit v6 has a standard Windows user interface, having one or more windows for every open file. The functions in CIMCO Edit v6 can be activated through the Ribbon Bar, which helps you to quickly find the commands needed for a task. The commands are organized into logical groups under tabs.
Figure 1.1: CIMCO Edit v6 User interface
1.2.
OVERVIEW
• Functions
You can undo and redo (almost) all operations you have done since the file was opened. You can find the position of a tool change, a spindle speed change or feed rate change, or display the range of the X/Y/Z axes.
If you are not sure if two CNC-programs are equal, the File Compare functions of CIMCO Edit v6 help you to pinpoint the differences. File
Compare lets you choose two files that are put into a two-frame window.
The differences are shown by coloring the line. You can step through the files, stopping at each difference.
You can customize the colors used to display coordinates and NC commands, renumber block numbers, and add/remove spaces to increase readability, or decrease program size/transmission time.
The DNC part of CIMCO Edit v6 lets you send and receive NC programs to your CNC machines in the workshop. The file can be sent from a window in CIMCO Edit v6 or directly from the harddisk. The file transmission is done while you are working with other CNC programs.
• Setup
CIMCO Edit v6 offers you a lot of possibilities to control the behaviour of the editor. The Ribbon tabs let you select functions and configure settings. You can access the configuration dialogs using the icon .
Using the Editor tab, you can configure the Global settings for General, Editor, and Printing.
In the General dialog, the appearance of the windows can be modified.
You can choose whether a file should be displayed in more than one window, or if alterations to a file inside CIMCO Edit v6 through another program should be indicated. Further you can choose whether to share settings between users, or protect read-only files.
You can specify the tab width, as well as the size of the recent files list.
The language used for viewing Editor menus can also be selected.
In the Editor dialog, you can set the speed of the keyboard and choose if you want scrollbars or not.
The appearance of the printed CNC programs is controlled in the Printing dialog. Here, you can define a header and/or a footer. If you have a color printer, you might mark the color option.
CIMCO Edit v6 has 5 different templates for different CNC machines.
You can set up how the NC functions behave and how the NC codes appear in the editor window. The Find function in the Editor menu
3
4 1. Introduction needs a definition of Tool change, Feed rate change etc. This definition is made here.
• Where to find further information
In the section File, all CIMCO Edit v6’s functions are described. A lot of functions can also be accessed through one of the icons.
The setup of Machine Types is described in File Types.
If you need help on how to set up a serial communication line, you can refer to DNC Settings and Serial communication overview.
The On-line help is accessible through the ? icon, the F1 key or the
Help button. Chapter Help gives you an introduction to the On-line help.
1.3.
LICENSE INFORMATION
1.3
License information
Information in this document is subject to change without notice and does not represent a commitment on the part of CIMCO Integration. The software described in this document may be used or copied only in accordance with the terms of the license. The purchaser may make one copy of the software for a backup, but no part of this user manual may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means electronic or mechanical, including photocopying and recording for any purpose other than the purchaser’s personal use, without prior written permission from CIMCO
Integration.
5
6 1. Introduction
TERMS OF USE FOR SOFTWARE - CIMCO Edit v6
Date: May 2012
Copyright 1991-2012 CIMCO Integration
Software: CIMCO Edit v6 6.x
Notice:
CIMCO Integration reserves the right to make improvements to the CIMCO Edit v6 Software at any time and without notice.
Software License
You have the right to use the number of licenses of the enclosed program, which you have bought from CIMCO
Integration.
You may not distribute copies of the program or related documentation to any persons or companies.
You may not modify or translate the program or related documentation without the prior written consent of CIMCO
Integration.
Disclaimer of all Warranties and Liability
CIMCO Integration makes no warranties, either express or implied, with respect to the software, its quality, performance, merchantability, or fitness for any particular purpose.
The entire risk as to its quality and performance is with the buyer.
Should the CIMCO Edit software prove defective following its purchase, the buyer (and not CIMCO
Integration, its distributor, or its retailer) assumes the entire cost of all necessary servicing, repair, or correction and any incidental or consequential damages.
In no event will
CIMCO Integration be liable for direct, indirect, or consequential damages resulting from any defect in the software, even if CIMCO Integration has been advised of the possibility of such damages.
Some jurisdictions do not allow the exclusion or limitation of implied warranties or liability for incidental or consequential damages, so the above limitation or exclusion may not apply to you.
NOTICE: The accompanying software is confidential and proprietary to
CIMCO Integration. No use or disclosure is permitted other than as expressly set forth by written license with CIMCO Integration.
1.3.
LICENSE INFORMATION
Copyright (c) 1991-2012 CIMCO Integration. All rights reserved.
THIS SOFTWARE CONTAINS CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION AND
TRADE SECRETS OF CIMCO INTEGRATION. USE, DISCLOSURE, OR
REPRODUCTION IS PROHIBITED WITHOUT THE PRIOR EXPRESS
WRITTEN PERMISSION OF CIMCO INTEGRATION.
DNC-Max, CIMCO Edit, and the CIMCO Logo are trademarks of CIMCO
Integration.
Microsoft, Windows, Win32, and Windows NT are trademarks or registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation.
Other brand and product names are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective holders.
7
8 1. Introduction
Installation
To install CIMCO Edit v6, follow the instructions below.
1. Locate installation files
If you receive CIMCO Edit v6 on a CD-ROM, open the CIMCO Edit v6 directory on the CD. If you receive CIMCO Edit v6 via e-mail, save the file in a temporary directory.
2. Run installation program
Start the installation program by clicking on CIMCO Edit v6 setup program:
Figure 2.1: CIMCO Edit v6 setup program
3. Copying your keyfile
If you do not have a keyfile but wish to install an evaluation version, just proceed to the next step.
If you have received a keyfile, it should be copied to the program directory after the installation is completed.
4. Starting the editor for the first time
When the installation is completed and you have copied your keyfile, you are ready to start the editor for the first time. Click on the program icon on your desktop.
Figure 2.2: CIMCO Edit v6
When the editor is started, verify that your company name is shown in the Licensed to field in the About box. If not, you forgot to copy the keyfile to the editor directory.
Note: If you are running an evaluation version, the license name is
Demo version.
9
10 2. Installation
Database
In this chapter, the functions under the Database tab are described. The functions in CIMCO Edit v6 are activated using the appropriate icons on the
Ribbon. The commands are organized into logical groups under the different tabs.
Note: The database is optional and will be present in the Editor only if you also purchased it.
3.1
Database
This section describes the functions in the Database menu, from which all commands can be called. Some functions also have keyboard shortcuts assigned. These are shown next to the commands, along with the icons.
• Explorer / / Ctrl+E
Opens the database window.
The following dialog appears to let you log into the database.
11
Figure 3.1: Database Login
Enter your User name and Password in the corresponding fields and click the OK button.
Further information on User Rights is found under the Installation
Guide.
12 3. Database
• Logoff /
Logs you out from the database.
The NC-Base Explorer closes when you log off from the database.
Note: By default, NC-Base Explorer auto logs you off after 5 minutes.
You can specify the auto logout time under the Installation Guide.
• Database Setup /
Use this dialog to configure the database.
To configure the database, select Database, Setup or click on the corresponding icon.
Please refer to chapter the Installation Guide for details.
3.2.
SEARCH
3.2
Search
This section is concerned with the Database Search function. This menu contains the functions described below for file editing. If a function can be activated through the Ribbon bar or a keyboard shortcut, the icon or the shortcut is displayed next to the command name.
For more details about Search settings, please see the Installation Guide.
13
Figure 3.2: Search
• Queue /
Finds all programs on the import queue.
Click on this icon to display a list of all programs on the import queue.
Note: Queued programs are marked with a red cross on the corresponding icon. Programs on the import queue can be accepted or rejected, and only approved programs can be edited. The queue function can only be used with DNC-Max enabled. Programs received by using
DNC-MAX auto receive or auto import options can be placed on the queue.
• Find programs received from CNC’s /
Finds all programs on the queue received from CNC’s.
Click this icon to display a list of received programs from CNC that are placed on the queue.
• Find auto imported programs /
Finds all auto imported programs on the queue.
Click this icon for a list of auto imported programs that are placed on the queue.
Note: The auto import function can only be used with DNC-Max enabled.
• Last 24 Hours /
Finds all programs modified within the last 24 hours.
Click on this icon to display a list of programs that have been modified within the last 24 hours.
14 3. Database
• Find Modified Last 7 Days /
Finds all programs modified within the last 7 days.
Click on this icon for a list of programs that have been modified within the last 7 days.
• Locked /
Finds all locked programs.
Click this option to display a list of all locked programs.
Notice: To search for locked programs, the function Use locking system must be activated in the NC-Base Configuration dialog under
Server Settings , Advanced.
• Find All Unlocked /
Finds all unlocked programs.
Click this option for a list of all unlocked programs.
Notice: To search for unlocked programs, the option Use locking system must be checked in the NC-Base Configuration dialog under
Server Settings , Advanced.
• Read/Write /
Finds all read/write programs.
Click on this icon for a list of all read/write programs.
Note: To search for Read/Write programs, Use read-only system must be activated in the NC-Base Configuration dialog under Server
Settings , Advanced.
• Find All Read-only /
Finds all read-only programs.
Click this option to display a list of all read-only programs.
Note: To search for Read-only programs, Use read-only system must be activated in the NC-Base Configuration dialog under Server
Settings , Advanced.
• Find Deleted /
Finds all deleted programs.
Click this icon to display a list of all deleted programs.
3.3.
PROGRAM
3.3
Program
This chapter describes Program on the Database tab. The Program menu contains the functions described below for file handling. If the function can be accessed through the Ribbon bar or a keyboard shortcut, the icon or the shortcut is displayed next to the command name.
For more details about Program settings, please refer to the Installation
Guide.
15
Figure 3.3: Program
• Program Info /
Shows program info for the selected program(s).
Note: Program Info can be specified for the fields defined in the Installation Guide.
• Copy Program Info /
Click this option to copy the program info from the selected program.
• Paste Program Info /
Click this option to paste the copied program info to the selected program.
• Open /
Opens the selected file.
Click this icon to open the selected file with the associated file extension application (e.g. *.pdf will open with Acrobat Reader, *.doc with
Microsoft Word etc.).
• Open with CIMCO Edit /
Opens the selected file in CIMCO Edit.
Click this icon to open the selected files for viewing or editing in CIMCO
Edit.
16 3. Database
• Compare /
Compares the selected programs.
Click this option to opens the selected files in CIMCO Edit - File Compare. When you select two programs and compare them, the corresponding NC programs are usually also compared.
If you want to compare associated files, you must select them. You can compare associated files for different programs.
• View Version Report /
Views a version report for the selected file.
Note: To view version reports, the option Use versioning system must be activated in the NC-Base Configuration dialog under Server
Settings , Advanced.
• Show File Notes /
Shows the file notes.
• Add Program /
Adds a new program to the database.
When you click on this icon, the following dialog appears:
Figure 3.4: The dialog ’Add Program’
Machine: Select a machine to add to the new program.
File: Files can be added as follows:
– Existing File
Adds an existing file to the selected machine group.
3.3.
PROGRAM
Figure 3.5: Add existing file
Select a program and click Open.
– New File
Creates an empty file and adds it to the selected machine.
17
Figure 3.6: Add new file
18 3. Database
Enter a descriptive name in the input field Program and click on
Add. If necessary, you can add the file before entering any other information about the file (e.g.
customer, status, etc.).
Click
Cancel to exit the dialog without entering data.
– Empty Mazatrol File
Creates an empty Mazatrol file and adds it to the selected machine.
Proceed as described under New File to add the file.
Notice: The editor must be licensed for Mazatrol Viewer to use this option.
• Add Current Program /
Adds program in current window to the database. Proceed as described under New File to add the file.
• Copy Program /
Copies the selected program. Proceed as described under New File to add the file.
• Associate File(s) /
Associates file(s) to a program. You can associate any file to the program (e.g. digital pictures in jpeg-format, drawings in pdf-format, etc.).
Note: The preview is active for supported formats such as jpeg, bmp, and pdf, but not for unsupported formats.
• Add/Update Memo File /
Add/Update new memo file.
• Add/Update Tool List /
Add/Update new tool list.
Note: By default, a tool list is automatically generated when adding new programs (can be deactivated by checking the box Disable tool
List in Server Settings, Associated Files). If you still want to add a tool list, the following message appears:
Click Yes to replace the existing tool list with a new one. Click No to abort the operation.
3.3.
PROGRAM
If you click Yes, the following message appears:
Click Yes to add an existing tool list. Click No to generate a new tool list automatically. Click on Cancel to exit without any changes taking effect.
• Add/Update Setup Sheet /
Add/Update new setup sheet.
Please proceed as described above under Add Tool List.
• Delete /
Deletes selected program(s).
Notice: Deleted programs can be restored (please refer to Restore
Deleted Programs for details).
• Purge /
Purges selected file(s).
Notice: Purged programs can NOT be restored.
• Undelete /
Undeletes selected program(s).
Notice: Permanently deleted programs can NOT be restored.
19
20 3. Database
3.4
Status
This section describes the Status function. The Status menu contains the functions described below for file processing. If the function can be activated through the Ribbon bar or a keyboard shortcut, the icon or the shortcut is displayed next to the command name.
Please refer to chapter the Installation Guide for further information.
Figure 3.7: Status
• Lock /
Locks the selected program(s).
Note: Locked programs can not be transferred to CNC machines. To lock a program, select Server Settings, Advanced, and check the field
Use locking system.
• Unlock /
Unlocks selected program(s).
• Read-only /
Marks selected program(s) as read-only.
Note: When a program is marked as read-only, it can be simulated
(in Backplot) but not edited. To use this option, check the field Use read-only system under Server Settings, Advanced.
• Read/Write /
Sets selected program(s) read/write.
• Accept /
Accept imported file.
Click this option to accept the imported file under the name defined in
DNC-MAX auto receive or auto import.
Note: Programs on the import queue can be accepted or rejected.
The queue function can only be used with DNC-Max enabled (see also
Search, Queue).
3.4.
STATUS
• Accept Imported File As /
Accept imported file under a different name. The following dialog appears:
21
Enter a new program name and click OK. Click on Cancel to exit without entering a new filename.
• View Imported File /
Shows a preview of the imported program. This function allows you to view the file before accepting or rejecting it.
• Compare with Imported File /
Compares the imported file with a program on the queue. This allows you to view the file before accepting or rejecting it.
• Reject /
Reject imported file.
• Add Comment /
Add change comment to the selected program. The following dialog appears:
22 3. Database
Figure 3.8: Add change comment
In the field Change Comment, select a comment and click OK to insert it. To add your own comment, select Other change, enter your comment in the field Reason for Change? and click OK. To cancel the operation, click Cancel.
• Change Status /
Click this option if you wish to change the program status.
3.5.
TRANSFER
3.5
Transfer
In this chapter, the Database Transfer command is described. The Transfer menu contains functions described below for file processing.
Information on the Transfer settings is found under the Installation Guide.
23
Figure 3.9: Transfer
• Send /
Sends the selected program(s). When you click on this icon, the following message appears:
Click Yes to send the file. If you want to cancel the operation, click
No.
If multiple CNC machines are associated with an NC-Base machine group, you must first select a machine in the Select Port dialog below:
24 3. Database
Figure 3.10: Select a machine for the receive operation
Click finally on OK in the dialog Info, file set on the transmit queue.
Note: You need DNC-Max to send NC programs, and DNC-Max must be configured for this operation. It is also possible to send programs from NC-Base using the DNC module of the Editor (optional). Please contact your local dealer for information about the required DNC settings.
• Stop current DNC Transfer /
Stops the current DNC transfer (only when using the Editor DNC
Option).
• Receive /
Receives the selected program(s) in the database. Existing files are overwritten. When you click on the Receive icon, the following message appears:
3.6.
BACKUP
Click Yes to receive the file. To cancel the receiving process, click No.
If multiple CNC machines are associated with an NC-Base machine group, you must first select a machine in the Select Port dialog.
Click finally OK in the dialog Info, file set on the receive queue.
Note: You need DNC-Max to receive NC programs, and DNC-Max must be configured for this operation. If DNC-Max is in use, the NC programs are normally received automatically. It is also possible to receive programs in NC-Base using the DNC module of the Editor
(optional). Please contact your local dealer for information about the required DNC settings.
• Receive New Program /
Receives a program in a new window.
3.6
Backup
This chapter is concerned with the Database Backup function. This menu contains the functions described below for file transfer. If the function can be accessed through the Ribbon bar or a keyboard shortcut, the icon or the shortcut is displayed next to the command name.
Please refer to the Installation Guide for further information.
Figure 3.11: Backup
25
26 3. Database
• Restore /
Restores the selected program.
Clicking on this icon will open the following dialog (example).
Figure 3.12: Restore
– Help
Opens the on-line help.
– Open
Opens the selected backup file in the editor.
– Purge All
Deletes all listed backups.
– Compare
Compares the selected backup with the current version.
– Delete
Deletes the selected backup.
3.7.
CUSTOMER
– Restore
Restores the selected backup.
– Close
Closes the backup dialog.
• Restore Latest /
Restores latest backup of the selected program(s).
Notice: The latest created backup is restored.
• Compare With Latest Backup /
Compares the selected file with the latest backup.
• Backup /
Makes a backup of the selected program(s).
3.7
Customer
This section describes the Database command Customer. The Customer menu contains functions described below for file processing. If the function can be accessed through the Ribbon bar or a keyboard shortcut, the icon or the shortcut is displayed next to the command name.
Information on Customer settings is found under the Installation Guide.
27
Figure 3.13: Customer
• Add Customer /
Click this icon to add a new customer to the database. The following dialog appears:
28 3. Database
Figure 3.14: Add customer
Enter the customer data in the corresponding fields and close the dialog by clicking on Add. If you want to exit without entering data, click on Cancel.
• Modify Customer /
Click this option to modify the selected customer. A dialog which is similar to the Add customer dialog appears, although with the title
Modify customer. Enter the new customer data and click Modify, or click Cancel to abort the operation.
• Delete Customer /
Click this option to delete a customer from the database.
3.8.
ADMINISTRATION
3.8
Administration
In this chapter, the Database Administration command is described. The below mentioned functions are used for system administration.
Information on how to configure this function is found under the Installation
Guide.
29
Figure 3.15: Administration
• Setup /
Click this icon to configure the database.
Please refer to section the Installation Guide for more information on how to configure the database.
• System Log /
Opens the system log browser.
30 3. Database
Figure 3.16: System Log
– Program
Use this field to specify a program name.
Example: To find all events for the program MOULD1, specify
MOULD1 in this field. To find all events for programs containing
MOULD in the program name, specify *MOULD*.
Note: Wildcards are allowed.
– User ID
Specify the user info in this field.
– Event type
Use this field to specify the type of event. Select the blank field to display all types of events.
– Date / Time
Use this field to specify dates that should be searched.
– From
Use this field to specify the date that should be searched.
3.8.
ADMINISTRATION
– To
Use this field to specify the date that should be searched.
– Export
Click this button to export the log file.
– Clear
Clears all search fields.
– Search
Press this button to search the log.
– Exit
Closes the log window.
• Export List /
Click this option to export current search to a file.
• Print Program List /
Prints the result of current search.
• Change Password /
Click this icon to change your password.
31
32 3. Database
Editor
This section describes the functions in the Editor tab. The functions in
CIMCO Edit v6 are activated using the appropriate icons on the Ribbon bar. The commands are organized into logical groups under tabs.
4.1
File
This chapter describes the commands in the function File. The menu contains the functions described below for file editing. You can access the file configuration using the icon . If the function can be activated through the
Ribbon bar or a keyboard shortcut, the icon or the shortcut is displayed next to the command name.
For details about the File settings, click on the corresponding icon or see
Editor Setup.
Note: The File functions described below can also be reached through the icon .
Figure 4.1: File
• New / / Ctrl+N
An empty window opens, ready for input.
Note: Configure the machine type for the program by clicking on this icon .
• Open / / Ctrl+O
The open file dialog window lets you open an existing program.
• Recent /
A list of recently used files. Click the down arrow next to the Open icon to open recently used files.
33
34 4. Editor
• Close / / Ctrl+F4
Closes the current window. You will be prompted to save changes if the file has been modified.
• Close All
Closes all open windows. You will be prompted to save changes for all modified files.
• Save / / Ctrl+S
Saves the current CNC program.
• Save All /
Saves all open CNC programs under their current names.
• Save As /
Saves the current CNC program under a new name.
• Print / / Ctrl+P
Prints the current CNC program. This icon is on the Editor toolbar.
If you want to print a part of a program, mark the area of interest and choose Print.
• Printer Setup /
The dialog window for printout configuration is opened.
• Global setup /
Lets you configure the general program settings of the CIMCO Editor.
Please refer to chapter Editor Setup for more details.
4.2.
FILE TYPE
4.2
File Type
This section describes how to configure File Type settings. The icon lets you access the global configuration of File Type. If the function can be executed through the Ribbon bar or a keyboard shortcut, the corresponding icon or keystroke will be shown.
The File Type settings determine how to perform renumbering, look for tool changes, configure backplot settings, colors, where to save files etc.
35
Figure 4.2: File Type
• Colors /
Configure color highlighting.
• Configure Block Numbering /
Configure Block Numbering.
• Directories / Extensions /
Configure Directories and Extensions.
• Machine templates /
Configure machine template specific parameters.
• Other settings /
Configure other settings.
• Setup - File Type /
Here you can configure the file type settings. The file type determines the colors, syntax, etc.
36 4. Editor
4.3
Edit
In this chapter, the ordinary text editing functions are described. If the function can be activated through the icon or the keystroke, the keystroke will be shown next to the command name.
Figure 4.3: Edit
A part of the text is marked by dragging the cursor from start point to end point, while pressing the left mouse button. The background color on the marked text is changed to indicate the selected area.
• Copy / / Ctrl+C
Copies the selected text to the clipboard.
• Cut / / Ctrl+X
Deletes the selected text and saves it on the clipboard.
• Paste / / Ctrl+V
Inserts the clipboard contents at the current insertion position.
• Select all / / Ctrl+A
Selects entire file content.
• Undo / / Ctrl+Z
Undo the last edit operation.
• Redo / / Ctrl+Y
Redo the last undo operation. You can redo all undo actions performed since the file was last opened.
• Del / / Del
Deletes the selected part of the CNC program.
To move a part of a program, select the section of the program you wish to move, then Cut it, move the cursor, and use the Paste function described above.
4.3.
EDIT
• Mark/Delete range / Ctrl+M
In this dialog window, you can specify a range of lines or block numbers to be marked or deleted.
37
Figure 4.4: Mark/delete dialog box
• Append File / /
Appends file to the end of the current window.
• Insert File /
Inserts file into the current window.
Figure 4.5: Dialog ’Insert File’
38 4. Editor
4.4
Find
This chapter describes the search for data through the file. If the function is accessible through a keyboard shortcut, this is indicated by the corresponding icon or keystroke.
Figure 4.6: The Find dialog
• Find / / Ctrl+F
In the appearing dialog box, you can specify a text string and search for it through the CNC-program. You can choose one of the defined tool operations instead of a text string.
• Find Previous / / SHIFT+F3
Finds the previous occurrence of the specified search string in the CNC program.
• Find next / / F3
Finds the next occurrence of the specified search string in the CNC program.
• Replace / / Ctrl+H
Replaces a specified string in the CNC program with another string.
Specify the search string and the substitute string in the dialog box.
• Goto line/Block number / / Ctrl+J
Locate line or block number in current window.
• Next tool change /
Goes to next tool change.
• Previous tool change /
Goes to previous tool change.
4.5.
WINDOW
4.5
Window
This section describes how the sub-windows containing the CNC programs can be arranged.
Click on Window on the top right corner of the Ribbon. This will open a drop-down menu with four display modes of the programs:
39
Figure 4.7: Window
• Cascade
Places the open files in an overlapping cascade in the window.
• Arrange icons
Assembles the icons of the minimized CNC programs in the lower left corner of the window.
• Tile Horizontally
Places the open files in horizontal editor windows in the program window.
• Tile Vertically
Places the open files in vertical editor windows from left to right.
The names of the open files are listed in the lower part of the drop-down menu.
When you click on a file to select it, the file will be marked with a check mark at the beginning of the line. The top of the dialog box is highlighted and the corresponding tab is activated in the editor window. This allows you to see, which window you have activated.
40 4. Editor
4.6
Help
The on-line help system of CIMCO Edit v6 is explained in Using on-line help.
Figure 4.8: Help
• On-line help
Opens the on-line help file.
• Go to CIMCO-Homepage
Takes you directly to CIMCO website if your computer is connected to the Internet.
• Download Latest Version
Click this option to download the latest version of the editor CIMCO
Edit.
• About
Shows information about CIMCO Edit v6 and CIMCO Integration.
NC Functions
This chapter describes the NC functions in the CIMCO Edit Ribbon. You can access the configuration of these functions using the icon . With the NC functions, CNC programs can be built or changed quickly. If the function can be activated through a keyboard shortcut, the shortcut is shown next to the command name.
The functions in CIMCO Edit v6 are activated using the appropriate icons on the Ribbon tab. The commands are organized into logical groups under the tabs.
5.1
Block Numbers
This chapter describes the functions concerning the appearance of the CNC program. For instance the commands and the block numbers can be changed.
If the function can be activated through the NC Toolbar, an icon is shown next to the command name.
Figure 5.1: Block Numbers
• Renumber / / Ctrl-T
Inserts block numbers in the CNC program (or renumber the block numbers if some already exist in the CNC program).
• Remove /
Deletes all block numbers from the CNC program.
• Configure Block Numbering /
Opens the Block numbers configuration dialog. Please refer to Block
Numbers for more details.
41
42 5. NC Functions
5.2
Insert / Remove
The function Insert / Remove allows you to quickly write and edit NC programs. If the function can be activated using a keyboard shortcut, the shortcut is indicated by the corresponding icon.
Figure 5.2: Insert / Remove
• Mark / Delete range / Ctrl+M
Marks or deletes a range of lines.
• Block Skips /
Inserts block skips.
• Remove Block Skips /
Removes any block skip characters.
• Insert Spaces /
Inserts space characters between the commands in the CNC program, where there is no space character between two commands. Existing space characters are left as they are.
• Remove Spaces /
Deletes all the space characters and tab signs from the CNC program
(whitespace characters).
• Remove empty lines /
Removes empty lines from the NC program.
• Remove comments /
Removes comments in the CN program.
• Insert strings /
Inserts strings in the NC program.
• Remove strings /
Removes strings from the NC program.
5.3.
TRANSFORM
• Insert monitoring macros /
Inserts monitoring macros in the NC program.
• Remove monitoring macros /
Removes monitoring macros from the NC program.
• Auto insert spaces /
Auto inserts spaces in the program.
• Uppercase/ / Ctrl-U
Changes the case of the text to uppercase.
• Lowercase / / Ctrl-Shift-U
Changes the case of the text to lowercase.
5.3
Transform
This chapter describes the function Transform that allows you to quickly write and change NC programs. If the function is accessible through a keyboard shortcut, the shortcut is indicated by the corresponding keystroke/icon.
43
Figure 5.3: Transform
• Adjust Feedrate /
In this dialog, it is possible to adjust the feedrate of the active program.
To do this, click and drag the pointer or click on the sliding bar of the pointer, or enter the new feedrate in the field New feedrate (see the following in this section). Click Cancel to close the window without any changes taking effect.
44 5. NC Functions
Figure 5.4: Adjust feedrate dialog
– New feedrate
In this field, the percentage with which the feedrate should be changed is entered.
– Minimum value
Enter the minimum feedrate into this field.
– Maximum value
Enter the maximum feedrate into this field.
– Decimals
Enter the number of decimals to the right of the decimal point into this field.
– When equal/greater than
Only values greater than or equal to the value specified here will be modified.
– When equal/less than
Only values less than or equal to the value specified here will be modified.
– Selection only
Check this field to alter the feedrate in the selected program blocks only.
• Adjust spindle speed /
In this dialog, the spindle speed of the active program is adjusted.
click and drag the pointer or click on the sliding bar of the pointer, or enter the new spindle speed in the field New spindle speed (see the following in this section). Click Cancel to close this window without any changes taking effect.
5.3.
TRANSFORM
Figure 5.5: Adjust spindle speed dialog
– New spindle speed
Enter into this field, the percentage with which the spindle speed should be changed.
– Minimum value
Enter the minimum spindle speed here.
– Maximum value
Enter the maximum spindle speed here.
– Decimals
Enter the number of decimals to the right of the decimal point here.
– When equal/greater than
Only values greater than or equal to the value specified here will be modified.
– When equal/less than
Only values less than or equal to the value specified here will be modified.
– Selection only
Check this field to change the spindle speed in the selected program blocks only.
45
46 5. NC Functions
• Simple math functions /
Performs simple mathematical functions on the chosen NC file parameters.
Figure 5.6: Simple math functions dialog
– Parameter(s)
Check the fields of the parameters to be changed.
– Other
Check this field to enter parameters with more than one character.
– UPPER/lower case
Use this field to specify UPPER and/or lower case of the parameters to be changed.
– Addition / /
Adds the specified value to all selected parameters.
– Subtraction / /
Subtracts the specified value from all selected parameters.
– Multiplication / /
Multiplies all selected parameters by the specified value.
– Division / /
Divides all selected parameters by the specified value.
5.3.
TRANSFORM
– Value
Enter the value to be inserted in the mathematical functions (Addition/Subtraction/Multiplication/Division) in this field.
– Maximum value
Enter the maximum value in this field. Parameters with values higher than specified here will not be altered by the math functions.
– Minimum value
Enter the minimum value in this field. Parameters with values lower than specified here will not be altered by the math functions.
– Decimals
In this field, enter the number of decimals to the right of the decimal point.
– Keep decimals
Check this field to provide the new value with the same number of decimals as the original value.
– Strip trailing 0’s
Check this field to remove all zeros from the end of the number.
– Strip leading 0’s
Check this field to remove all zeros from the beginning of the number.
– Selection only
Check this field to change the value of the selected program blocks only.
47
48 5. NC Functions
• Rotate /
In this dialog you can rotate the outline around a specified point and with a specified angle. Click Cancel to close this window without any changes taking effect.
Figure 5.7: Rotate Dialog
– Point (X,Y)
Enter the coordinates of the center of the rotation in these fields.
– Angle
Enter the angle of rotation by degrees in this field.
– Arc type
Specify the arc type. You can choose between Auto detect, Relative to start, Relative to end, and Absolute arc center. Auto detect is default.
– Decimals
Enter into this field the number of decimals to the right of the decimal point.
– Strip trailing 0’s
Check this field to remove all zeros from the end of the number.
– Comma as decimal symbol
Check this field to use comma as decimal separator.
– Assume G91
Check this field when the control is preset for relative coordinates.
– Non-modal X/Y/Z
Check this field to use non-modal X/Y/Z values.
5.3.
TRANSFORM
• Mirror /
In this dialog you can mirror the outline around a specified line. Click
Cancel to close this window without any changes taking effect.
49
Figure 5.8: Mirror Dialog
– Point (X,Y)
Enter into these fields the coordinates of the point of the mirror axis.
– Angle
Enter into this field the angle of rotation by degrees of the mirror axis.
– Arc type
Specify the arc type.
You can choose between Auto detect,
Relative to start, Relative to end, and Absolute arc center.
Auto detect is default.
– Decimals
Enter into this field the number of decimals to the right of the decimal point.
– Strip trailing 0’s
Check this field to remove all zeros from the end of the number.
– Comma as decimal symbol
Check this field to use comma as decimal separator.
– Assume G91
Check this field when the control is preset for relative coordinates.
50 5. NC Functions
– Non-modal X/Y/Z
Check this field to use non-modal X/Y/Z values.
• Offset/Tool compensation /
In this dialog you can define a tool compensation for the active program
(offset left G41, offset right G42).
Figure 5.9: Offset/Tool compensation Dialog
– Offset
Enter the offset value into this field.
– Offset Left (G41)
Enable compensation of the milling path, offset left (G41).
– Offset right (G42)
Enable compensation of the milling path, offset right (G42).
– Arc type
Specify the arc type. You can choose between Auto detect, Relative to start, Relative to end, and Absolute arc center. Auto detect is default.
– Decimals
Enter into this field the number of decimals to the right of the decimal point.
– Strip trailing 0’s
Check this field to remove all zeros from the end of the number.
– Comma as decimal symbol
Check this field to use comma as decimal separator.
5.3.
TRANSFORM
– Assume G91
Check this field when the control is preset for relative coordinates.
– Non-modal X/Y/Z
Check this field to use non-modal X/Y/Z values.
• Translate /
This dialog translates the outline. The outline is moved to a position offset by the values entered in the Translate (X,Y,Z) fields.
51
Figure 5.10: Translate Dialog
– Translate (X,Y,Z)
Enter into these fields the X, Y, and Z values to offset the outline.
– Arc type
Specify the arc type. You can choose between Auto detect, Relative to start, Relative to end, and Absolute arc center. Auto detect is default.
– Decimals
Enter into this field the number of decimals to the right of the decimal point.
– Strip trailing 0’s
Check this field to remove all zeros from the end of the number.
– Comma as decimal symbol
Check this field to use comma as decimal separator.
– Assume G91
Check this field when the control is preset for relative coordinates.
52 5. NC Functions
– Non-modal X/Y/Z
Check this field to use non-modal X/Y/Z values.
• Heidenhain / ISO Converter /
Converts 3D Heidenhain Programs to ISO Programs.
• Show windows calculator /
Opens Windows calculator.
5.4
Info
The menu Info contains functions for calculating Toolpaths Statistics and generating Tool List. You can access the configuration by using the icon
. If the function can be activated using a keyboard shortcut, the keyboard shortcut is shown next to the command name.
Figure 5.11: Info
• Toolpath Statistics /
Find range of X,Y,Z, machining time etc.
• Make Tool List /
Create a tool list for the current window.
• Configure Tool List /
Configure how the tool list is generated.
5.5.
MACROS
5.5
Macros
This chapter describes the function Macros. You can access the configuration of this function using the icon . CIMCO Edit v6 includes built-in cycles and macros for common operations like program start, program stop and tool change. You can also record or create custom cycles and macros for the operations most common to your own specific setups and applications.
If the function can be activated using the keyboard shortcut, the icon will be visible next to the command name.
53
Figure 5.12: Macros
• Macro Name
Shows the current macro for the selected file type. Click on the arrow and select a macro from the drop-down list.
• Insert Macro /
Insert the selected macro.
Before inserting a macro, you must first define two types of parameters:
A) The required parameters and B) the optional parameters (marked with *).
Click on the icon to open the parameter input box. Enter the parameters and click OK.
54 5. NC Functions
Figure 5.13: Program Start/End Dialog
• Modify Macro /
Modify the selected macro.
To modify an NC code in an inserted macro (e.g. change the Z value of the macro Program Start/Program End from 100 to 80 mm), highlight the NC code and click on the Modify Macro icon . Enter the new Z value and then click OK.
Figure 5.14: NC Code selection in an inserted macro
5.5.
MACROS
Figure 5.15: The dialog ’Modify Macro’ (example)
• Find Macro /
Click this icon to search for the specified macro.
You can search for a macro in an NC program in two ways:
1. In the field Cycles/Macros, select the macro to search for in the NC program and press the button Find Macro.
2. Select the macro to search for from the drop-down list and click on the icon Find Macro.
Note: If you receive the message: ’Cannot find the macro ......’, it is because the desired macro was not specified as a macro. The NC text has been copied or created manually.
• Record Macro /
Creates a new macro based on the selected text.
To record a specific or frequently recurring NC block, select the block in the NC program and then click on Record Macro. The dialog Add
Macro appears. Enter a name for your NC block (macro) and click OK to save it. The name is visible in the field Macro name of the Macro
Setup dialog.
Note: If macro specific NC codes are variables, you must replace them with user-defined parameters in the Macro Definition field of the Macro
Setup dialog.
• File type
Shows the current file type. Click on the arrow to select another file type.
• Macro Setup /
Here you can configure, add, and modify macros for the file types.
55
56 5. NC Functions
5.6
Macro Setup
CIMCO Edit v6 includes built-in cycles and macros for common operations like program start, program stop and tool change. You can create custom cycles and macros for the operations most common to your own specific setups and applications.
• Show/Hide NC-Assistant / / F8
Click this icon to show or hide the NC-Assistant.
• Show/Hide NC-Assistant Balloons / / F8
Shows or hides the NC-Assistant Balloons.
• Macro Setup /
The dialogue Macro Setup is divided into three functional areas that are described in details in the following section.
Figure 5.16: Macro Setup dialog
5.6.
MACRO SETUP
Area 1: List of defined macros
• Machine Type
This drop-down menu provides a list of defined machine types you can select from (e.g. ISO Milling, ISO Turning, Heidenhain, etc.).
• Macro name
Here you can see all available macros for the selected machine type.
Clicking on the Add button will open the dialog Add macro. Enter the name of the new macro and click OK. You will find this name at the bottom of the Macro name list.
• Add
Press this button to open the dialog Add macro. Enter the name of the new macro and click OK.
• Rename
Press this button to rename the selected macro.
• Copy
Press this button to make a copy of the selected macro. You can make a few changes in the name and the contents of the macro to create a similar macro and save it.
• Delete
Pressing this button will display a warning message asking if you really want to delete the selected macro. If you answer Yes, the macro name and its contents will be deleted.
• Up / Down arrows
Use these buttons to move the selected macro up or down the list.
• Copy To
Click this button to copy the selected macro to a different configuration.
57
58 5. NC Functions
Area 2: Macro structure
• Macro definition
In the field Macro definition, the macro block sequence is shown as it will appear in the NC program. NC code variables are replaced by parameters in ascending order. These parameters will be added to the macro program using the button Add (data input via the keyboard is not permitted and will not be accepted!).
The macro Tool change consists of 7 NC program blocks with 6 parameters ($1 .. $6). The block number format (e.g. N0100) and interval
(e.g. 10) can be configured and modified in the dialog section 9.2.2.
Figure 5.17: Example of ’Macro definition’ with 6 parameters
• Info variable
Use this drop-down menu to add additional information to the macro
(for example: Date, time, date and time, filename, etc.).
• Add Info
Press this button to insert a new information variable.
• Add Formula
Press this button to insert a new formula.
• Add User Input
Press this button to insert a new user variable.
• Description
Use this field to specify a description of the selected parameter.
Note: When you insert the macro into the CNC program by clicking the icon , a parameter input box appears to let you enter all
5.6.
MACRO SETUP macro parameters. The description of the parameter is right next to the parameter field.
59
Figure 5.18: Macro parameter input fields (example)
• Prefix
Use this field to specify a prefix string for the selected parameter, e.g.
S for spindle speed.
• Suffix
Use this field to specify a suffix string for the selected parameter.
• Min
Use this field to specify a minimum value for the selected parameter.
If you enter a value lower than the Min value, you will immediately be prompted for correction.
60 5. NC Functions
Figure 5.19: Error message for value lower than ’Min’
• Max
Use this field to specify a maximum value for the selected parameter.
If you enter a value higher than the Max value, you will immediately be prompted for change.
• Default value
Use this field to specify a default value for the selected parameter.
• Decimals
Use this field to specify the number of decimal digits.
• Digits
Use this field to specify the number of digits.
Example: When inserting an O-number with 4 digits, the result becomes ’O0007’.
Area 3: Parameter monitoring - Additional options
Use the check boxes to enable or disable additional options.
Notice: The additional options must be selected carefully, as they affect the final result.
5.6.
MACRO SETUP
• Parameter is required
Check this field if the user is required to specify a value for the selected parameter.
If you do not check this box, the sign * will appear in the parameter input field, indicating that this parameter is ’optional’. In this case, you do not need to enter a value in the field. If you do it anyway, you will change the (modal) value for this NC code.
Optional Parameters can for example be found at the 3 axes (X, Y, Z) of linear move (G01).
• Insert with sign
Check this field if the parameter value should be inserted with a sign.
Example: The value 123.4 will be inserted as +123.4.
• Allow negative values
Check this field to allow negative values.
If you leave this field unchecked, only positive values will be accepted!
Notice: If you (accidentally) enter a negative value into the macro fields, the (-) sign will be ignored. The entered value will be considered as the absolute value of the parameter and will output positive NC codes in the CNC program.
• Do not insert empty lines
Check this field if no blank line should be inserted when this parameter is not specified.
• Allow letters
Check this field to allow the user to enter text string.
According to ISO Convention, texts in the CNC program must be written in parentheses so they can be read on CNC machines. To prevent forgetting the brackets, these are generated automatically in CIMCO
Edit v6 when the field Allow letters is checked. Besides, the input fields Min, Max, Decimals, Digits and the box Allow negative values are grayed out.
The parameter $2 in the macro Program Start and End can include programmers’ initials, text strings, and special characters in parentheses.
61
62 5. NC Functions
Figure 5.20: Allow letters
• Remember value
Check this field if the value should be used the next time the macro is called.
• Uppercase
Check this field to make the user input uppercase.
Note:You must check this box if you want to use both lower and uppercase in the text.
• Hide formula results (in entire macro)
When this field is checked, the results of NC-Assistant macro formulas are hidden.
5.7.
MULTI CHANNEL
5.7
Multi Channel
This section describes the NC Function command Multi Channel. You can access the configuration of this function using the icon . If the function can be activated through a keyboard shortcut, the shortcut is shown next to the command name.
63
Figure 5.21: Multi Channels
• Window /
This option enables you to view the current file in multi channel mode.
• Files /
Click this icon to view multiple files in multi channel mode.
• Close /
Closes the multi channel view.
• Previous / / Ctrl+Up Arrow
Jumps to the previous synchronization point.
• Next / / Ctrl+Down Arrow
Jumps to the next synchronization point.
• Synchronize Scrolling / / Ctrl+Up Arrow
Use this option to scroll all channels at the same time.
• Setup Multi Channel /
Lets you configure the multi channel view.
64 5. NC Functions
Backplot
This chapter describes the Backplot function in the Editor Ribbon.
The optional 3D/2D backplot in CIMCO Edit v6 is used for the simulation of CNC programs. The Backplot configuration is accessible through the icon
. If a function can be executed from the tab menu and a keyboard shortcut, the corresponding icon and the key combination will be shown next to the command.
The functions in CIMCO Edit v6 are activated using the appropriate icons in the Ribbon. The commands are organized into logical groups under the tabs.
The graphical backplotter shows the toolpath for milling and turning operations in the ZX plane (G18). The CN program is displayed in the left pane of the backplot window, while the plot is shown in the right pane. You can stop and restart the simulation, control the speed and direction of the tool movement, etc.
During the dynamic simulation, a gray bar shows in the CN program, which
NC block is being processed. You can use Full Screen to make the graphical simulation cover the whole screen without showing the program. You can also skip through the NC codes with the options Jump to next tool, Jump to next cutting pass and Jump to next move.
Dynamic zoom, pan, rotate and measuring functions can be used to analyze the plot.
Notice: You need a backplot enabled licence key to use this function.
65
66 6. Backplot
6.1
File
In this chapter, the backplot function File is described. The file menu contains the below described functions for file simulation and general backplot settings.
Figure 6.1: File
• Backplot Window / / Ctrl+Shift+P
Shows backplot of current window.
The window splits in two, allowing the lines of the program file and their toolpath simulation to be shown simultaneously.
The icon is active only when a program file is already opened.
• Backplot File /
Enables you to backplot file directly from disk, without opening the file.
When you click this icon, a window opens to let you select a file to plot. A click on the down arrow next to the icon will display a list of recently simulated programs. In both cases, you get a complete plot of the selected program without showing the CNC program.
• Close Backplot / / Ctrl+Shift+Q
Closes the backplot window.
• Backplot Setup /
Lets you configure the backplot.
• File Setup /
Configures the backplot file.
Before starting the graphical simulation, you must first configure the file type for the program you have already opened. To do this, click on
Backplot Setup to open the configuration dialog. In the Setup dialog, select the Control Type (for example ’ISO Milling’) and configure the desired parameters. When done, click OK to close the dialog.
6.2.
VIEW
Figure 6.2: Backplot Setup for ISO Milling
6.2
View
This section describes the View menu of the optional 3D/2D Backplot command.
Note: After selecting a view, you can restart the graphical toolpath simulation. It is possible to change to a different view during the simulation.
Figure 6.3: View
• Zoom in /
Click on this icon to zoom in.
• Zoom out /
Click on this icon to zoom out.
67
68 6. Backplot
• Fit To Window /
Click this icon to fit the view to the window.
• Zoom selection /
Click this icon to zoom in on the selected area.
• Zoom To Highlighted /
Click on this icon to zoom to the highlighted element.
• View reset /
Click this icon for the default perspective view.
• View from top (XY/G17) /
Click this icon to view the simulation from the top.
• View from Bottom (XY) /
Click this icon to view the simulation from the bottom.
• View from front (XZ/G18) /
Click this icon to view the simulation from the front.
• View from back (XZ) /
Click on this icon to view the simulation from the back (XZ).
• View from left (YZ/G19) /
Click on this icon to view the simulation from the left.
• View from right (YZ) /
Click this icon to view the simulation from the right.
• View from tool) /
Click this icon to view the simulation from the tool.
6.2.
VIEW
• Measure distance between 2 points /
Click this icon to measure the distance between 2 points.
If you want to measure the distance between two points of the generated toolpath, click this icon to get an arrow with a ruler. Move the mouse to the first point and press the left mouse button to select it. Point
1 becomes black. Drag the mouse pointer to point 2 (or point 3, 4, 5 etc..) while holding the left mouse button down to obtain the absolute distance (in space) and the distance in the XY plane (G17 ) and the
ZX plane (G18) between the two points.
69
Figure 6.4: Measure distance
• Rotate View /
Select this item to rotate the view.
• Zoom View /
Select this item to zoom the view.
• Pan View /
Select this item to pan the view.
• Show Bounding Box /
Click on this icon to show the toolpath bounding box.
• Set Origin Location /
Select this item to set the origin location.
• Show Plot control /
Select this item to show/hide the plot control.
70 6. Backplot
6.3
Toolpath
This section describes the Toolpath function in the Backplot menu. This is the representation of the current file relative to the toolpath in the simulation.
Note: After selecting a view, you can restart the graphical simulation of toolpath. It is possible to change to a different view during the simulation.
Figure 6.5: Toolpath
• Toolpath /
Show/hide the paths of the tool.
Click the down arrow under this function to activate or deactivate toolpath options.
Figure 6.6: Show/hide the paths of the tool
• Mode /
Show toolpath from start until current position.
Click on the down arrow to open a drop-down menu, from which you can select options and additional functions for toolpath simulation.
6.4.
TOOL
Figure 6.7: Options for toolpath simulation
6.4
Tool
This section describes the Backplot function Tool.
Figure 6.8: Tool
• Show / Hide Tool /
Select this item to show or hide the simulation tool.
• Show Toolholder /
Select this item to show the toolholder.
• Show Tool Transparent /
Select this item to show the tool transparent.
• Show Tool Colors /
Select this item to show the tool colors.
• Show Tool Vector /
Select this item to show the tool vector.
71
72 6. Backplot
• Tool Setup /
Click this icon to configure tool types and colors.
Clicking on this icon will open the tool library. Here you can select a tool with one click and double-click to get the tool dimensions. You can also change one or more dimensions of the tool, enter a tool name and then assign it to the opened CNC program. Click OK to save tool information in the tool library.
Figure 6.9: Tool libary (Milling tools)
Click on the icon in the top right corner of the window to open the configuration dialog for the selected tool. In this dialog, you can determine the color of the toolpath.
6.5.
SOLID
Figure 6.10: Tool setup and Tool path color
6.5
Solid
In this chapter, the Backplot function Solid and the simulation of the Solid
Model are described.
Note: The Solid Model is only available for Milling operations.
Figure 6.11: Solid
• Solid Model /
Shows / Hides the solid model.
Click on this icon to toggle between the toolpath view and the Solid visualization with toolpath.
73
74 6. Backplot
• Zoom / Regenerate solid /
Creates a solid from the current view.
Click this icon to generate a solid model of the workpiece with toolpath.
• Solid Setup /
Click on this icon to configure the Solid Model. The specified stock dimensions are the minimum and maximum X, Y, Z values in your NC program. If you want to increase or decrease the stock dimensions to get a much more even toolpath, then click one or several times the corresponding button (+5% or -5%) to obtain the desired dimensions.
Use the button Round to round off stock dimensions.
Figure 6.12: Solid Setup
6.6.
OTHER
6.6
Other
This chapter describes the Backplot function Other. This function is concerned with Simulation in Full Screen, Workpiece and Tool Offsets, 5-axis
Machine Setup, Load of STL files, DXF Files Export, and the Simulation
Control Type.
Note: The Solid Model is only available for Milling operations.
75
Figure 6.13: Other
• Full Screen /
Shows the backplot in full screen.
• Set Workpiece / Tool Offsets /
This option enables you to set workpiece and tool offsets.
When you click on this icon, the Workpiece/Tool Offset dialog appears:
76 6. Backplot
Figure 6.14: Workpiece- and tool offsets
Enter the X, Y, Z coordinates of Machine Offset and Workpiece Offset, as well as the Tool Length Compensation.
6.6.
OTHER
• 5-Axis Machine Setup /
Lets you configure 5-axis machines.
77
Figure 6.15: 5-Axis Machine Setup
• Load STL File /
Loads STL File.
• Export as DXF File /
Exports toolpath as a DXF file.
• Control Type /
Select the control type from this list.
• Backplot Setup /
Lets you configure the backplot settings. Please refer to File Types for further information.
78 6. Backplot
6.7
Information Bar
This section describes the Backplot Information Bar. The Information Bar is used to control the simulation and show information about NC codes.
Backplot Information Bar (Milling)
The Information Bar is shown in the lower part of the Backplot window and contains the following elements:
Figure 6.16: The Backplot Information Bar (Milling)
• Dynamic Simulation Progress Bar (0 - 100%)
• Speed and Direction Slider:
From midpoint to the right = forward, slow ... fast.
From midpoint to the left = backward, slow ... fast.
• Current tool coordinates within the defined preparatory functions (G00 - G03)
•
•
•
• Start / Stop simulation.
• Pause simulation.
• Jump to next move.
Jump to next cutting pass.
Jump to next Z-level.
Jump to next tool.
6.7.
INFORMATION BAR
• Show / hide information bar.
Backplot Information Bar (Turning)
The Information Bar is shown in the lower part of the Backplot window and contains the following elements:
79
Figure 6.17: The Backplot Information Bar (Turning)
• Dynamic Simulation Progress Bar (0 - 100%)
• Speed and Direction Slider:
Move control from midpoint to the right = forward, slow ... fast.
Move control from midpoint to the left = backward, slow ... fast.
• Current tool coordinates within the defined preparatory functions (G00 - G03)
•
•
• Start / Stop simulation.
• Pause simulation.
• Jump to next move.
• Jump to next cutting pass.
Jump to next tool.
Show / hide information bar.
80 6. Backplot
File Compare
This chapter describes the File Compare menu in the CIMCO Edit Ribbon.
You can access the configuration of the function using the icon . Some functions have a keyboard shortcut. The icons and the keystrokes are shown next to the command name.
7.1
File Compare
In this section, the functions used to compare two files are described. You start a comparison of two files by choosing the files. The files are put into a double framed window, and you can start the search for differences. To exit the file compare window, use the End File Compare menu item or button
.
The functions can be activated through the icons of the image below.
Figure 7.1: The File Compare menu
• Compare with Window /
Compares the file in the current window with a file in another.
• Compare with File /
Compares the file in the current window with a file. The other file is opened through the Open file dialog.
• Compare File with File /
Compares two files which are not already in a window. The files are opened using the Open dialog.
• End File Compare /
The File compare session is stopped and both files are left open.
81
82 7. File Compare
• Close Left Window /
Closes left file compare window.
• Close Right Window /
Closes right file compare window.
• Setup /
Use this icon to set up file compare settings.
7.2
Go To
This section describes the functions used to move through the differences found during file compare.
Figure 7.2: The ’Go To’ menu
• Next Difference / / Ctrl + Down Arrow
The cursor jumps to the next difference.
• Previous Difference / / Ctrl + Up Arrow
The cursor jumps to the previous difference.
• Go to First Difference /
The cursor moves to the line containing the first difference.
• Go to Last Difference /
The cursor moves down to the line containing the last difference.
7.3.
SYNC
7.3
Sync
This section describes the features used to synchronize differences.
When you synchronize a difference, the selected difference is copied from one window to another. The icons described below determine the synchronization direction (from right to left or from left to right). When the text is moved from one to another window, the line is no longer highlighted. This is because the texts in both windows are identical after synchronization.
83
Figure 7.3: The Sync menu
• Sync Left / / Ctrl + Left Arrow
Synchronizes current difference from right to left window.
• Sync Right / / Ctrl + Right Arrow
Synchronizes current difference from left to right window.
7.4
Other
This section describes other functions used for file compare.
Figure 7.4: The ’Other’ menu
• Save Compare File /
Saves the result of file compare into a file.
• Single Step Through Differences /
By activating this function, any change possibility is limited to the line containing the difference, i.e. the line where the cursor is positioned.
Example: If the function is enabled and the cursor is positioned on the second line of a three-line red block, then the text of this line can
84 7. File Compare be synchronized from left to right or from right to left. The first and the third lines of the block are not affected by the action and continue to show the differences in red.
Click on the icon or open the File compare settings dialog to activate the Single line step function.
• Setup /
Configure the settings of the File Compare function. You can set up the different parameters for File Compare in the File Compare Settings dialog. The behavior of the File Compare functions is changed through the Machine Type settings.
If you want to change the configuration during a file compare operation, you must first end the current operation with the icon , and then start a new operation with the icon .
Note: In the ’File Compare Settings’ dialog below, different File compare options can be selected by checking the fields.
The file compare results of two settings Show all differences and Mark changes only are shown as example.
Figure 7.5: File Compare Settings
7.4.
OTHER
• Show all differences
When this option is enabled, all lines in both windows containing at least one difference are gray, and the difference is highlighted with red.
If you move the cursor with the icon to a line with a difference, the whole line is colored in red. If the following lines also contain differences, the block is marked red. You can use the icon to synchronize one or more highlighted line(s) from left to right, or from right to left with the icon .
When text is moved from one window to another, no line is highlighted.
This is because the texts in both windows are identical.
• Mark changes only
When this option is enabled, all lines in both windows containing at least one difference are gray, but only the difference is highlighted with red.
If there are differences in successive lines, and the cursor is moved to the first line with the icon , all lines are gray and the texts are marked red. You can synchronize the highlighted block from left to right with the icon , or from right to the left with the icon .
Further information about the File Compare settings is found under
File compare.
85
Figure 7.6: File compare results with the option ’Show all differences’.
86 7. File Compare
Figure 7.7: File compare results with the option ’Mark changes only’.
Transmission
In this section, the Transmission menu in the CIMCO Edit v6 Ribbon is described.
Transmission is used to send NC programs from a PC to CNC machines or receive programs from the CNC machines. You can access the configuration of this function using the icon .
The functions in CIMCO Edit v6 are activated using the appropriate icons in the Ribbon. The commands are organized into logical groups under the tabs.
8.1
Transmission
In this chapter, the functions related to sending files to and from CNC machines are described. The functions are reachable through the Transmission tab. The toolbar is shown below, and every icon is showed next to the command name.
With the DNC option, the CIMCO Edit v6 user is able to send CNC programs from a PC to a CNC machine or receive programs from it. It is also possible to transfer CNC programs to / from multiple CNC machines at the same time.
Note: The editor must be licensed for DNC operations to use this option.
Figure 8.1: The Transmission menu
• Send File /
Transmits a file to a selected machine.
• Send /
Transmits the current CNC program to a selected machine.
87
88 8. Transmission
• Receive File /
Receives a CNC program from a selected machine, saving it as a file.
• Receive /
Receives a CNC program from a selected machine, opening it in a new window.
• Receive Into Current Window /
Receives a CNC program into the current window.
8.2
Machine
This section describes the functions related to the DNC settings for existing machine types. You can also configure and/or add new CNC machines.
Figure 8.2: The Machine menu
• Machine Type /
Select the CNC machine for the data transmission from the drop-down list. Click the arrow to view the machines available for selection.
Note: The machine type determines the COM port and DNC settings.
• Status /
Click this option to list the status of current transmissions and/or receptions.
• DNC Setup /
Configure the DNC settings in CNC-Edit.
Editor Setup
This section describes how to configure the CIMCO Edit settings.
9.1
General Program Settings
If you wish to change the program settings concerning the program in general, enter the Setup menu and click on General. The general configuration dialog is shown below:
89
Figure 9.1: General program settings
• Share settings between all users
Check this field to share the editor settings between all users. All users must have read/write access to the program directory.
Notice: If a user does not have read/write access to the program directory, this option is disabled.
90 9. Editor Setup
• Start maximized
When this field is checked, CIMCO Edit v6 will always start maximized, i.e. filling up the whole screen.
• Remember window position
When this field is checked, the editor is given the same size and position, as the last time the editor was used.
• Open windows maximized
When this field is checked, Edit windows will be opened maximized.
• Warning beeps
Check this field to use warnings beeps (switch this off for silent operation).
• Protect read-only files
Check this field to prevent read-only files from being modified or edited.
• Save backup file (.BAK)
Check this field to backup the previous version when saving a file. The backup file is named filename.BAK.
• Check external changes
When this field is checked, the editor will check if a file is modified outside the editor.
If a file is modified outside the editor, you will be notified and you will be asked if you want to reload the file. If you choose to do that, any changes made since the last save are lost.
• Hide NC-Assistant formula results
Check this field if the result of NC-Assistant macro formulas should be hidden.
• Open file multiple times
Check this field if you want to be able to open the same file in more than one window in the editor.
• Show full path in title
Select this option to show the full path of files in the window title.
• Specify name when receiving
Check this field if you wish to specify a filename when using the Transmission tab function Receive file and open in editor.
9.1.
GENERAL PROGRAM SETTINGS
• Always show all files (*.*)
Check this field if the file dialog should always show all files.
• Re-open files
Select this option to re-open files when the program is started.
• Remember cursor position
Check this field to place the cursor at the position where it was when the file was last opened.
• Confirm program exit
Check this field to confirm when closing the program.
• Hide ’Download Latest Version’
Check this field to hide the Download Latest Version link from the Help menu.
Notice: You must restart the editor after changing this option.
• Tab width
Use this field to specify the tab width.
• Show file size in
Select from the list, how the file size should be displayed in the status bar.
Note: The file size can be shown in bytes, in meter, or in feet.
• Recent list size
Use this field to specify the number of files shown in the Recent List.
• Number of linefeed characters
Use this field to specify how many line feed characters that should be used to calculate the file size shown in the status bar.
Example: If you specify a value of 2, and the file contains 12 lines, 24 bytes will be added to the file size shown in the status bar.
• Language
Select the language to be used in menus and dialogs.
Note: Changing language will not have effect until the program is restarted.
91
92 9. Editor Setup
9.1.1
Editor Settings
By clicking on Editor in the left hand list of the General Setup menu, the Editor window will be displayed (see below). In this window, you can configure the settings for the editor.
Figure 9.2: Editor setup dialog
9.1.1.0.1
Editor settings
• Keyboard acceleration
Enables your cursor to move faster.
• Prompt when unable to undo
When this is active, you will be told when you are about to do something (such as renumbering a large file) which cannot be undone. If this is switched off, no such warning will appear.
• Vertical scroll bar
Enables a vertical scroll bar.
9.1.
GENERAL PROGRAM SETTINGS
• Horizontal scroll bar
Enables a horizontal scroll bar.
• Disable Backspace at start of line
Prevents that lines are joined by using the backspace key.
• Replace from top
Any search and replace options will automatically start from the beginning of the file.
• Replace tabs with space
Inserts spaces when the tab key is used, and replaces existing tabs with spaces when a file is opened.
• Show line numbers
Check this field to show line numbers.
• Show replaced count
Shows the number of strings that were replaced after the Replace all function has been used.
• Use virtual space
Allows the cursor to move into space that currently contains no text.
• Pad with tabs
Use tabs to fill in large empty spaces in virtual space. (Please refer to
Use virtual space above.)
• Remove ASCII 0’s
Check this field to remove ASCII 0’s from the file. If you do not check this option, ASCII 0’s are replaced with ASCII 128.
Notice: If you transmit files with 7 databits, ASCII 128 becomes
ASCII 0.
• Wrap Searches
Check this field if searches should continue searching from the top of the file if no match is found before the end of the file.
• Always UPPER CASE
Check this field if inserted text should always be UPPER CASE (all
CAPS).
• Remember math values
Remembers the last values used in the Simple Math Functions.
93
94 9. Editor Setup
9.1.1.0.2
Block Mode
• Drag-and-drop text editing
When this option is enabled, you can drag any selected text to a new location.
• Copy without selection
Enables you to copy the line at the cursor, without marking it as a selection.
• Don’t move cursor after paste
When this option is checked, the cursor will not move to the end of the pasted text, but remain at the beginning of the text.
• Mark to end of line
If a whole line is selected, the indication continues across virtual space to the side of the window.
• Font settings
This field shows an example of the selected font. Click the Select font icon to the right to change the font used in the editor window.
9.1.
GENERAL PROGRAM SETTINGS
9.1.2
Printing
To change printer settings, choose Printing from the left hand list of the
General Setup menu. The printer configuration dialog is shown below:
95
Figure 9.3: Printer setup
9.1.2.0.3
Print options
• Syntax highlight
Select this option to apply syntax highlighting to the printed text. Use
Bold and Italic to highlight NC commands and comments.
• Use colors
Enables color printouts. This requires a color printer.
• Print headers
Prints headers on every page.
• Print footers
Prints footers on every page.
96 9. Editor Setup
• Print header on first page
Select this option to print a header on the first page.
• Raw print
Produces simple text output to the printer. This is useful when printing large programs to matrix printers.
When raw print is selected, no header or footer is printed.
• Send form feed
Sends a form feed after every printed page.
• Print on ’endless’ paper
Check this field to print on endless paper. When this option is selected, no header and/or footer is printed.
• Send form feed after last page
Sends a form feed after the last printed page.
• Left margin/Right margin
Specify the size of the margins in centimeters. If the margins are in inches add ”in”.
Example: To specify a one-inch margin, enter ”1in”.
• Paper width/ Paper height
Specify the size of the paper in width and height of the paper in characters.
• Normal printer font
Select font size and type for the printout.
• Multi column printer font
Click the icon to the right to select the font used when printing in 2 or more columns.
9.2.
FILE TYPES
9.1.2.0.4
Header/Footer
Use these fields to specify the contents of the header and footer.
The following options are available:
• %p : Page number
• %P : Page count
• %f : File name
• %F : File name with path
• %t : Time
• %d : Date
• %c : Company name
• %U : Windows user name
9.2
File Types
This section describes how to configure file type settings.
File type settings determine how to perform renumbering, look for tool changes, compare files, backplot settings, set up colors, where to save files etc.
File type is a macro file, which contains specific properties for the machining type (e.g. Turning, Milling, etc.), program codes (ISO G-code, Heidenhain plain text), and commands (renumbering, tool changes, colors, backplot etc.).
The File types ISO Turning, ISO Milling, Heidenhain TNC, and Text file are integrated in CIMCO Edit v6. You can add new file types e.g. Turning by modifying existing macros or inserting your own macros. Information on how to proceed is found in the section Macro Setup.
To configure File types settings, select Editor, Global Setup, or click on the corresponding icon . This will open the Editor setup window. Click on File types in the left window of the setup dialog. The following dialog appears:
97
98 9. Editor Setup
Figure 9.4: File type overview
9.2.0.1
File types
This field shows a list of defined file types.
• Up/Down arrows
Use these buttons to move the selected file type up or down on the list.
• Delete
To delete a file type, highlight it and click on the button Delete. You will be prompted to confirm the delete operation.
• Rename
Click this button to rename the selected file type.
To rename a file type, highlight it and click on the button Rename.
• Add
Click this button to add a new file type
To add a new file type, click on the button Add. The following window appears:
9.2.
FILE TYPES
Figure 9.5: Add a new file type
Enter the name of the new file type, select a file type template from the drop-down list and click OK. Click Cancel if you wish to abort the operation.
9.2.1
Colors
Use this dialog to configure color settings for the selected file type.
To define the colors used for highlighting within a certain file type, select
Colors from the File types menu in the left window of the Editor setup dialog. The color configuration dialog is shown below.
99
Figure 9.6: Color setup
100 9. Editor Setup
9.2.1.0.1
Color settings
• Use colors
Select this option to use color highlighting.
• Use colors in blocks
Check this field to use color highlighting inside a selected block. When this field is unchecked, the default color for Text in blocks is used.
• Use modal colors
Check this field to use ’modal’ colors. When this option is selected, blocks containing rapid moves, linear moves, and arcs will be assigned different colors.
9.2.1.0.2
List of defined colors
• Text color
The color used for text, when Use colors is not checked.
• Background
The background color used for editor windows.
• Block color
The background color within a selection.
• Comments color
The color used for comments, as defined by the Comment start and
Comment end, or Block Skip character on the Machine template configuration tab.
• Text in blocks
The color used in one or more selected program blocks when the field
Use color in blocks is not checked.
• File compare colors
The colors used for the background for different lines/text, for missing lines, etc.
• Select color /
Select a new color. To select a new color, highlight a color in the list and click on the button (you can also double-click in the list).
9.2.
FILE TYPES
• Add new color /
Press this button to add a new color (you can also double-click in the list). Enter the text for the new color in the field Text.
• Remove selected color /
Press this button to remove the selected color (you can also double-click in the list).
Notice: You can only remove new added colors.
• Up/Down arrows
Use these buttons to move the selected color up and/or down on the list. Entries higher on the list have higher priority.
• Text
Use this field to specify a string that will be highlighted using the selected color.
• Apply color to trailing digits
If this option is checked, the selected color will be applied to any digits following the selected letter.
• Apply color to trailing letters
If this option is used, the selected color will be applied to any letters following the selected letter.
• Apply color to the entire line
Check this field if the selected color should be applied to the entire line.
• Letter Colors
Press this button to create a different color for each letter. This will set the coloring similar to the default in CIMCO Edit V6.
• Help
Opens the on-line help.
• Default
Click this button to revert to default settings.
• Cancel
Click on this button to close the Color Configuration window without executing changes.
101
102 9. Editor Setup
• OK
Click this button to execute the new settings made in the Color Configuration window.
Note: The color settings will only affect the selected file type.
9.2.2
Block Numbers
To configure renumbering and/or automatic block numbering, select Block numbers from the File types menu in the left window of the Editor setup dialog, or click the configure block numbering icon . The block number configuration dialog is shown below:
Figure 9.7: Block number configuration
9.2.2.0.3
Renumber settings
• Auto block numbering
Inserts line numbers automatically, according to the format described.
If you make a new line (after the existing lines), the new line number will
9.2.
FILE TYPES be governed by the preceding line number and the setting for Interval.
If you insert a line in an existing program, the new line number will be midway between the preceding line and the following line.
• Skip lines without block numbers
Check this field to skip lines without a block number.
• Renumber empty lines
Check this field to renumber empty lines.
• Show quick setup
Check this field to show a ’Quick Setup’ dialog when renumbering a program.
• Disable undo prompt for large files
When this field is not checked, you will be told when you are about to renumber a large file, which cannot be undone. If this is switched on, no such warning will appear.
• Auto indent lines
Indents new lines. The indention is set at the same level as the line above.
103
9.2.2.0.4
Block Format
• Format
This field provides a list of available block number formats. Select a format from the drop-down list.
Notice: This will not limit the number of digits in the line number. If you wish to limit the number of digits, you have to specify a maximum line number in the Restart every field.
• Start with
Makes it possible to specify the starting value of the block number.
• Restart every
Specify when the line number must restart. This number is equal to the maximum line number.
Example: To use line numbers from 0-9999, specify 9999 in this field.
If no value is specified, the line number will increment until it reaches
100000000, before it restarts.
104 9. Editor Setup
• Interval
Select the interval, by which the block number must increase, for each block. If you select one of the Auto... options, the number selected is the maximum block number, and the interval will be selected to distribute the block numbers as evenly as feasible, within this maximum block number.
• Start from line
Specify the first line in the program that will be given a line number.
• Skip
Use this field to specify if block numbers should skip lines.
Example: If you specify 2 in this field, only every 3rd line will be numbered.
• Precede lines with
Here, you can enter a string that will be inserted before the line number.
For ISO type machines, this is normally the letter N.
• Alternate block number character
Use this field to specify an alternate block number character.
Example: If the control uses both N and : for block numbers, specify
: in this field.
• Spaces after block number
Use this field to specify the number of spaces to insert after the block number. To insert block numbers with a specific column width, specify a negative value.
• From line
Specify the number of lines that should be skipped before the renumbering begins.
• To line
Use this field to specify the maximum number of lines that should be renumbered.
If a positive number is written here, it specifies the last line to be renumbered, counted from the beginning of the program.
Example 1: If your CNC program starts with 4 comment lines and a program start line (with program start trigger and number, but without
’N’), only the first 10 NC blocks will be renumbered if you specify 15 in this field.
9.2.
FILE TYPES
If a negative value (-N) is specified, the last N lines (counted from the end of the program) will not be renumbered.
Example 2: If you specify the value -2, and the last line of your CNC program (line containing the program end code M30) is followed by another line containing a special character (e.g. %), then only the last line is not renumbered.
• Skip lines starting with
Defines that lines starting with a particular string and/or characters should be omitted. Multiple strings can be specified using a comma
, as separator. If you wish to omit lines beginning with a comma ,, specify ,,.
• Restart on lines starting with
Use this field to specify when the block numbers should be restarted.
Example: To renumber several programs in the same file, specify O in this field, then the block numbers will be reset everytime an O-Number is encountered.
• Skip lines containing
Here you can specify that lines containing a string and/or character should be omitted. Multiple strings can be specified using a comma , as separator.
• Start renumbering from line containing
Use this field to specify a renumbering start trigger. If you specify a renumbering start trigger, renumbering will start from the first block containing the specified string. To start from the first block after the block containing the string, check the Start at next block option below.
• Start at next block
Check this field to start renumbering from the block after the line containing the renumbering start trigger.
• Help
Opens the on-line help.
• Default
Click this button to revert to default settings.
• Cancel
Click on this button to close the Block Numbers window without executing changes.
105
106 9. Editor Setup
• OK
Click this button to execute the new settings made in the Block Numbers Configuration window.
Note: The Block number settings will only affect the selected file type.
9.2.3
Load/Save
To configure Load/Save parameters, select File Type from the Setup menu and then click Load/Save. The Load/Save configuration dialog is shown below:
Figure 9.8: Load/Save configuration
9.2.3.0.5
Load/Save
• Default extension
Specify a default extension to use for the selected file type. This extension will be appended to any new files saved, unless an extension is specified in the Save as window.
9.2.
FILE TYPES
• Register default extension
Check this field to register the specified default extensions. When an extension is registered in Windows, clicking on a file with the specified extension in the Windows Explorer will automatically open the file in the editor.
• Additional extensions
Define additional file extensions associated with your machine type.
Extensions determine the type(s) of file(s) you wish to open (only files with the extension(s) defined here will be displayed in an Open file window). You can define more than one extension using a comma ’,’ as separator.
Example: To associate the extensions .ISO and .NC, specify ISO, NC.
• Register additional extensions
Check this field to register the specified Additional extensions. When an extension is registered in Windows, clicking on a file with the specified extension in the Windows Explorer will automatically open the file in the editor.
• Default load path
This function specifies the default load path, which is where the file
Open dialog will first point to. If no path is defined, the last directory you loaded a file from will be used. Click on the folder button to browse for an adequate load path.
• Default save path
This function specifies the default save path, which is where the file
Save dialog will first point to, when you wish to save a new file of the selected type or when you use the file Save as menu. If no path is defined, the last directory you saved a file in will be used. Click on the folder button to browse for an adequate save path.
• Use separate load/and save directories
When this field is checked, the editor will remember the last load and save position independently.
107
9.2.3.0.6
Backup/Save
• Auto save interval
Select the length of the interval between auto saves from this list. Auto save saves your file at a regular interval, overwriting the original file.
108 9. Editor Setup
• Save with linefeed type
Use this field to specify the linefeed type used when saving files.
Auto: Do not change linefeed type. When saving new files, the DOS/Windows linefeed type is used.
DOS/Windows: CR LF (ASCII 13 10)
Unix: LF (ASCII 10)
Mac: CR (ASCII 13)
9.2.3.0.7
UNICODE Files
• Message when loading UNICODE
Displays a message when a UNICODE file is loaded.
• Prompt to save files as UNICODE
Check this field if the file should be saved as UNICODE.
• Always save files as UNICODE
Check this field if files always should be saved as UNICODE.
• Always save files as regular text
Check this field if files should never be saved as UNICODE.
• Help
Click this button to open the on-line help.
• Default
Click this button to revert to default settings.
• Cancel
Click on this button to close the Load/Save window without executing changes.
• OK
Click this button to execute the new settings made in the Load/Save configuration window.
Note: The Load/Save settings will only affect the selected file type.
9.2.
FILE TYPES
9.2.4
File compare
To configure file compare settings, select File compare from the File types menu in the left window of the Editor setup dialog, or click on the Setup file compare icon on the file compare toolbar. The file compare configuration dialog is shown below:
109
Figure 9.9: File compare configuration
9.2.4.0.8
File compare settings
• Single line step
Use this option to single step through multiple consecutive differences.
Only the difference on the current line is highlighted.
• Show all differences (No editing)
Check this field to show all differences at the same time.
• Jump to next difference after sync.
When you select this option, the editor will jump to the next difference after you have synchronized two differences.
110 9. Editor Setup
• Use tab to switch window
Select this option if you want to use the tab key to switch between the two files being compared. You will not be able to insert tabs in any of the files when this option is enabled.
• Mark Changes only
Only the difference will be highlighted, not the entire line.
• Use smart marking
Not only the different part of the command will be marked, but the complete command if it contains differences.
9.2.4.0.9
Ignore Options
• Ignore Block numbers
The values of block numbers will be ignored, as will the presence/absence of block numbers (i.e. the fact that there are block numbers in one file and not in the other will be ignored).
• Ignore White spaces
White space characters will be ignored. White space characters are space (ASCII 32) and tab (ASCII 9).
• Ignore Comments
Anything inside a comment will be ignored. For this to work, you must have specified the correct Comment start e.g. ’(’ and Comment end e.g.
’)’ characters for this machine template under the Machine templates tab.
• Ignore Case
It will be ignored, if one program contains lowercase and the other
UPPERCASE characters.
• Ignore Numeric format
Leading and trailing zeros will be ignored, as will optional ’+’ characters, i.e. ’X+14.10’ matches ’X14.1’, if this option is used.
9.2.
FILE TYPES
9.2.4.0.10
Print Options
• Print only differences
Check this field to print only the differences between two files.
• Help
Opens the on-line help.
• Default
Click this button to revert to default settings.
• Cancel
Click on this button to close the File compare window without executing changes.
• OK
Click this button to execute the new settings made in the File compare configuration window.
Note: The File Compare settings will only affect the selected file type.
111
112 9. Editor Setup
9.2.5
Machine
To configure machine specific characters and commands, select File Types,
Machine from the left hand list of the Setup window. The machine configuration dialog is shown below:
Figure 9.10: Machine type configuration
9.2.5.0.11
Special Characters
• Comment start
Enter the comment start character here, for example (.
• Comment end
Enter the comment end character here, for example ).
• Block skip
Enter the block skip character here. If you don’t want a block skip character, just leave the field empty.
• Decimal point
Enter the decimal separator here (decimal point or comma).
9.2.
FILE TYPES
• Multi-line comment start
Use this field to specify the multi-line comment start string.
• Multi-line comment end
Use this field to specify the multi-line comment end string.
• Block skip after block number
Check this field if a block skip should be inserted after the block number. If you leave this field unchecked, the block skip will be just before the block number.
Note: You can specify another block skip character in the field Block skip, if necessary.
• Use decimal point on numeric keypad
Check this field if the decimal key on the numeric keypad should insert the decimal point specified above.
• Enable multi line comments
Check this field to enable coloring of multi line comments.
113
9.2.5.0.12
NC Codes
• Tool Change
Use this field to specify the tool change prefix.
Example: If the tool number is specified as T010101, specify T in this field.
• Tool load
Use this field to specify the tool load command. If the tool load command is found on the same line as the tool change command, the tool is loaded immediately.
Example: N1230 T020202 M6.
• Set feedrate
Use this field to specify the feedrate prefix.
Example: If the feedrate is specified as F1000, specify F in this field.
• Set spindle speed
Use this field to specify the spindle speed prefix.
Example: If the spindle speed is specified as S1000, specify S in this field.
114 9. Editor Setup
9.2.5.0.13
Units
• Toopath unit
Select the path unit from this drop-down list.
• Feedrate unit
Select the feedrate unit from the drop-down list.
• Decimals
Use this field to specify the number of decimals shown in the backplot etc.
• Rapid speed (mm / min)
Use this field to specify the rapid feedrate.
• Help
Opens the on-line help.
• Default
Click this button to revert to default settings.
• Cancel
Click on this button to close the Machine Configuration window without executing changes.
• OK
Click this button to execute the new settings made in the Machine
Configuration window.
Note: The machine settings will only affect the selected file type.
Note: You can not delete the built-in commands.
9.2.
FILE TYPES
9.2.6
Backplot
Use this dialog to configure general backplot settings.
To configure the Backplot settings, select Backplot from the File types menu in the left window of the Editor Setup dialog. The following dialog appears:
115
Figure 9.11: Backplot Setup dialog
Note: Only the backplot options for the selected file type are active. All other options are grayed out.
9.2.6.0.14
Backplot Setup
• Control Type
Select the control type for the backplot from the list.
• Tool Library
Use this button to set up the tool library for the selected control type.
Information on how to set up tools is found under Tool.
116 9. Editor Setup
• Diameter programming
Check this field to select diameter programming.
• Arc center is specified as diameter
Check this field to select diameter programming for arc centers also (I coordinate).
• Draw ’zero’ arcs
Check this field if a full circle should be drawn on arcs with the same start and end-point.
• Show cycles
Check this field to plot cycles.
• Ignore M6
Check this field to ignore tool load commands (like M6).
Notice: You can specify the tool load command on the Machine setup page.
• Ignore tool number 0
Check this field to ignore tool number 0. This is useful if T0/T00/T0000 is used to cancel the length offset.
• Enable 4/5-Axis plot
Check this field to enable 4/5-Axis backplotting.
• X100 = X0.100
When this option is selected, the program will assume that a value without a decimal separator is 1/1000 of a regular move.
• Disable radius compensation
Check this field to disable tool radius compensation.
• Use shortest angle moves
Check this field to use the shortes angle.
Example: When moving from 359 degrees to 1 degree, the simulation will normally move 358 degrees back. When this option is checked, only a 2 degrees move is performed.
• Use U/V/W relative moves
Check this field if U/V/W should be used as relative moves.
9.2.
FILE TYPES
• Arc type
Select the type of arc that is used from this drop-down list.
• Orientation
Use this field to specify the orientation of the plot for turning operations.
• Machine Setup (4/5-Axis) / /
Use this field to specify the machine type. The machine type/geometry is important for 5-Axis simulation. Click on the icon next to the field to edit the machine configuration.
• Keyboard / Mouse mapping
Select the keyboard mapping from this list.
• Map letters (Ex. ’A=WB, B=WA, I=J, J=I’ )
Use this field to map the default letters to a different string.
Example: If a CNC uses XA for A-axis rotation, specify A=XA in this field.
Example: If a machine has switched the X and Y axis, specify X=Y,
Y=X.
• Help
Click this button to open the on-line help.
• Default
Click this button to revert to default settings.
• Cancel
Click on this button to close the Backplot Setup window without executing changes.
• OK
Click this button to execute the new settings made in the Backplot configuration window.
117
118 9. Editor Setup
9.2.7
CNC-Calc
Use this dialog to configure general CNC-Calc settings.
To configure CNC-Calc settings, select CNC-Calc from the File types menu in the left window of the Editor Setup dialog. The following dialog appears.
Figure 9.12: The CNC-Calc configuration dialog
Note: Only the options for the selected file type are active. All other options are grayed out.
9.2.7.0.15
CNC-Calc Settings
• Turning
Use this option to simulate 2D Turning (Lathe) programs.
• Diameter programming
Check this field to select diameter programming.
9.2.
FILE TYPES
• Arc center is specified as diameter
Check this field to select diameter programming for arc centers also (I coordinate).
• Always add sign
Use this check box to specify if sign always should be shown for coordinates etc.
• Modal X/Y values
Check this field if modal coordinates should be used for the X and Y coordinates.
• Modal X/Z values (Turning)
Use this check box to indicate if modal coordinates should be used for the X and Z coordinates.
• Show grid
Use this option to specify if the grid should be shown.
• Output G0x
Check this field to output G0 as G00, G1 as G01 (and so on).
Notice: You can specify the tool load command in the Machines settings.
• Output FMAX as F9999
Outputs Heidenhain rapid moves as F9999.
Note: This option is used on older Heidenhain controls.
• Machine type
Use this field to specify the type of code that should be generated.
• Arc type
Select the type of arc used from the drop-down list.
• Number of decimals
Specify the maximum number of decimals in coordinates for example in this field.
• Trailing 0’s
Use this field to specify the way trailing zeros should be applied to coordinates.
119
120 9. Editor Setup
• Maximum arc output angle
Use this field to specify the maximum angle of the arcs in the generated
NC program.
• Rotary axis
Specify the name of the rotary axis used when machining using rotary axis substitution.
• Rotary axis linearization tolerance
Use this field to specify the linearization tolerance when machining using rotary axis substitution.
9.2.7.0.16
Grid
• Grid size
Specify the distance between grid points in this field.
• Show sub-grid
Check this box if the sub-grid should be shown.
• Show origin
Use this check box to specify if axis should be shown.
• Help
Click this button to open the on-line help.
• Default
Click this button to revert to default settings.
• Cancel
Click on this button to close the CNC-Calc Setup window without executing changes.
• OK
Click this button to execute the new settings made in the CNC-Calc
Configuration window.
9.2.
FILE TYPES
9.2.8
Multi Channel
The Multi Channel option enables you to view NC programs for 2 or 3 channel machines correctly in the editor, at the same time. The NC codes for each channel are automatically displayed in their own window when the corresponding Wait code is specified.
To configure Multi Channel settings, select Multi Channel from the File types menu in the left window of the Editor Setup dialog. The Multi
Channel configuration dialog is shown below.
Notice: The windows can be synchronized with the wait codes and editing can be done in all windows. Wait codes that match are shown in yellow and missing wait codes are shown in purple.
121
Figure 9.13: Multi Channel configuration dialog
9.2.8.0.17
Multi channel view
• Enable multi channel view
Check this field to enable the multi channel view.
122 9. Editor Setup
• Multi channel mode
Use this drop-down list to specify how to read the multi channel information. You can either select one of the predefined types, or the custom type to manually define the multi channel commands.
• Synchronization using channel numbers
Check this field if the synchronization commands specify which channel to synchronize with.
Example: !2 means synchronize with channel 2.
If this field is not checked, then the synchronization is done using synchronization numbers.
Example: M303 means synchronize with all channels that contain
M303.
• Channel start
Use this field to specify the start of a channel information, when multiple channels are stored in the same file.
Example: Specify O if each channel starts with an O number. You can specify multiple strings separated by comma. For example, if the first channel starts with G13 and the second channel starts with G14, then specify G13,G14 in this field. You can also specify the start of channel information using an advanced trigger.
• Channel end
Use this field to specify the end of a channel information, when multiple channels are stored in the same file.
Example: Specify M30 if each channel ends with M30. You can also specify the end of channel information using an advanced trigger.
• Synchronization command
Use this field to specify the synchronization command.
Example: If synchronization points are indicated with !1, !2, ..., specify ! in this field. If you specify the command using an advanced trigger, then you must place <> around the synchronization information.
Example: To synchronize on M300-M399, specify M3<[0-9][0-9]> in this field. To synchronize on all Pxxx, specify P<[0-9]+> in this field.
9.2.
FILE TYPES
• Synchronization number
Use this field to specify the synchronization number.
Example: If synchronization points have an ID number like WAIT(1001, channel 1, channel 2) where the ID number is 1001, that must also match in addition to the synchronization command.
• Channel order
Use this field to specify the channel order, for example 1,3,2.
• Test field
Use this field to test the multi channel setup.
• Help
Click this button to open the on-line help.
• Default
Click this button to revert to default settings.
• Cancel
Click on this button to close the Multi Channel Setup window without executing changes.
• OK
Click this button to execute the new settings.
123
124 9. Editor Setup
9.2.9
Tool List
This section describes how to set up tool list triggers and generate tool lists.
To configure Tool list settings, select Tool List from the File types menu in the left window of the Editor Setup dialog. The Tool List configuration dialog is shown below.
Figure 9.14: Tool List Dialog
9.2.9.0.18
Tool list setup
• Tool trigger
Specify the tool trigger in this field.
Example: If the machine uses T01 for tool 01, specify T in this field.
• $TOOL1 Trigger
Use this field to specify the advanced trigger that should be used to generate the $TOOL1 variable.
Example: To include the value specified after R into the follwing line:
(T1 5MM DRILL R33), specify the trigger R<[0-9]+>. This will assign the value R33 to $TOOL1.
9.2.
FILE TYPES
• $TOOL2 Trigger
Use this field to specify the advanced trigger that should be used to generate the $TOOL2 variable.
Example: To include the value specified after R into the following line: (T1 5MM DRILL R33), specify the trigger R<[0-9]+>. This will assign the value R33 to $TOOL2.
• Sort tool list
Check this field to sort the tool list.
Notice: When you check this field, each tool is only listed once.
• Ignore duplicate info (T020202 = T02)
Ignores duplicate/magazine info in the tool number, i.e.
T020202 should be listed as T02.
• Ignore 0’s (T02 = T2)
Ignores leading zeros in tool numbers, i.e. T02 should be listed as T2.
• Two line comments
Check this field if the tool comment consists of two lines.
• Scan comments below tool name
Check this field if the tool comment is always located below the tool change line.
• Tool list template
Use this field to specify the directory of the tool list template. Click the folder icon to the right to select a tool list template.
Note: Click the icon next to the folder icon if you wish to edit the specified tool list template.
• Help
Opens the on-line help.
• Default
Click this button to revert to default settings.
• Cancel
Click on this button to close the Tool list configuration window without executing changes.
• OK
Click this button to execute the new settings.
125
126 9. Editor Setup
9.2.10
Other
This section describes how to configure File type specific settings, i.e. the settings made here will only be applied to the selected file type, ex. ISO
Milling.
To configure Other settings, select Other from the File types menu in the left window of the Editor Setup dialog. The following dialog appears:
Figure 9.15: ’Other’ configuration dialog
9.2.10.0.19
General settings
• Print Columns
Use this field to specify the number of columns to print.
• Max line length indicator
Use this field to set the position of the Max line length indicator.
Notice: If you are using a proportional font (i.e. all letters are not the same width), the indicator does not show the exact line length.
9.2.
FILE TYPES
• Insert spaces when opening file
Check this field to automatically insert spaces when opening a file.
• Help
Opens the on-line help.
• Default
Click this button to revert to default settings.
• Cancel
Click on this button to close the Other Configuration window without executing changes.
• OK
Click this button to execute the new settings made in the Other configuration window.
127
128 9. Editor Setup
9.3
Global Colors
This section describes how to configure the general colors settings. Here, you can create your own colors for program simulations etc., and the CNC-Calc window (background, axes, contour, etc.). To modify a specific color, select it from the list and move the sliders to get the desired color.
Figure 9.16: Global Colors
• Select color
Click this button to select a predefined color from the list or create a custom color.
• Help
Opens the on-line help.
• Default
Click this button to revert to default settings.
• Cancel
Click on this button to close the Global colors dialog without executing changes.
9.4.
EXTERNAL COMMANDS
• OK
Click this button to execute the new settings made in the Global Colors configuration window.
129
9.4
External Commands
This section describes the setup and use of external commands.
To configure External Commands, select Editor, Global Setup, or click on the corresponding icon . This will open the Editor setup window. Click on
External Commands in the left window of the Setup dialog. The following dialog appears:
Figure 9.17: The External Commands Dialog
9.4.0.1
External Command 1 / 2
• Command Title
Use this field to specify the menu text shown in the NC Functions menu.
130 9. Editor Setup
• Command program
Use this field to specify the application to execute.
• Parameters
Use this field to specify the parameters to the command.
The following variables are available:
$FILE: Defines the file name without path.
$PATH: Specifies the path of the file.
$FILEPATH: Specifies the file name with path.
$FILENOEXT: Defines the file name without extension.
Example: To execute the command with the parameters -g C:\NCPRG\MOULD.NC
C:\NCPRG\MOULD.NEW, specify -g $FILE $OUTFILE, and then ’$PATH\$FILENOEXT.NEW’ in the Output file field.
• Output file ($OUTFILE)
Use this field to specify the name of the output file.
The following variables are available:
$FILE: Defines the file name without path.
$PATH: Specifies the path of the file.
$FILEPATH: Specifies the file name with path.
$FILENOEXT: Defines the file name without extension.
Example: To execute the command with the parameters -g C:\NCPRG\MOULD.NC
C:\NCPRG\MOULD.NEW, specify $PATH\$FILENOEXT.NEW , and -g
$FILE $OUTFILE in the Parameters field.
Notice: If no output filename is specified, it is assumed that the input file is modified.
9.5.
MAZATROL VIEWER
9.5
Mazatrol Viewer
This section describes how to set up the Mazatrol Viewer. The Mazatrol
Viewer enables you to open and view Mazatrol files directly from your PC.
Note: Mazatrol Viewer is an optional module, and requires therefore a Mazatrol Viewer enabled licence key. Mazatrol Viewer is activated under Plugins.
131
Figure 9.18: Mazatrol Viewer
9.5.0.2
Mazatrol Viewer
• Language
Select the language used for showing the Mazatrol data.
• Mazatrol Viewer Decimals
Use this field to specify how many decimals should be used to display values in the Mazatrol Viewer.
• Show TPC Data
Check this field to include TPC data when viewing Mazatrol files.
132 9. Editor Setup
• Font settings
This field shows an example of the selected font. Click on the button to the right to select another font.
• Help
Click this button to open the on-line help.
• Default
Click this button to revert to default settings.
• Cancel
Click on this button to close the Mazatrol Viewer dialog without executing changes.
• OK
Click this button to execute the new settings made in the Mazatrol
Viewer configuration window.
9.6.
PLUGINS
9.6
Plugins
In this section, you will find general information about how to manage Plugins.
Note: The editor must be licensed according to the plugins you whish to run in the Editor.
When you select Plugins in the Editor setup window, the following dialog appears:
133
Figure 9.19: The Plugins dialog
9.6.0.3
Select plugins
• Disable Backplot
Check this field to disable the Backplot module.
• Disable advanced simulation
Check this field to disable the advanced simulation module.
• Disable DNC/Serial communication
Check this field to disable the DNC/Serial communication module.
134 9. Editor Setup
• Disable File compare
Check this field to disable the File compare function.
• Disable advanced NC-Functions
Check this field to disable the advanced NC functions (Macros/Mirror/Rotate/...).
• Disable NC-Base
Check this field to disable the NC-Base Client.
• Disable DNC-Max Client
Check this field to disable the DNC-Max Client.
• Disable CNC-Calc
Check this field to disable the CNC-Calc module.
• Disable Mazatrol Viewer
Check this field to disable the Mazak Mazatrol viewer module.
9.6.0.4
Configuration password
• Configuration password
Use this field to specify the configuration password.
Notice: If you forget the password, hold down CTRL+SHIFT when you start the editor.
• Macros/Machine configuration path
Use this field to specify where the file types (*.mac) should be stored.
Click the folder icon to the right to select a path.
Notice: You can use $USERNAME and $COMPUTERNAME as directory variables.
• Help
Opens the on-line help.
• Default
Click this button to revert to default settings.
• Cancel
Click on this button to close the Plugins configuration dialog without executing changes.
• OK
Click this button to execute the new settings made in the Plugins configuration window.
DNC Settings
If you wish to configure the settings for the communication between the
PC and a selected machine, you can do it in two ways: You can select
DNC Setup from the Transmission menu, select the desired machine, and click Setup. Or you can select the desired machine from the Transmission toolbar and click on the DNC Setup icon next to Machine.
If you select DNC Setup from the Transmission menu, this window will appear:
135
Figure 10.1: DNC Setup dialog
• Machines
If there are several machines connected to the computer, you can select which machine to communicate with or configure.
136 10. DNC Settings
Configuration
• Protocol
Here you select the communication protocol for the selected machine.
The Standard serial protocol is default in CIMCO Edit v6. Optional protocols are available for CNC controls like Heidenhain, Mazak, etc.
Notice: You can not select a protocol which you have no license for. If tried, the computer will automatically select the earlier used protocol.
• Port information
Shows in shorthand the most important of the machine settings.
Example: COM1, 9600, 7E2 (Port: COM1, Baud rate: 9600, Data bits: 7, Parity: Even, Stop bit: 2).
• Machine Type
Shows a list of different machines, which can be used as templates (e.g.
Heidenhain, ISO Milling, ISO Turning, etc.)
• Setup
Click this button to enter the configuration dialog for the selected machine.
• Rename
Click this button to rename a configuration.
• Add New
Click this button to add a new configuration. The following window appears:
Figure 10.2: Add a new DNC machine
Enter the name and machine template for the new machine, and then click OK. Click Cancel to cancel the operation.
10.1.
PORT SETUP
• Delete
Click this button to delete a configuration. You will be prompted if you really want to delete the machine configuration.
• OK
Click this button to execute the new settings and close the configuration dialog.
137
10.1
Port Setup
To change the DNC settings, select DNC Setup from the Transmission tab, or click the DNC setup icon on the transmission menu.
The basic port configuration dialog is shown below:
Figure 10.3: Basic port settings
138 10. DNC Settings
10.1.0.5
Serial port settings
• Port
List of the serial ports on your PC. Select the one you wish to use with this machine configuration.
• Baud rate
The transmission speed in bits per second. Select the desired Baud rate from the drop-down list.
• Stop bits
Select the number of stop bits appended after each character in the communication to separate the data bits.
Notice: The number of stop bits required depends on the CNC control.
Please refer to the reference manual for more details.
• Data bits
Select the number of bits in each character. By default, the 7-bit ASCII code is used for NC data transmission.
• Parity
An error checking method which indicates if a transmission was successful or not. The method can operate in different modes:
None: Is selected when no parity error checking is to be used.
Even parity: An even number of 1’s is used in each character.
Odd parity: An odd number of 1’s is used in each character.
Mark parity: The parity bit is always ’1’ and the line is ’low’.
Space parity: The parity bit is always ’0’ and the line is ’high’.
10.1.0.6
Flow control settings
• Flow control
The handshake procedure for synchronizing the communication between the computer and the control.
Software handshake uses the
XON/XOFF ASCII characters, Hardware handshake uses the RTS/CTS control lines in the RS-232 communication specifications.
You can select one of the following flow control methods from the dropdown list:
None: No flow control is performed.
10.1.
PORT SETUP
Software: Software handshake is used for the flow control.
Hardware: Hardware handshake is used for the flow control.
Hardware and Software: Both Hardware and Software handshakes are used.
• Enable DTR
Check this box to set DTR high.
• Enable RTS
Check this box to set RTS high.
139
10.1.0.7
Advanced port settings
• Check parity
If you want CIMCO Edit v6 to report parity errors, then mark the
Check parity box. Every time an error occurs, the specified character is inserted into the file at the receiving point.
Non standard XOn and XOff characters can be specified.
• Insert on parity error
Use this field to specify a character to insert in the received file, if a parity error occurs while receiving data from the remote machine. If the field is left blank, no character is inserted. You can specify the character by entering the ASCII character, i.e. enter $ to get ASCII character 36, or you can enter the ASCII value like this \36.
• XOn character
Use this field to specify the XOn character. If the field is left blank, the standard XOn character is used. If your machine needs a nonstandard XOn character, you can specify it here. You can specify the
XOn character by entering the ASCII character, i.e. enter $ to get
ASCII character 36, or you can enter the ASCII value like this \36.
• XOff character
Use this field to specify the XOff character. If the field is left blank, the standard XOff character is used. If your machine needs a nonstandard XOff character, you can specify it here. You can specify the
XOff character by entering the ASCII character, i.e. enter $ to get
ASCII character 36, or you can enter the ASCII value like this \36.
140 10. DNC Settings
10.2
Transmit settings
To configure transmit settings, click on Transmit in the left hand list of the
Machine Setup window. The transmit configuration dialog is shown below:
Figure 10.4: Transmission setup
• CR/LF.
In this field, you can select the carriage-return or line-feed character(s) from the drop-down list, or you can enter them manually. ASCII 13 and
ASCII 10 have no character representation, so they must be entered as
\13 and \10 respectively.
• Start trigger
Use this field to specify the start trigger. The DNC will start transmitting data from the first line in the file that contains the specified start trigger.
• End trigger
Use this field to specify the end trigger.
Notice: The line containing the end trigger is not transmitted.
10.2.
TRANSMIT SETTINGS
• Send at start of feed
Here, you can specify a character or a string that should be sent at the start of the transmission. You can specify one or more characters by entering the ASCII characters, i.e. enter $* to get ASCII character
36 followed by ASCII 42, or you can enter the ASCII value like this
\36\42.
• Send at end of feed
Specify a character or a string that should be sent at the end of the transmission. You can specify one or more characters by entering the
ASCII characters, i.e. enter $* to get ASCII character 36 followed by
ASCII 42, or you can enter the ASCII value like this \36\42.
• Omit lines containing
Excludes lines containing one or more selected characters. The consequence of entering anything here is that any line containing one of these characters or strings will not be transmitted.
• Remove characters
Use this field to specify characters that should be removed from the transmitted data.
• Break after receiving characters
Ends the transmission to the control after the specified number of characters have been sent, even if the program is not finished. If this field is left empty, any incoming characters are ignored.
• Handshake timeout in seconds
The chosen time that CIMCO Edit v6 should wait after receiving a stop flow signal (XOff and/or CTS Low) from a remote machine before it terminates the connection. If the timeout value is not specified, it will wait until a start flow is received.
• Delay before each line in ms
Specify the time in milliseconds CIMCO Edit v6 should wait before it begins transmitting a new line.
• Wait for Xon
This box is checked if you wish CIMCO Edit v6 to wait for an Xon before transmitting data. This option is only available if Software handshake is enabled in the port settings.
141
142 10. DNC Settings
• Wait for ’Start’ button
Check this field if the transmission should not start until you click the
Start button on the transmit status dialog.
• Remove ASCII 0’s
Check this field if ASCII 0’s should be removed from the transmitted data.
• Remove white spaces
White spaces (ASCII 32) and tabs (ASCII 9) are removed automatically from the file transmitted to the remote machine. This feature is activated with a mark in the box.
• Replace tabs with spaces
Converts tabs (ASCII 9) to spaces (ASCII 32) before sending the file to the remote machine. This feature is activated with a mark in the box.
• Send files with non-standard CR/LF
Check this field if you wish to send files that contain non-standard linefeed characters like CRLFLF or CRCR.
Note: When entering characters in one of the character entry fields, the characters can be entered in two ways: You can enter the characters themselves, like $*, or you can enter the ASCII values of the characters like \36\42.
10.3.
RECEIVE SETTINGS
10.3
Receive settings
To configure receive settings, click on Receive in the left hand list of the
Machine Setup window. The receive configuration dialog is shown below:
143
Figure 10.5: Receive settings
10.3.0.8
Receive settings
• CR/LF
Use this field to specify the line feed character(s).
If you select Auto, the DNC will try to auto-detect the CR/LF combination used. If the remote machine does not use any of the standard combinations of ASCII 13 and ASCII 10, you must enter the appropriate CR/LF combination manually.
The normal combination is ASCII 13 followed by ASCII 10. ASCII
13 and ASCII 10 have no character representation, so they must be entered as \13 and \10 respectively.
144 10. DNC Settings
• Omit lines containing
Excludes lines containing one or more selected characters. The consequence of entering anything here is that any line containing one of these characters or strings will be discarded when received.
• Remove characters
Selected characters will automatically be removed from the received stream. You can select None, ASCII 0 or All below ASCII 32 from the drop-down list if one of those is appropriate.
• Omit empty lines
Check this field if empty lines should not be saved.
• Start trigger
Start triggers are characters indicating that CIMCO Edit v6 should start saving incoming data. If no start trigger is used and the field therefore is left empty, CIMCO Edit will start saving at the beginning of the file.
Notice: The start trigger is the first sequence of characters received.
• End trigger
End triggers are characters indicating that CIMCO Edit v6 should stop saving incoming data. If no end trigger is used and the field therefore is left empty, CIMCO Edit v6 will continue to save until the end of the file, where a timeout occurs.
Notice: The end trigger is the last sequence of characters received.
• Receive timeout in seconds
Indicates the time delay after the last character has been received from the remote machine, until the computer concludes that the receiving operation is finished. If no end trigger is specified, you should specify a value here, or you will have to stop the receive process manually from the receive status dialog.
10.3.0.9
Advanced receive settings
• Send XOn
When this field is checked, the DNC will send an XOn character when it is ready to receive data.
10.4.
DIRECTORY SETTINGS
• Send at start of reception
Specify a string that should be sent to the CNC when a receive operation is started.
Note: When entering characters in one of the character entry fields, the characters can be entered in two ways: You can enter the characters themselves, like $*, or you can enter the ASCII values of the characters like \36\42. ($ has the ASCII code number 36).
145
10.4
Directory settings
In the following dialog, you can define the Transmit and Receive directories.
To specify the directories, click on the Directories tab in the left DNC Setup window. The following dialog appears:
Figure 10.6: Transmit and Receive directories setup
• Default send directory
Specify the default send path in this field, or click on the folder icon to the right to select a directory.
146 10. DNC Settings
• Default extensions
Use this field to specify the default extension of files to be sent.
• Additional extensions
Use this field to specify additional extensions for files to be sent.
• Default receive directory
Specify the default receive directory, or click on the folder icon to the right to select a directory.
• Default extension
Use this field to specify the default extension for received files.
• Additional extensions
Use this field to specify additional extensions for received files.
10.5.
VERSION INFO
10.5
Version info
If you want to find out which version of CIMCO Edit v6 you are running, just click on Version Info to the left. You can also get this information if from the main menu, you select Help and click About.
147
Figure 10.7: Version info
148 10. DNC Settings
Serial communication overview
This section contains information about how to build a standard serial cable and loopback device.
11.1
RS-232 / RS-422 / RS-485
11.1.1
RS-232
Quite possibly the most widely used communication standard is RS-232. This implementation has been defined and revised several times and is often referred to as RS-232 or EIA/TIA 232. The IBM PC computer defined the
RS-232 port on a 9-pin D sub connector and subsequently the EIA/TIA approved this implementation as the EIA/TIA 574 standard. This standard is defined as the 9 Position Non-Synchronous Interface between Data Terminal
Equipment and Data Circuit-Terminating Equipment Employing Serial Binary Data Interchange. Both implementations are in widespread use and will be referred to as RS-232 in this document. RS-232 is capable of operating at data rates up to 20 Kbps at distances less than 50 ft. The absolute maximum data rate may vary due to line conditions and cable lengths. RS-232 often operates at 38.4 Kbps over very short distances. The voltage levels defined by RS-232 range from -12 to +12 volts. RS-232 is a single ended or unbalanced interface, meaning that a single electrical signal is compared to a common signal (ground) to determine binary logic states. A voltage of +12 volts (usually +3 to +10 volts) represents a binary 0 (space) and -12 volts (
-3 to -10 volts) denotes a binary 1 (mark). The RS-232 and the EIA/TIA-574 specification defines two type of interface circuits: Data Terminal Equipment
(DTE) and Data Circuit-Terminating Equipment (DCE).
149
150 11. Serial communication overview
11.1.2
RS-422
The RS-422 specification defines the electrical characteristics of balanced voltage digital interface circuits. RS-422 is a differential interface that defines voltage levels and driver/receiver electrical specifications. On a differential interface, logic levels are defined by the difference in voltage between a pair of outputs or inputs. In contrast, a single ended interface, for example RS-232, defines the logic levels as the difference in voltage between a single signal and a common ground connection. Differential interfaces are typically more immune to noise or voltage spikes that may occur on the communication lines. Differential interfaces also have greater drive capabilities that allow for longer cable lengths. RS-422 is rated up to 10 Megabits per second and can have cabling 4000 feet long. RS-422 also defines driver and receiver electrical characteristics that will allow 1 driver and up to 32 receivers on the line at once. RS-422 signal levels range from 0 to +5 volts. RS-422 does not define a physical connector.
11.1.3
RS-485
RS-485 is backwardly compatible with RS-422; however, it is optimized for party line or multi drop applications. The output of the RS-422/485 driver is capable of being Active (enabled) or Tri State (disabled). This capability allows multiple ports to be connected in a multi drop bus and selectively polled. RS-485 allows cable lengths up to 4000 feet and data rates up to
10 Megabits per second. The signal levels for RS-485 are the same as those defined by RS-422. RS-485 has electrical characteristics that allow for 32 drivers and 32 receivers to be connected to one line. This interface is ideal for multi drop or network environments. RS-485 tri state driver (not dual state) will allow the electrical presence of the driver to be removed from the line. Only one driver may be active at a time and the other driver(s) must be tri stated. The output modem control signal RTS controls the state of the driver. Some communication software packages refer to RS-485 as RTS enable or RTS block mode transfer. RS-485 can be cabled in two ways: two wire or four wire mode. Two wire mode does not allow for full duplex communication and requires that data be transferred in only one direction at a time. For half duplex operation, the two transmit pins should be connected to the two receive pins (Tx+ to Rx+ and Tx to Rx ). Four wire mode allows full duplex data transfers. RS-485 does not define a connector pin out or a set of modem control signals. RS-485 does not define a physical connector.
11.2.
RS-232 LAYOUT FOR 9 PIN CONNECTOR
11.2
RS-232 layout for 9 pin connector
The original wiring diagram for standard RS-232 was developed for a 25 pin D-sub connector (DB-25). This design provides a secondary channel for serial RS232 communications, but in practice only one serial communication channel with accompanying handshaking is present. Therefore, the smaller
DB9 version is more commonly used today.
151
Figure 11.1: Diagram for 9 pin connector
The following table shows the signals of a 9 pin RS-232.
P in Signal
4
5
2
3
6
7
8
Received Data
Transmitted Data
Data Terminal Ready
Signal Ground
Data Set Ready
Request To Send
Clear To Send
N ame
RX
TX
DTR
GND
DSR
RTS
CTS
Table 11.1: 9 pin RS-232
Note: Only signals used for regular RS-232 communication are shown.
11.3
RS-232 layout for 25 pin connector
Figure 11.2: Diagram for DB25 connector
152 11. Serial communication overview
This table shows the signals of a 25 pin RS-232 connector. There are 25 connections in the complete specification, but it is very likely to find less than half of these in a given interface.
4
5
7
6
P in Signal
3 Received Data
N ame
RX
2 Transmitted Data TX
20 Data Terminal Ready DTR
Signal Ground
Data Set Ready
Request To Send
Clear To Send
GND
DSR
RTS
CTS
Table 11.2: 25 pin RS-232
Note: Only signals used for regular RS-232 communication are shown.
11.4
Standard RS-232 serial cable
To build a standard RS-232 serial cable, you will need two 9 or 25 pin female connectors and a cable with 7 wires, preferably shielded cable.
ConnectorA ConnectorB
RX
TX
DTR
DSR
RTS
CTS
GND
TX
RX
DSR
DTR
CTS
RTS
GND
Table 11.3: Standard RS-232 serial cable
11.5.
HOW TO BUILD A LOOPBACK DEVICE 153
Figure 11.3: Standard RS-232 serial cable
If the cable is shielded, you should use the shield as ground (GND).
11.5
How to build a loopback device
A loopback is a device that sends the signal back through the same port as it is sent out of. It is used for testing purposes and is not used under normal operations.
To make a loopback device, you will need a 9-pin or 25-pin male connector and three pieces of wire.
11.5.1
Loopback device for a 9 pin connector
Figure 11.4: Loopback device for a 9 pin connector
154 11. Serial communication overview
• RX/TX
Connect pin 2 (RX) to pin 3 (TX).
• DTR/DSR
Connect pin 4 (DTR) to pin 6 (DSR).
• RTS/CTS
Connect pin 7 (RTS) to pin 8 (CTS).
11.5.2
Loopback device for a 25 pin connector
Figure 11.5: Loopback device for a 25 pin connector
• RX/TX
Connect pin 3 (RX) to pin 2 (TX).
• DTR/DSR
Connect pin 20 (DTR) to pin 6 (DSR).
• RTS/CTS
Connect pin 4 (RTS) to pin 5 (CTS).
Using on-line help
This section describes how to use the on-line help system in CIMCO products.
A standard Windows Help file is available through the drop-down Help menu or by pressing the F1 key.
12.1
Using help in dialogs
CIMCO Edit v6 contains multiple dialogs that provide drop-down menus, check boxes, and buttons for specific configurations.
To get help for a particular dialog item, click the ? at the top of a dialog box, as shown below.
Figure 12.1: Click the question mark
This will change the cursor to an arrow and a question mark indicating that you are in Help Mode. The new pointer is shown below.
Figure 12.2: The question cursor
Now click on the item that you want further information about. If help is available for the selected item, a small window will pop up displaying the help text. If no help is available the general on-line help is launched. An example of a pop-up help is shown below.
Figure 12.3: The pop-up information
155
156 12. Using on-line help
You can also display the pop-up help for a dialog item by clicking in the field and then pressing F1.
12.2
Printing help information
If you wish to print just a single section of this on-line help, press the Print button on the toolbar (shown below).
Figure 12.4: Help buttons
If you wish to print more than a few sections, you should open the PDF version of the on-line documentation. The PDF produces a much nicer printout.
The PDF version is located in the CIMCO Edit v6 Help directory.
Note: You will need Adobe acrobat reader to open the PDF file.
INDEX
Index
$TOOL1 Trigger, 124
$TOOL2 Trigger, 125
5-Axis Machine Setup, 77
About, 40
Accept, 20
Accept Imported File As, 21
Add, 57, 98
Add Comment, 21
Add Current Program, 18
Add Customer, 27
Add Formula, 58
Add Info, 58
Add New, 136
Add new color, 101
Add Program, 16
Add User Input, 58
Add/Update Memo File, 18
Add/Update Setup Sheet, 19
Add/Update Tool List, 18
Addition, 46
Additional extensions, 107, 146
Adjust Feedrate, 43
Adjust spindle speed, 44
Allow letters, 61
Allow negative values, 61
Alternate block number character,
104
Always add sign, 119
Always save files as regular text,
108
Always save files as UNICODE, 108
Always show all files (*.*), 91
Always UPPER CASE, 93
Angle, 48, 49
Append File, 37
Apply color to the entire line, 101
Apply color to trailing digits, 101
Apply color to trailing letters, 101
Arc center is specified as diameter,
116, 119
Arc type, 48–51, 117, 119
Arrange icons, 39
Associate File(s), 18
Assume G91, 48, 49, 51
Auto block numbering, 102
Auto indent lines, 103
Auto insert spaces, 43
Auto save interval, 107
Background, 100
Backplot File, 66
Backplot Information Bar (Milling),
78
Backplot Information Bar (Turning), 79
Backplot Setup, 66, 77
Backplot Window, 66
Backup, 27
Baud rate, 138
Block color, 100
Block skip, 112
Block skip after block number, 113
Block Skips, 42
Break after receiving characters, 141
Cancel, 101, 105, 108, 111, 114,
117, 120, 123, 125, 127,
128, 132, 134
157
158
Cascade, 39
Change Password, 31
Change Status, 22
Channel end, 122
Channel order, 123
Channel start, 122
Check external changes, 90
Check parity, 139
Clear, 31
Close, 34, 63
Close All, 34
Close Backplot, 66
Close Left Window, 82
Close Right Window, 82
Colors, 35
Comma as decimal symbol, 48–51
Command program, 130
Command Title, 129
Comment end, 112
Comment start, 112
Comments color, 100
Compare, 16
Compare File with File, 81
Compare with File, 81
Compare with Imported File, 21
Compare With Latest Backup, 27
Compare with Window, 81
Configuration password, 134
Configure Block Numbering, 35, 41
Configure Tool List, 52
Confirm program exit, 91
Control Type, 77, 115
Copy, 36, 57
Copy Program, 18
Copy Program Info, 15
Copy To, 57
Copy without selection, 94
CR/LF, 143
CR/LF., 140
Current tool coordinates within the defined preparatory functions (G00 - G03), 78, 79
Cut, 36
INDEX
Data bits, 138
Database Setup, 12
Date / Time, 30
Decimal point, 112
Decimals, 44, 45, 47–51, 60, 114
Default, 101, 105, 108, 111, 114,
117, 120, 123, 125, 127,
128, 132, 134
Default extension, 106, 146
Default extensions, 146
Default load path, 107
Default receive directory, 146
Default save path, 107
Default send directory, 145
Default value, 60
Del, 36
Delay before each line in ms, 141
Delete, 19, 57, 98, 137
Delete Customer, 28
Description, 58
Diameter programming, 116, 118
Digits, 60
Directories / Extensions, 35
Disable advanced NC-Functions, 134
Disable advanced simulation, 133
Disable Backplot, 133
Disable Backspace at start of line,
93
Disable CNC-Calc, 134
Disable DNC-Max Client, 134
Disable DNC/Serial communication,
133
Disable File compare, 134
Disable Mazatrol Viewer, 134
Disable NC-Base, 134
Disable radius compensation, 116
Disable undo prompt for large files,
103
Division, 46
DNC Setup, 88
Do not insert empty lines, 61
Don’t move cursor after paste, 94
Download Latest Version, 40
INDEX
Drag-and-drop text editing, 94
Draw ’zero’ arcs, 116
Dynamic Simulation Progress Bar
(0 - 100%), 78, 79
Enable 4/5-Axis plot, 116
Enable DTR, 139
Enable multi channel view, 121
Enable multi line comments, 113
Enable RTS, 139
End File Compare, 81
End trigger, 140, 144
Event type, 30
Exit, 31
Explorer, 11
Export, 31
Export as DXF File, 77
Export List, 31
Feedrate unit, 114
File compare colors, 100
File Setup, 66
File type, 55
Files, 63
Find, 38
Find All Read-only, 14
Find All Unlocked, 14
Find auto imported programs, 13
Find Deleted, 14
Find Macro, 55
Find Modified Last 7 Days, 14
Find next, 38
Find Previous, 38
Find programs received from CNC’s,
13
Fit To Window, 68
Flow control, 138
Font settings, 94, 132
Format, 103
From, 30
From line, 104
Full Screen, 75
Global setup, 34
Go to CIMCO-Homepage, 40
Go to First Difference, 82
Go to Last Difference, 82
Goto line/Block number, 38
Grid size, 120
Handshake timeout in seconds, 141
Heidenhain / ISO Converter, 52
Help, 101, 105, 108, 111, 114, 117,
120, 123, 125, 127, 128,
132, 134
Hide ’Download Latest Version’, 91
Hide formula results (in entire macro),
62
Hide NC-Assistant formula results,
90
Horizontal scroll bar, 93
Ignore 0’s (T02 = T2), 125
Ignore Block numbers, 110
Ignore Case, 110
Ignore Comments, 110
Ignore duplicate info (T020202 =
T02), 125
Ignore M6, 116
Ignore Numeric format, 110
Ignore tool number 0, 116
Ignore White spaces, 110
Info variable, 58
Insert File, 37
Insert Macro, 53
Insert monitoring macros, 43
Insert on parity error, 139
Insert Spaces, 42
Insert spaces when opening file, 127
Insert strings, 42
Insert with sign, 61
Interval, 104
Jump to next cutting pass., 78, 79
Jump to next difference after sync.,
109
Jump to next move., 78, 79
Jump to next tool., 78, 79
159
160
Jump to next Z-level., 78
Keep decimals, 47
Keyboard / Mouse mapping, 117
Keyboard acceleration, 92
Language, 91, 131
Last 24 Hours, 13
Left margin/Right margin, 96
Letter Colors, 101
Load STL File, 77
Lock, 20
Locked, 14
Logoff, 12
Lowercase, 43
Machine Setup (4/5-Axis), 117
Machine templates, 35
Machine Type, 57, 88, 136
Machine type, 119
Machines, 135
Macro definition, 58
Macro Name, 53
Macro name, 57
Macro Setup, 55, 56
Macros/Machine configuration path,
134
Make Tool List, 52
Map letters (Ex. ’A=WB, B=WA,
I=J, J=I’ ), 117
Mark / Delete range, 42
Mark Changes only, 110
Mark changes only, 85
Mark to end of line, 94
Mark/Delete range, 37
Max, 60
Max line length indicator, 126
Maximum arc output angle, 120
Maximum value, 44, 45, 47
Mazatrol Viewer Decimals, 131
Measure distance between 2 points
, 69
Message when loading UNICODE,
108
INDEX
Min, 59
Minimum value, 44, 45, 47
Mirror, 49
Modal X/Y values, 119
Modal X/Z values (Turning), 119
Mode, 70
Modify Customer, 28
Modify Macro, 54
Multi channel mode, 122
Multi column printer font, 96
Multi-line comment end, 113
Multi-line comment start, 113
Multiplication, 46
New, 33
New feedrate, 44
New spindle speed, 45
Next, 63
Next Difference, 82
Next tool change, 38
Non-modal X/Y/Z, 48, 50–52
Normal printer font, 96
Number of decimals, 119
Number of linefeed characters, 91
Offset, 50
Offset Left (G41), 50
Offset right (G42), 50
Offset/Tool compensation, 50
OK, 102, 106, 108, 111, 114, 117,
120, 123, 125, 127, 129,
132, 134, 137
Omit empty lines, 144
Omit lines containing, 141, 144
On-line help, 40
Open, 15, 33
Open file multiple times, 90
Open windows maximized, 90
Open with CIMCO Edit, 15
Orientation, 117
Other, 46
Other settings, 35
Output file ($OUTFILE), 130
INDEX
Output FMAX as F9999, 119
Output G0x, 119
Pad with tabs, 93
Pan View, 69
Paper width/ Paper height, 96
Parameter is required, 61
Parameter(s), 46
Parameters, 130
Parity, 138
Paste, 36
Paste Program Info, 15
Pause simulation., 78, 79
Point (X,Y), 48, 49
Port, 138
Port information, 136
Precede lines with, 104
Prefix, 59
Previous, 63
Previous Difference, 82
Previous tool change, 38
Print, 34
Print Columns, 126
Print footers, 95
Print header on first page, 96
Print headers, 95
Print on ’endless’ paper, 96
Print only differences, 111
Print Program List, 31
Printer Setup, 34
Program Info, 15
Prompt to save files as UNICODE,
108
Prompt when unable to undo, 92
Protect read-only files, 90
Protocol, 136
Purge, 19
Queue, 13
Rapid speed (mm / min), 114
Raw print, 96
Re-open files, 91
Read-only, 20
Read/Write, 14, 20
Receive, 24, 88
Receive File, 88
Receive Into Current Window, 88
Receive New Program, 25
Receive timeout in seconds, 144
Recent, 33
Recent list size, 91
Record Macro, 55
Redo, 36
Register additional extensions, 107
Register default extension, 107
Reject, 21
Remember cursor position, 91
Remember math values, 93
Remember value, 62
Remember window position, 90
Remove, 41
Remove ASCII 0’s, 93, 142
Remove Block Skips, 42
Remove characters, 141, 144
Remove comments, 42
Remove empty lines, 42
Remove monitoring macros, 43
Remove selected color, 101
Remove Spaces, 42
Remove strings, 42
Remove white spaces, 142
Rename, 57, 98, 136
Renumber, 41
Renumber empty lines, 103
Replace, 38
Replace from top, 93
Replace tabs with space, 93
Replace tabs with spaces, 142
Restart every, 103
Restart on lines starting with, 105
Restore, 26
Restore Latest, 27
Rotary axis, 120
Rotary axis linearization tolerance,
120
Rotate, 48
161
162
Rotate View, 69
Save, 34
Save All, 34
Save As, 34
Save backup file (.BAK), 90
Save Compare File, 83
Save with linefeed type, 108
Scan comments below tool name,
125
Search, 31
Select all, 36
Select color, 100, 128
Selection only, 44, 45, 47
Send, 23, 87
Send at end of feed, 141
Send at start of feed, 141
Send at start of reception, 145
Send File, 87
Send files with non-standard CR/LF,
142
Send form feed, 96
Send form feed after last page, 96
Send XOn, 144
Set feedrate, 113
Set Origin Location, 69
Set spindle speed, 113
Set Workpiece / Tool Offsets, 75
Setup, 29, 82, 84, 136
Setup - File Type, 35
Setup Multi Channel, 63
Share settings between all users,
89
Show / hide information bar., 79
Show / Hide Tool, 71
Show all differences, 85
Show all differences (No editing),
109
Show Bounding Box, 69
Show cycles, 116
Show File Notes, 16
Show file size in, 91
Show full path in title, 90
INDEX
Show grid, 119
Show line numbers, 93
Show origin, 120
Show Plot control, 69
Show quick setup, 103
Show replaced count, 93
Show sub-grid, 120
Show Tool Colors, 71
Show Tool Transparent, 71
Show Tool Vector, 71
Show Toolholder, 71
Show TPC Data, 131
Show windows calculator, 52
Show/Hide NC-Assistant, 56
Show/Hide NC-Assistant Balloons,
56
Simple math functions, 46
Single line step, 109
Single Step Through Differences,
83
Skip, 104
Skip lines containing, 105
Skip lines starting with, 105
Skip lines without block numbers,
103
Solid Model, 73
Solid Setup, 74
Sort tool list, 125
Spaces after block number, 104
Specify name when receiving, 90
Start / Stop simulation., 78, 79
Start at next block, 105
Start from line, 104
Start maximized, 90
Start renumbering from line containing, 105
Start trigger, 140, 144
Start with, 103
Status, 88
Stop bits, 138
Stop current DNC Transfer, 24
Strip leading 0’s, 47
Strip trailing 0’s, 47–51
INDEX
Subtraction, 46
Suffix, 59
Sync Left, 83
Sync Right, 83
Synchronization command, 122
Synchronization number, 123
Synchronization using channel numbers, 122
Synchronize Scrolling, 63
Syntax highlight, 95
System Log, 29
Tab width, 91
Test field, 123
Text, 101
Text color, 100
Text in blocks, 100
Tile Horizontally, 39
Tile Vertically, 39
To, 31
To line, 104
Tool Change, 113
Tool Library, 115
Tool list template, 125
Tool load, 113
Tool Setup, 72
Tool trigger, 124
Toolpath, 70
Toolpath Statistics, 52
Toopath unit, 114
Trailing 0’s, 119
Translate, 51
Translate (X,Y,Z), 51
Turning, 118
Two line comments, 125
Undelete, 19
Undo, 36
Unlock, 20
Up / Down arrows, 57
Up/Down arrows, 98, 101
UPPER/lower case, 46
Uppercase, 43, 62
Use colors, 95, 100
Use colors in blocks, 100
Use decimal point on numeric keypad, 113
Use modal colors, 100
Use separate load/and save directories, 107
Use shortest angle moves, 116
Use smart marking, 110
Use tab to switch window, 110
Use U/V/W relative moves, 116
Use virtual space, 93
User ID, 30
Value, 47
Vertical scroll bar, 92
View from back (XZ), 68
View from Bottom (XY), 68
View from front (XZ/G18), 68
View from left (YZ/G19), 68
View from right (YZ), 68
View from tool), 68
View from top (XY/G17), 68
View Imported File, 21
View reset, 68
View Version Report, 16
Wait for ’Start’ button, 142
Wait for Xon, 141
Warning beeps, 90
When equal/greater than, 44, 45
When equal/less than, 44, 45
Window, 63
Wrap Searches, 93
X100 = X0.100, 116
XOff character, 139
XOn character, 139
Zoom / Regenerate solid, 74
Zoom in, 67
Zoom out, 67
Zoom selection, 68
Zoom To Highlighted, 68
163
164
Zoom View, 69
INDEX
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Key features
New user interface for easy navigation
Optimized editor engine for fast loading of large files
Comprehensive on-line help
Flexible configuration of colors, NC commands etc.
Advanced standard protocol for communication with multiple CNC’s
Frequently asked questions
The DNC part of CIMCO Edit v6 lets you send and receive NC programs to your CNC machines in the workshop.
Yes, the File Compare functions of CIMCO Edit v6 help you to pinpoint the differences.
You can customize the colors used to display coordinates and NC commands, renumber block numbers, and add/remove spaces.
