Programming of CNC Machines. Ken Evans
the machine functions such as MDI key operation, or details related to an alarm that has occurred in the control.
Figure 20 Help Key
SOFT KEYS
The soft keys have numerous functions, depending on the applications selected with other keys. The specific functions of the soft keys are displayed at the bottom of the CRT screen as shown in Figure 21. The purpose of the soft keys is to minimize the use of dedicated keys on the control panel.
Figure 21 Controller Soft Keys
By use of the soft keys; the machine ORIGIN register can be reset, READ soft keys allow entering the program to memory from a punched tape or other storage medium, and the PUNCH soft key allows program readout from memory to a punched tape or other storage medium.
By pressing a soft key, the function selections that belong to it appear. These selection choices are called chapters. These selection soft keys are the first four rectangular keys under the CRT. By pressing one of the chapter selection soft keys, the screen for the selected chapter appears. If the soft key for a target chapter is not displayed, you must press the continuous menu key located at the right end of the soft keys (sometimes referred to as next-menu). In some cases, there are additional chapters that can be selected from within a chapter. When the desired screen is displayed, press the soft key under operation selection (OPRT) on the display for data to be manipulated. To reverse through the chapter selection soft keys, press the return menu key located at the left end of the soft keys.
The general screen display procedure is explained above; however, the actual display procedure varies from one screen to another. For details, see the description of individual operations.
Note: The operator should consult the manufacturer manual for more specific detailed instructions on the use of the soft keys.
Figure 22 Alpha-Numerical Keypad
ADDRESS AND NUMERIC KEYS (ALPHA-NUMERICAL KEYS)
This keypad of letters, numbers, and symbol characters is used to input data while writing or editing programs at the control. These keys are also used to enter numerical data and offsets into memory. Many of the keys are used in conjunction with other keys.
Shift Key
Because there is not enough space on the control for all keys necessary, some keys have two characters on them. When the letter or symbol indicated in the bottom right corner of the key is needed, the operator first presses the SHIFT key, which switches the key to that character. This sequence must be followed each time an alternate letter is needed. The shift key functions the same way as its equivalent on a computer keyboard.
On the display, a special character will be shown when a character indicated at the bottom right corner on the key can be entered.
Figure 23 Shift Key
Input Key
The INPUT key is used for MDI operation and to change the offsets. After the data are entered via the keypad the INPUT key is pressed. The data are entered into the offset register or the program for execution.
Figure 24 Input Key
Cancel Key
This key is used while inputting data in the MDI mode. It is essentially a destructive backspace key and can be used to correct an erroneous entry. Press this key to delete the last character or symbol input to the key input buffer. For instance, when the key input buffer displays:
Figure 25 Cancel Key
N5X12.00Z
and then the cancel key is pressed, the address Z is erased and
N5Xl2.00 is displayed.
EOB Key-End of Block Key
This is the END-OF-BLOCK key. When pressed while in the MDI mode the EOB character (;) is inserted into the program at the cursor location.
Note: The (;) symbol is never part of the program manuscript. The control system will automatically show the EOB character, for every “Enter” key used on a keyboard.
Figure 26 End of Block Symbol Key
PART PROGRAM EDIT KEYS
These keys are used to enter new program data (Insert), to make program changes (Alter), or to delete program data in memory (Delete). They are used while editing programs.
Figure 27 Program Edit Keys
FUNCTION KEYS
These buttons correspond to particular display modes (active mode).
By pressing any one of these buttons, the display will be switched to the corresponding screen. Then the soft keys may be used to display the needed data.
•Press the POS key to display the Position Screen.
•Press the PROG key to display the program list screen.
•Press the OFFSET/SETTING key to display the screen used to set offsets or adjust parameter settings.
•Press the SYSTEM key to display the system screen.
•Press the MESSAGE key to display the message screen.
•Press the GRAPH key to display the graphics screen.
Figure 28 Function Keys
CURSOR
This symbol is in the form of a blinking dash on the display, which is located below the position of a particular address while in one of the Edit modes. On many controls, the cursor highlights the whole word, for example X7.777
Cursor Move Keys (Navigation Keys)
In order to navigate through the program, there are four keys used to move the cursor.
Figure 29 Cursor Move Keys
The right pointing arrow key is used to move the cursor to the right or in the forward direction. When this key is pressed, the cursor moves only one space each press of the button, in the forward direction.
The left pointing arrow key is used to move the cursor to the left or, in the reverse direction. Just as with the prior described case, when this key is pressed, the cursor moves only one space each press of the button, in the reverse direction.
The downward pointing arrow key is used to move the cursor downward through the program in the forward direction. When this key is pressed, the cursor moves one full line downward in the forward direction, each time.
The upward pointing arrow key is used to move the cursor upward through the program in the reverse direction. When