User guide

Chapter 4. User Interface Options 127
Options Overview (application examples)
The following are some application examples for the basic user interface options. Your
application may require any one or combination of these options.
Stand-Alone Interface Options
After defining and storing controller programs, the controller can operate in a stand-alone
fashion. A program stored in the controller may interactively prompt the user for input as part
of the program (input via I/O switches, thumbwheels, RP240, joystick). A joystick can be
use for situations requiring manual manipulation of the load.
Option Application Example
Programmable I/O Switches,
Thumbwheels
(see page 128)
Cut-to-length: Load the stock into the machine, enter the length of the cut on
the thumbwheels, and activate a programmable input switch to initiate the
predefined cutting process (axis #1). When the stock is cut, a sensor
activates a programmable input to stop the cutting process and the controller
then initiates a predefined program that indexes the stock forward (axis #2)
into position for the next cut.
RP240
for stand-alone products
(see page 130)
Grinding: Program the RP240 function keys to select certain part types, and
program one function key as a GO button. Select the part you want to grind,
then put the part in the grinding machine and press the GO function key. The
controller will then move the machine according to the predefined program
assigned to the function key selected.
Joystick
(see page 138)
X-Y scanning/calibration: Enter the joystick mode and use the 2-axis
joystick to position an X-Y table under a microscope to arbitrarily scan
different parts of the work piece (e.g., semi-conductor wafer). You can record
certain locations to be used later in a motion process (e.g., for drilling, cutting,
or photographing the work piece). The Variable Arrays section on page 120
provides an example using the joystick to teach positions. (Joystick interface
is not available for the OEM-AT6400.)
ANI Analog Inputs
for servos with ANI option
(see page 142)
Injection Molding: Use for feedback from a pressure sensor to maintain
constant, programmable force.
Programmable Logic Controller
The controller's programmable I/O may be connected to most PLCs. After defining and
storing controller programs, the PLC typically executes programs, loads data, and manipulates
inputs to the controller. The PLC instructs the controller to perform the motion segment of a
total machine process.
EXAMPLE (X-Y point-to-point): A PLC controls several tools to stack and bore several
steel plates at once. The controller is programmed to move an X-Y table in a pre-programmed
sequence. The controller moves the load when the inputs are properly configured, signals the
PLC when the load is in position, and waits for the signal to continue to the next position.
Host Computer Interface
A computer may be used to control a motion or machine process. A PC can monitor
processes and orchestrate motion by sending motion commands to the controller or by
executing motion programs already stored in the controller. This control might come from a
BASIC or C program. A BASIC program example is provided on page 143.
Custom Graphical User Interfaces (GUIs)
Compumotor provides several tools you can use to create your own custom graphical user
interfaces (GUIs). More detailed descriptions are provided on page 144.
• DLL (dynamic link library): Provided in ship kit. See page 51 for instructions.
• Motion OCX Toolkit™: OCX controls for Windows 95 and Windows NT.
• DDE6000™: DDE server.
• Motion Toolbox™: Library of LabVIEW
®
virtual instruments (VIs).