Line 57: |
Line 57: |
| '''Software''' | | '''Software''' |
| | | |
− | Find a process for backing up and restoring system parameters. Update: Parameters can be accessed by pressing MOD repeatedly until you are prompted to enter a Code, which is 95148. The EXT key allows import of parameters from this screen, but apparently not export. | + | Find a process for backing up and restoring system parameters. Update: Parameters can be accessed by pressing MOD repeatedly until you are prompted to enter a Code, which is 95148. The EXT key allows import of parameters from this screen, but apparently not export. Care should be exercised with machine parameters. |
| | | |
| Figure out how to drip code to the Heidenhain (Ed). | | Figure out how to drip code to the Heidenhain (Ed). |
| | | |
| Set up the tool chain. | | Set up the tool chain. |
− |
| |
− | In some cases, there isn't direct translation. The front panel buttons are labeled for conversational language.
| |
| | | |
| '''Electrical''' | | '''Electrical''' |
Line 110: |
Line 108: |
| | | |
| == Reference == | | == Reference == |
| + | |
| + | ''' Tool Chain ''' |
| + | |
| + | The TNC 151 can be configured for Conversational mode or G-code. The former is designed to be simpler to view, understand, and for a machinist to key in from the control panel. The controller apparently can translate programs between the two formats. But some things may not translate well. For example, the G-code G00 (Rapid) does not exist in Conversational language. |
| + | |
| + | G-code itself has variations among CNC machine platforms. The variant the TNC 151 uses claims to be close to the ISO RS-274-D standard. This differs from other manufacturers, so G-code generated for Fanuc might not be compatible. The TNC 151 has some particular requirements about G-code structure. |
| + | |
| + | Simple jobs can keyed into the TNC 151 directly, in either Conversational or ISO (G-code) mode. These support subroutines and loops, so repetitive operations can be programmed once and executed at different locations. |
| + | |
| + | For somewhat more complex jobs, the TNC 151 can export and export programs, in either Conversational or ISO (G-code) format, via a serial port to or from a computer. One can create and edit the job offline. |
| + | |
| + | It is expected most users will want to use a CAD package to design a part, then build the tool paths for it in a CAM package, and export G-code. This could then be uploaded into program memory on the TNC 151 and executed. |
| + | |
| + | Because program memory in the TNC 151 is limited by length, complex jobs will probably need to be sent to the machine using a "drip feed" where the computer sequentially feeds G-code instructions to the TNC 151 which executes them directly without storing them in memory. |
| | | |
| ''' Emulator ''' | | ''' Emulator ''' |
| | | |
| A TNC 151 emulator that runs under Windows is available for download at http://www.cnc-developments.fsnet.co.uk/ Note that this definitely supports Conversational mode, but it is unclear whether it supports G-code programming. It appears to be shareware, with some features limited. | | A TNC 151 emulator that runs under Windows is available for download at http://www.cnc-developments.fsnet.co.uk/ Note that this definitely supports Conversational mode, but it is unclear whether it supports G-code programming. It appears to be shareware, with some features limited. |
| + | |
| + | ''' Web Resources ''' |
| + | |
| + | * http://faculty.etsu.edu/hemphill/entc3710/heid-op/heid.htm - University course documentation using a similar setup. Note that it uses G-code, not Conversational mode. |
| + | * http://faculty.etsu.edu/hemphill/entc3710/nc-prog/index.htm - Discussion of CNC. The document appears unfinished. |