Output 1 and 2 question

[eklug]

I just installed the newest version of sb control software and installed the firmware. Now sb turns on output 1 to turn on the router but my router needs output 2 to turn on. So we have to open the keypad and turn off output 1 and turn on output 2. How can I change this so the router will turn on with output 1 on? Is it something in the control box that our maintenance guy can switch over?

[paco]

This came from your code's files. The control box just obey SB3 instructions which in turn get from the SBP file you create with CAD/CAM package.

Open one file in a text editor and you should find a line with SO,1,1 but you want SO,2,1. The last '1' refer to 'ON'. At the end of the code file, there should be a line with SO,1,0 but you want SO,2,0 to turn the right output switch OFF. This code come from the post processor you use with your CAM package whatever it is.

If you tell us what CAM package you use, I (we) may help (teach) you (how) to change that or you can get in touch with the respective support from your software to get assistance about this issue.

[eklug]

ok so this might be a stupid question but whats a CAM package?
I use Partwizard to create the .art file and the .sbp toolpath. I use the Shopbot PRTalpha control software ver 3.4.27 to run the .sbp file.

We have 2 bots both use the same software. One (newer of the 2)is a colombo spindle and that turns on with output 1 and the program turns on output 1. The older one turns on with output 2 but the software is now turning on output 1. Our files havent changed. We are running the same files as before (except we did have to reinstall partwizard i dont know if that effected anything)

[paco]

CAM refer to the toolpathing capability of PW; Computer Assist Manufacturing.

PW post processor need to modified by SB or ArtCAM... unfortunately. What I find strange is that the post is configured to use SO,1 and not SO,2...!? Did you always SO,2 before with PW to toolpath your cuts? Any recent changes apart from upgrading to 3.4.27? Was it working as intend before the upgrade?

[eklug]

I dont recall ever specifing SO 1 or 2 in PW. It just always used 2. Sort of. We had to manually turn 2 on with the keypad in the morning but it would stay on as long as the control window was open. After the upgrade it still worked as before it was only after reinstalling PW that it is trying to use SO 1. So how do I change either PW to SO 2 or the cnc to SO 1?

[Brady Watson]

Emily,
It sounds to me like the wire that turns on/off your spindle/router is physically connected to the Output #2 on your control board. PW2 writes an SO,1,1 to turn on the router and SO,1,0 to turn it off. The PW post processor is not editable...So, to make life easy, simply take the wire that is in output 2 in the control box and move it over to Output 1. Problem solved...IF you are not already using Output #1 to activate another device.

-B

[paco]

quote:We had to manually turn 2 on with the keypad in the morning but it would stay on as long as the control window was open.
That doesn't work anymore?

You can ask SB for the change (sorry, I cant help you on modifying PW posts)... or why you need to use SO,2 on this tool... the last might require rewiring.

You can change the code manually in a text editor (don't forget the SO,#,0 at the end).

From your last post, it seem you kinda workaround the "normal" process. Normally, the software output the right code and all is done automatically... I think you (and your team) could benefit to learn about the background process behind switching ON and OFF with output control (SO,#,#).

Since you're using PW and I'm not sure of your machine wiring, I would recommend to get in touch with SB support. I believe this will be the fastest way to get things fixed.

If I were in your shoes, and wish to stick with PW, I would hack the control box wiring... but something tell me to not suggest you to do that!... but I do recommend to UPGRADE to VETRIC's V Carve PRO (http://www.vectric.com/) to gain FULL control over things like that and more!

Sorry I couldn't help you any further on this issue. Let me know if there's something else I can help you with.

[eklug]

our mainentance man did the wiring in the box. If it can be changed in the box ill just have him do that. Change it from #2 to #1. He knows what he is doing.
Our software never automatically outputed the right code apparently.
It does work to change the keypad to output 2 but it doesnt stay on 2 anymore. the software keeps tryin to put it back to 1. Before we run any file we need to change it back to 2 again.
I would just like it to be setup for 1 and automatically do it like our other shopbot.

[Brady Watson]

Emily,
It's pretty simple to swap the wires. Output 2 is the correct location for a 2nd spindle or router, so it's a pretty honest mistake. When you switch the wire to Output 1, everything should function as it was designed to and there should be no changes to PartWizard or any of your software.

-Brady

[eklug]

excellent ill have him do that

thanks guys