ACR1

[armyvet]

Hello, everyone
I'm new to your forum. I've been working with B&S Globals and PCDMIS for the last 5 years. So, I'm not new to the software.
I currently have 6 Globals that I program. We received 4 new machines the end of 2005 and finally have them up and going.

My problem: Two of the new machines came with the ACR3, non-electronic tool racks. These work good, a bit slow, but still good.

I have installed PCDMIS 3.7 MR3 on one of my older machines, 5 years old. We have the ACR1 mounted on this machine. I went through the calibration and everything was good. When I try to load a new tool configuration the machine goes through it's motions but the ACR1 does not activate (does not receive the signal) to lock or unlock the PAA1. It just faults out. The machine continues through the motions, as if nothing is wrong, and goes to home position.

Anyone have any ideas on what the probem might be? I have tech support working on this, but with the move in process for them, it might be a while before I get an answer.

I hope some of the experts here can help me.
Thanks for a great forum and any help you might offer.
Vet

[tking]

Welcome! I can't help but I'm sure someone will

TK

[#2#]

What TK said!

[armyvet]

Thanks, Guys. I appreciate the welcome.

[rangerboat72]

I'm having the same type of problem...

I have been using an ACR1 with our Xcel machine and a Sharpe32 controller for the last 2 years. Every once in a while there just seems to be a communication error. On Friday I started having big problems. For some reason the ACR1 is not communicating at all with the PC. The turn screw is stuck in the unlock position. I tried everything I can think of. Completely shutting off all power to the machine and the rack (twice), removing the cable from the rack, pressing the reset button on the rack, qualifying the rack but nothing ever resets the ACR1. I actually broke a tip by dropping a probe out of the rack when I thought it had finally engaged (never broke one that way before)...

If you find out anything on your issue please post the results. I'm probably going to contact tech support when I get a chance but there's no immediate need since I can manually change probes for now. Who know's, it'll probably magically start working again???

[rangerboat72]

Oh, by the way

WELCOME TO THE FORUM ! ! !

[armyvet]

rangerboat72, when I find out, you find out. I Promise!
I hope tech support will come up with something. And it doesn't take too long.

[bw_bob]

rangerboat72, when I find out, you find out. I Promise!
I hope tech support will come up with something. And it doesn't take too long.

I'm sure you should get a call in the next few minutes....and welcome.

[layout tech]

Your portlock lists the options allowed on that portlock #. Check to see if the disc you loaded had that option listed. If it is not listed it will not work.

[Saliha]

Hello, everyone
I have installed PCDMIS 3.7 MR3 on one of my older machines, 5 years old. We have the ACR1 mounted on this machine. I went through the calibration and everything was good. When I try to load a new tool configuration the machine goes through it's motions but the ACR1 does not activate (does not receive the signal) to lock or unlock the PAA1. It just faults out. The machine continues through the motions, as if nothing is wrong, and goes to home position.


Vet

Welcome on board

Try to change the docking speed as 8 % ; and check again "mount point" coordinates.

Hope this helps.

Saliha

[armyvet]

bw bob: How did you do that????:-P They did call, right after your post time. Still no answer. They're sending everything I've sent them to Wilcox. The rep said they still in the middle of the move to the new building and it might take a while.

layout tech: Yes, it's listed. I recently received new updates for my portlocks and they all worked, except for this particular machine. I'm calling and seeing what the problem is with the file for this machine.

Saliha: Thanks for the welcome. I have all my speeds set as absolute and am using 20mm speed on the ACR1. The tech rep said that is a good speed.
The machine moves into position and waits, as if it is working on a delay, and then moves up, out, and to the next port, as if the rack had unlocked as usual. Just no action from the rack.
Mount point coordinates are good, as well.

Still waiting on tech support for the final solution. I'll let everyone know so if anyone else runs into this problem, it might help them.

Thanks for all the replies.

vet

[JamesMannes]

Welcome from the great white north hey?

[Don Ruggieri]

try something else

Are you aware that you can turn the key from terminal mode?

Unfortunately, I don't know what the commands are right now, something like 'k1'. Do you have the Renishaw manual? I am in the middle of "the move" also or I'd look in my book. This will tel you if communications are working properly? I assume your rack is plugged into COM2? Make sure you have COM2 entered in your rack configuration screen.

As an alternative, to get them working, are you aware that they are usable in what is called "Standalone" mode, without communicating with the computer. Its all based on timing and switch settings. This too is in the Renishaw manual.

Try to communicate with it through terminal mode, let us know what you see.

Also, welcome to the forum

[armyvet]

Sorry about the delay in coming back to this. Got real busy with some "very important parts". All at our other plant. All done now.

Don: You were right. I didn't have the COM port set to "2". Duh!!!!

At least this makes my "Friday Eve" a little better.

I want to thank all of you for your responses. Sorry about the "stuck on stupid".

I got a response from tech support 2 hours after I tried Don's suggestion on the COM port. They gave me the same information. Don was much faster.