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1/2 mpg pendant key?

Posted: Fri Oct 08, 2021 9:15 pm
by 610Garage
I would like to add a 1/2 key to centroid, so that, when I measure off of a part, I can quickly zero to center. I want to use the aux key on my wireless mpg so that it divides the currently selected axis. I found a forum post (link below) where they used a macro to divide current work position. But this required the use of 3 aux buttons to select axis.

I'm still new at gcode and not super familiar with centroids plc api. I can clearly see where I would write a subroutine in the plc src file, but I don't see where to get and modify current work position. And I don't see a way to get mpg axis switch position within gcode. Not sure if I am missing something there or not.

I would assume the best option would be to have the plc write to a global system variable that the g parser can read. But I have no idea if that is even possible, much less how to go about implementing it. Any thoughts?

Thanks in advance.

viewtopic.php?f=64&t=575&p=2653&hilit=edgefinder#p2653

Re: 1/2 mpg pendant key?

Posted: Fri Oct 08, 2021 11:15 pm
by cncsnw
The PLC is not involved in a task like this at all, except to report to CNC12 that a key has been pressed (for Aux key functions via Parameters 188-199) or to trigger execution of the G code macros (e.g. c:\cncm\system\plcmacro1.mac etc.).

It is the G codes in the CNC macro file that perform the task.

You will have to look in your particular PLC program to see what word variable it uses to store the position of the axis select switch, so you can access that value (via a 96000-series CNC system variable) in the CNC macro.

The CNC system variables #5041 through #5044 hold the current axis positions in the local WCS.

So, for example:

Code: Select all

G90 G0 X[#5041/2]
would move the X axis to 1/2 of its current position.

Supposing that you want to keep it simple and readable; and that you only need to support axes X, Y and Z in their usual locations (1st, 2nd and 3rd); and that your PLC program uses variable W71 for the wireless MPG axis select switch, then the whole macro might be as simple as:

Code: Select all

IF [#96071==1] THEN G90 G0 X[#5041/2]
IF [#96071==2] THEN G90 G0 Y[#5042/2]
IF [#96071==3] THEN G90 G0 Z[#5043/2]

Re: 1/2 mpg pendant key?

Posted: Sat Oct 09, 2021 12:02 am
by 610Garage
Perfect! Not only does that solve my issue, understanding how to communicate between the plc and gcode will undoubtedly be invaluable. Thanks!