ATC Install

[MrModfi]

Hello Centroid Acorn community, my name is Ken
I am installing a DIY tool changer on my PM-30MV mill. All of the major work is complete, I'm just having issues figuring out how to set it up.
First of all, I have been using the CNC mill for over two years now, largely to make parts for the mill.
I am able to get some movement out of the carousel but nothing usable at this time. The #1 tool position appears to be set but off from the actual position. In trying the set up, the soft wear request incrementing the carousel between bins (pockets) but I only have (W+) and (W-) on the screen.
I have the tool library set up, but at this time it's set with a manual 2" Industry standard tool setter. I will be installing an electronic tool setter in the near future.

Major components:
Intel NUC i3 8109U 3.0 GHz / 16 GB RAM
Windows 10 Home - Fully set up for Acorn control
CNC12 version 5.3 Pro
Acorn 4 axis controller - (4th used for carousel positioning)
Steppers on Line - CL86Y Drivers (4)
Steppers on Line - Hybrid closed loop Steppers (w/encoders) - Carousel is 1:1 ratio
Westinghouse L510 VFD / 3HP Spindle Motor - no spindle encoder yet
Pendant controller - WMPG-4
Draw Bar and Carousel Slide are Pneumatic actuated
Notepad ++

Inputs - 1-Home Limit All, 2-Drawbar released, 5-Drive OK, 6 / 7 Carousel slide IN / OUT, 8-EStopOK
Outputs - 1-VFD Direction, 2-VFD Enable, 3-VFD Reset Out, 5-ATC IN, 6-ATC OUT, 7-Unclamp Tool, 8-Flood

A few pic's

I appreciate any and all assistance and welcome all opinions.
Thank you,
Ken (MrModfi)

[MrModfi]

Can anyone assist in the set up of my tool changer, or direct me to a post that can help?
Thank you,
Ken

[suntravel]

You will need the PRO license for an ATC with 12 tools.

Start setting up ATC in the wizard and do adjustments for your setup.

Uwe

[MrModfi]

Thank you for the response. I have been using the pro liscence for the entire time my machine has been operational. I installed the latest version and then reverted back to the previous virsion of the softwear thinking that a fresh install of the latest version would give me a chance to reset or start over. I am referring to the #1 tool position being off from the actual position I though I set when the softwear stated " Are you sure.... because this can not be changed later". (Or something like that) I actuall had the carousel in position, with the spindle down over the # 1 tool and tool clamped by the spindle. As for following the the instructions, the softwear asked for me to advance through the carousel / tool positions but I have no way to advance to each actual position.... other then (W+ or W-) keys on the screen. 12 slots would be 30 degrees apart so I tried MDI to advance positions but something is off there because the carousel just kept revolving. I think I need advice on stepper set up as well. I'm sure this is easier then I'm making it out to be, but I have been trying on my own for sometime now and finally decided I need help.

[suntravel]

You are also running out of inputs, consider to get a 1616 Expansion board.

How would you make sure that the umbrella is on T01 without a sensor?

Uwe

[Ken Rychlik]

I usually customize the M6 as needed for the purpose. I set up variables for the tool positions within the macro. 5.3 and beyond may be able to take care of all of this for you, but I have just gotten used to doing it the old way. I am including one of my M6 files for you to look at. It's easier to modify and existing M6 than it is to create one. The one size fits all M6 files are very complicated and more challenging to understand.

Your report does not have a mfunc6 or M6 as I say, in it. That is the main issue.

I can help you do it my way, but there are probably better ways?

[MrModfi]

AWE - I started out with a T1 / home position switch that was tied into the home all #1 input. I designed the switch to be adjustable incase all my careful work wasn't - careful. At start up all 4 axis would home but the #1 tool was off. I could incroment the tool into position but it would always move back. I resorted to google searches and found that (per goggle) a home switch wasn't needed. Unfortunately when I started out I was unable to find any info. here on the forum about setting up the tool changer so I started guessing and using google searches.
I do still have inputs 3 and 4.

[MrModfi]

Ken - I am so greatful for the M6 macro. I know I need to learn how to write and modify macros because the standard M6 macro fallows standard procedures for commercial machine tool changes. I have a tool unclamp switch and the carousel in and out switches but no spindle orientation sensor as I am using Tormach TTS tooling. I was thinking I could comment out the spindle orientation command and any other commands to fit my setup. I have no problem setting up the tool changer the way you suggest and will make any adjustments that are needed.
Thank you again for the assistance.

[Ken Rychlik]

Your rotary for the atc needs a reliable, repeatable home switch or proxy. You need to have it calibrated for full rotation at 360 degree command. Then you can figure out the degree rotation needed for each tool.

If you read through the lines one by one, most of them describe that portion to make it easier to understand. When you modify, make your own comments to help keep you organized.

See how far you can get, and if you get stuck, just ask and maybe someone smarter than me will chime in.