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Difference between revisions of "Automatic Tool Length Sensor"

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[[image:ATLaS_1.jpg|thumb|500px|ATLaS Automatic Tool Length Sensor]]
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[[File:ATLaS_1.jpg|thumb|ATLaS Automatic Tool Length Sensor]]
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When using multiple tools on a CNC operation, the z-axis is always the goofy axis because, for instance, the lengths of the tools are all different and the distance the tool is inserted into the collet can vary widely - both intentionally and unintentionally. With conventional CNC routing, each tool operation has to be done in a separate g-code file, with each tool needing to be touched off in the z-axis on each tool change.  
+
When purchasing a [[:Category:Galaxy Series|Galaxy]] or [[:Category:GX Series|GX]] series machine, you will have an option for PROBOTIX to install, configure and test this sensor before it ships. This page goes into detail about how to use the tool length sensor. If you do not choose to have the Automatic Tool Length Sensor (ATLaS) factory installed and instead purchase the sensor at a later date, you will need to start with the [[#Installation]] and [[#Configuration]] sections below.
  
−
The new ATLaS automatic tool length sensor for the Comet/Asteroid/Meteor machines radically optimizes this tool change process. With the tool length sensor, you will load the first tool, then the machine will capture the tool length with the sensor before you touch that tool off to the top of the part. This will establish the z-axis origin and you will only have to touch off the top of the part this one time. On each tool change, the machine will shut off the spindle and drive out to the front of the machine to allow for easy tool change access. The machine will then drive over until it is above the tool sensor, will bounce off of that sensor, will then continue with the cutting process using the new compensated tool length offset.
+
== About ==
 +
When using multiple tools on a CNC operation the Z-axis is always the goofy axis because, for instance, the lengths of the tools are all different and the distance the tool is inserted into the collet can vary widely - both intentionally and unintentionally. With conventional CNC routing each tool operation has to be done in a separate g-code file, with each tool needing to be touched-off in the Z-axis on each tool change.  
  
−
The tool sensor can measure tools up to 5/8" diameter. You can still use larger tools if you need, but you will not be able to use the automatic tool length sensor when you do. The sensor sits just below the surface of the spoil board. You can make use of that area of the table if you need, but again you will not be able to use the automatic tool length sensor when you do.  
+
The new ATLaS radically optimizes the tool change process. With the tool length sensor, you will load the first tool, then the machine will capture the tool length with the sensor before you touch that tool off to the top of the part. This will establish the Z-axis origin and you will only have to touch off the top of the part this one time. On each tool change, the machine will shut off the spindle and drive out to the front of the machine to allow for easy tool change access. The machine will then drive over until it is above the tool sensor, will bounce off of that sensor, will then continue with the cutting process using the new compensated tool length offset.
  
−
----
+
The tool sensor can measure tools up to 5/8" diameter. You can still use larger tools if you need, but you will not be able to use the ATLaS when you do as the sensor sits just below the surface of the spoil board. You can make use of that area of the table if you need, but again you will not be able to use the ATLaS.  
−
To use the this Automatic tool length sensor, your CAM post-processor will need to be modified such that the tool change function is no longer g-code M6. The tool change function typically looks like this:
+
  
−
::<code>M6 T1</code>   
+
== Usage ==
 +
To use the ATLaS, your CAM post-processor will need to be modified such that the tool change function is no longer g-code M6. The tool change function typically looks like this:
 +
 
 +
:<code>T1 M6</code>   
  
 
The new tool change function will look like this:
 
The new tool change function will look like this:
  
−
::<code>o100 CALL [1]</code>
+
:<code>o100 CALL [1]</code>
  
−
For metric, the tool change will look like this:
+
The <code>o100</code> subroutine handles loading of the G43 tool length compensation, so if the post processor is inserting G43s, they will need to be removed as well.
  
−
::<code>o101 CALL [1]</code>
+
=== Step-by-step ===
 +
<gallery mode="packed-overlay">
 +
File:Estop.png|E-Stop
 +
File:Loadfirsttool.png|Load First Tool
 +
File:Inserttool1.png|Insert Tool 1
 +
File:Inserttool3.png|Insert Tool 3
 +
</gallery>
  
−
We will post modified post processors here on the wiki as we compile them. Please contact us if you need help modifying a post processor.
+
# Launch LinuxCNC
 +
# Toggle the eStop switch and make sure the red e-Stop indicator follows the position of the physical eStop switch. (see E Stop image)
 +
# Activate the software by pressing the orange machine power button (or F2)
 +
# Home the machine by clicking {{AxisButton|Home All}} or [[File:tool_home.gif]]
 +
# Click the {{AxisButton|Load 1st Tool}} or {{AxisButton|Measure 1st Tool}} button. (see [[Probotix Axis Interface]])
 +
#* This will bring the spindle out to the front of the machine and prompt you to load Tool #1
 +
#* You don't have to actually use Tool #1, you may have another tool you prefer to do your touch-offs with, if so then load that tool.
 +
# It will say "Insert tool 1 and click continue when ready." - do so. (see Insert Tool 1)
 +
# The machine will drive over to the center of the tool sensor and plunge down.
 +
#* Make sure to have your finger on the escape key in case it's plunging down in the wrong place and if so, see [[#Not centered over ATLaS]].
 +
# After it calculates the length of the tool it will raise all the way up, and then move over a small amount in the X (to prevent accidental crashes into the tool sensor). At the bottom of the screen you will see now "Tool 1" and the calculated length of the tool.
 +
# Now if you go to the MDI screen, you will see that G43 is now listed in the list of active G-codes. This means that you are now operating in tool length compensation mode. A G49 will cancel tool length compensation mode if you need to go back to the traditional machine methods - ie: the way you did things before you installed the tool sensor.
 +
# Now, mount your stock up on the table. Jog the machine over and touch off as you normally would. When touching off while G43 is active, the Z axis touch off is referenced to the length of the tool rather than the actual height of the stock.
 +
# Now you are ready to run your program. In your program, whenever LinuxCNC encounters <code>o100 CALL [tool_number]</code> it will turn off the spindle, drive the spindle out to the front of the machine, and lift all the way up to give you easy access to changing the tool. A dialog box will pop up on the screen prompting you to load the next tool. To be safe, you may want to turn off the physical power button on the side of your router if it has one. Don't forget to turn it back on or else you may drag the tool through your part.
 +
# After you click continue, it will drive over and measure the length of the new tool and continue with the next cutting operation.
  
−
----
+
<div class="warningbox">'''IMPORTANT:''' If you change your spindle/spindle mount, the Y position may be different and you may need to adjust the ATLaS position as noted [[#Not centered over ATLaS| below]].</div>
  
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Here is the tool change routine. This file is named 100.ngc and must be kept in the nc_files directory.
+
== Post Processors ==
 +
We will post modified post processors here on the wiki as we compile them.
  
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<pre>
+
=== Vectric CAM software ===
−
o100 SUB
+
* [[Media:PROBOTIX_LinuxCNC_ATLaS_G64_Arc_Inch_TTS.zip]]
 +
* Then move that file into the PostP folder on your PC.
  
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(#1 must be passed as tool number)
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=== Where to find the Post Processors directory on your PC ===
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#30 = ROUND[#5220] (stores the current coordinate system)
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* http://support.vectric.com/aspire-questions/item/where-to-find-post-processors-folder-on-pc
 +
* http://forum.vectric.com/viewtopic.php?f=4&t=6213
  
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M9
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== Installation ==
−
G59.3 (use G59.3 as zero location for touch sensor)
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[[image:ATLaS_2.jpg|thumb|ATLaS Connector]]
−
G53 G90 G0 Z0
+
The ATLaS will plug into the secondary parallel port connector on the back of the control PC. If your ATLaS was not factory installed you will need to [[LinuxCNC Configurator| re-configure]] your machine for its usage.
−
G53 X12.5 Y0
+
−
T#1 M6
+
−
G0 X0 Y0
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−
G91 G38.2 Z-5 F10
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−
G10 L11 P#1 Z0 R0
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−
G53 G90 G0 Z-.1
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−
G43
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−
G91 Z0.1
+
−
G90
+
  
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(reset to the previous coordinate system)
+
=== Retrofitting an Existing Machine ===
−
o102 IF [#30 EQ 1]
+
You can mount the ATLaS anywhere on the machine that the tool can reach but if you purchased the machine in 2015 or later it will already have a hole in the spoil board for mounting in the left hand corner closest to the front of the machine. Otherwise you will need to drill a 3/4" hole in the spoil board that the plunger will fit through. If you are going to remove your spoil board to do this see [[Spoil_Boards#Installing/Removing the Spoilboard|Installing/Removing the Spoilboard]].  
−
  G54
+
−
o102 ELSEIF [#30 EQ 2]
+
−
  G55
+
−
o102 ELSEIF [#30 EQ 3]
+
−
  G56
+
−
o102 ELSEIF [#30 EQ 4]
+
−
  G57
+
−
o102 ELSEIF [#30 EQ 5]
+
−
  G58
+
−
o102 ELSEIF [#30 EQ 6]
+
−
  G59
+
−
o102 ELSEIF [#30 EQ 7]
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−
  G59.1
+
−
o102 ELSEIF [#30 EQ 8]
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−
  G59.2
+
−
o102 ENDIF
+
  
−
o100 ENDSUB
+
If you purchased the ATLaS separately it may come with a DB25 connector to be used on the secondary parallel port on the PC. If you already have a Z-puck installed with a DB25 connector of its own see [[Z Touch-off Puck#Retrofitting an Existing Machine|Z-puck Retrofitting]]
  
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</pre>
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<div class="warningbox">'''IMPORTANT:''' If you choose to mount the sensor anywhere other than the location that we provided, then you will need to modify your <code>100.ngc</code> file manually as the location of the sensor is hard-coded in that file now.</div>
  
−
----
+
=== Configuration ===
−
[[image:ATLaS_2.jpg|thumb|500px|ATLaS Connector]]
+
You will need to reconfigure LinuxCNC for your machine to make use of the tool sensor. Follow the configuration instructions here: [[LinuxCNC Configurator]]
−
The ATLaS automatic tool length sensor will plug into the secondary parallel port connector on the back of the control PC.
+
* The new configuration will place a Probe LED on the right hand panel of the screen. Depress the plunger on the probe and make sure the indicator responds before proceeding.
  
 +
== Code ==
  
−
==About the Automatic Tool Length Sensor==
+
Below is the tool change routine and must be kept in the <code>/nc_files</code> directory and be named <code>100.ngc</code>
−
When purchasing a Comet/Meteor/Asteroid/Nebula machine, you will have an option for PROBOTIX to install, configure and test the sensor before it ships. If you do not choose this at purchase, your second option is to purchase the sensor at a later date to retrofit your machine. When choosing the second option, you will be required to perform the installation of the sensor as well as the configuration of your machine, PC, LinuxCNC, and CAM software. The retrofit section below will provide some guidelines for this.
+
  
−
==Retrofitting your Machine with a Tool Sensor==
+
<pre>
 +
o100 SUB
  
−
=Installing the Sensor=
+
(#1 tool number as passed from CALL)
−
You should receive a tool sensor connected to a parallel port connector. Mount unit to the machine. Mount it anywhere on the machine that the tool can reach. On our machines we place it down in the left hand corner closest to the front of the machine. Machines purchased in 2015 will already have the hole in the spoil board for this mounting location otherwise you will need to drill a 3/4" hole in the spoil board that the plunger will sit in. If you are going to remove your spoil board to do this you can use M5 studs to help get the spoil board back down over the T-nuts. It's easy to make your own studs by cutting the head off a longer M5 screw. (pic placeholder) The DB25 parallel connector goes to the secondary parallel port on the PC.
+
#<_ATLAS_X> = -0.075                            (Absolute machine X position for tool sensor)
 +
#<_ATLAS_Y> = 3.5533                            (Absolute machine Y position for tool sensor)
 +
#<_MULTIPLIER> = 1                              (1 for INCH, 25.4 for MM)
 +
#<_Z_MIN> = 5                                  (maximum Z- probe search distance)
 +
#<_X_PARK> = REPLACE_X_PARK
  
−
=LinuxCNC=
+
M5 M9 (turn off spindle and shop vac)
−
You will want to use a new configuration for LinuxCNC for your machine with a tool sensor. Any PCs bought after 2015 (or have been rewired for bipolar) will already have the config. If yours is older you may need to download the config from here: [[LinuxCNC_Configuration]]
+
REPLACE_GUNITS (set units)
−
The new config will be the name of your current config (ie: Meteor, or Meteor_4A, or Meteor_2015) plus a TS like Meteor_TS, Meteor_TS_2015, or Meteor_TS_4A).
+
G53 G90 G0 Z0 (retract z)
  
−
Launch the new config by going to Applications->CNC->LinuxCNC, this will give you a menu of all the configurations on your PC. Chooses the appropriate configuration for your machine, and check that box that says make a desktop icon. **NOTE there will be two configuration icons on your desktop. If you ever want to use the old configuration without the Tool Sensor you can just lauch that icon on your desktop.**
+
(#5400 is current tool number)
−
The TS designates the configuration uses the Tool Sensor.
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o101 if [#1 NE #5400] (if tool number has changed)
 +
G53 G0 X#<_X_PARK> Y0 (drive out to front of machine)
 +
T#1 M6 (tool change prompt)
 +
o101 endif
  
−
1) Activate the orange machine power button, then go to Machine->HAL meter (pic placeholder) This will open up two small windows. One window lets you select an item to probe, and the other window shows you the current state of the signal that is being probed.  
+
G53 G0 X#<_ATLAS_X> Y#<_ATLAS_Y> (move over tool sensor)
−
2) On the pins tab, scroll down to the pin labeled "motion.probe-input" and click on it. This signal should read "FALSE".
+
G91 G38.2 Z-#<_Z_MIN> F[10 * #<_MULTIPLIER>] (feed down until probe is active)
−
3) Depress the plunger on the tool sensor and it should cause that signal to go TRUE. If that is working correctly, your parallel port initialized at the proper address.
+
G10 L11 P#1 Z0 R0 (set tool table)
 +
G53 G90 G0 Z0                 (retract most of the way up)
 +
G43                                            (load tool length offset for current tool)
 +
G91 X[2 * #<_MULTIPLIER>] (move over 2 inches to right)
 +
G90 (jump back into absolute mode)
  
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Most of the time these cards will initialize to 0xd050, but not always. That is determined by processing done in the BIOS and there doesn't seem to be any rhyme or reason as to what that address becomes. If this is not working, you will need to go and find out what address the second parallel port did initialize to. First CLOSE LinuxCNC completely, then move on to the next section for finding the address
+
o100 ENDSUB
−
 
+
</pre>
−
=Finding the parallel port address when it is NOT the default 0xd050=
+
−
 
+
−
To find the address in that case, open up a terminal session (similar to a windows dos prompt) go to Applications, Accessories, Terminal. (pic placeholder)
+
−
Type the command lspci -v
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−
This will list data about everything attached to the PCI bus. Usually the add on card shows up at the bottom of the list but not always. You will be looking for something like NetMos tech PCI 9815 multi-I/O controller. In that section it will list the I/O ports for that device with the address next to it. (pic placeholder) Make note of the first two addresses in the list. It's usually the first one but sometimes it's the second one.
+
−
1) Go to Applications->Accessories->g-edit text editor
+
−
2) Go to File->Open and browse to probotix/linuxcnc/configs
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−
3) Choose the appropriate folder (ie: Meteor_TS_2015)
+
−
4) Choose the HAL file of the same name (ie Meteor_TS_2015.hal)
+
−
***If line numbers are not turned on already, go to EDIT->PREFERENCES and put a check under display line numbers****
+
−
5) Go to around line 9, you are looking for loadrt hal_parport cfg="0x378 0xd050"
+
−
6) leave the 0x, and replace the d050 with the first address you noted
+
−
7) File->Save and leave g-edit open in case you need to use the second address
+
−
8) Launch the new config icon on the desktop
+
−
9) Go back and repeat the probe to see if this address worked: (Activate the orange machine power button, then go to Machine->HAL meter (pic placeholder) This will open up two small windows. One window lets you select an item to probe, and the other window shows you the current state of the signal that is being probed. On the pins tab, scroll down to the pin labeled "motion.probe-input" and click on it. This signal should read "FALSE". Depress the plunger on the tool sensor and it should cause that signal to go TRUE. If that is working correctly, your parallel port initialized at the proper address.)
+
−
10) If that worked great, if not, go back to the g-edit window and put the other address in and save, then repeat the test.
+
−
 
+
−
 
+
−
If it's still not working, call us.
+
−
 
+
−
=Test=
+
−
1) Home the machine
+
−
Click Home All button
+
−
The touch off subroutines that we wrote utilize the G59.3 Coordinate system. We chose to set the tool sensor in it's own coordinate system so that you can move the sensor anywhere on the table that you would like, and doing so only requires that you re-touch the G59.3 coordinate system. As a result of this however, you will no longer be able to use the G59.3 coordinate system when using the tool sensor. Also when you measure the length of the first tool, keep your finger on the ESC key to abort the probing operation should you accidentally touched off the G59.3 coordinate system somewhere else - you will know this when it begins the downward plunge in the wrong place. If that happens abort it so you don't break your tool.
+
−
 
+
−
2) Load Tool & Jog
+
−
Load a tool (preferably a pointed tool) and jog the machine directly over the center of the tool sensor. You may want to jog the machine down as well to make it easier to locate, but you do not have to touch the plunger with the tool as we do not need to set the height.
+
−
 
+
−
3)Touch Off
+
−
Now that the tool is directly over the plunger, click the X radio button in LinuxCNC to choose the X axis, then click the Touch Off button. When the dialog box pops up, click on the drop down menu and select the G59.3 coordinate system and put a value of 0 in the input box and click OK. Do the same for the Y axis. LinuxCNC remembers the last coordinate system you touched off in, so now to prevent an accident from happening, choose the Z axis but then pick the G54 coordinate system in the drop down menu. While this last step is not necessary, it can help to prevent accidentally resetting the G59.3 coordinate system. Now jog the machine away from the tool sensor and we will test the tool sensor positioning.
+
−
 
+
−
4) Testing Tool Sensor Positioning
+
−
Select the MDI tab, and in the MDI command box, type G59.3 G0 X0 Y0
+
−
Hit go
+
−
 
+
−
The machine should return to the X/Y center of the tool sensor - if not call us before proceeding. If it did then lets jump out of the G59.3 coordinate system by typing G54 in the MDI command box and hit go. Congratulations you are all set, now you can learn how to use it.
+
−
 
+
−
=How to use the Tool Sensor=
+
−
1) Launch LinuxCNC
+
−
 
+
−
2) Toggle the eStop switch and make sure the red e-Stop indicator follows the position of the physical eStop switch.
+
−
 
+
−
3) Activate the software by pressing the orange machine power button (or F2)
+
−
 
+
−
4) Home the machine by clicking Home All
+
−
 
+
−
5) Click the 'Load First Tool' button. This will bring the spindle out to the front of the machine and prompt you to load Tool #1
+
−
You don't have to actually use Tool#1, you may have another tool you prefer to do your touch offs with, if so then load that tool.
+
−
 
+
−
6) It will say insert tool 1 and hit continue when ready - do so.
+
−
 
+
−
7) It will drive over to the center of the tool sensor and plunge down. Make sure to have your finger on the escape key in case it's plunging down in the wrong place.
+
−
 
+
−
8) After it calculates the length of the tool it will raise all the way up, and then move over a small amount in the X (to prevent accidental crashes into the tool sensor). At the bottom of the screen you will see now 'Tool 1' and the calculated length of the tool.
+
−
 
+
−
9) Now if you go to the MDI screen, you will see that G43 is now listed in the list of active G-codes. This means that you are now operating in tool length compensation mode. A G49 will cancel tool length compensation mode if you need to go back to the traditional machine methods - it: the way you did things before you installed the tool sensor.
+
−
 
+
−
10) Now, mount your stock up on the table.Jog the machine over and touch off as you normally would. When touching off while G43 is active, the Z axis touch off is referenced to the length of the tool rather than the actual height of the stock.
+
−
 
+
−
11)Now you are ready to run your program.
+
−
 
+
−
**If you change your spindle/spindle mount, the Y position may be different and you may need to re-touch off G59.3 with the new spindle.
+
−
 
+
−
----
+
−
Post Processors
+
−
 
+
−
[[File:PROBOTIX_LinuxCNC_G64_Arc_Inch_TTS.pp]]
+
−
 
+
−
 
+
−
 
+
−
---
+
−
Config File:
+
−
Asteroid Tool Sensor Config: [[File:Asteroid_TS.zip]]
+
−
 
+
−
Meteor Tool Sensor Config: [[File:Meteor_TS.zip]]
+
  
−
Meteor Tool Sensor w/4th Axis Metric Config: [[File:Meteor4thTSMetric.zip]]
+
== FAQ ==
 +
=== Not centered over ATLaS ===
 +
If your spindle/router does not center over the ATLaS sensor before plunging down you may need to adjust the Y-coordinate of the ATLaS location.
 +
# Start by positioning the machine over the ATLaS button in order to determine the Y-coordinate.
 +
# Open the <code>100.ngc</code> file located in <code>/nc_files/subs</code>
 +
# Edit the line <code>#<_ATLAS_Y></code> to equal the Y location you previously found.
 +
# Don't forget to save the <code>100.ngc</code> file for the change to take place.

Latest revision as of 08:36, 22 January 2019

ATLaS Automatic Tool Length Sensor

When purchasing a Galaxy or GX series machine, you will have an option for PROBOTIX to install, configure and test this sensor before it ships. This page goes into detail about how to use the tool length sensor. If you do not choose to have the Automatic Tool Length Sensor (ATLaS) factory installed and instead purchase the sensor at a later date, you will need to start with the #Installation and #Configuration sections below.

About

When using multiple tools on a CNC operation the Z-axis is always the goofy axis because, for instance, the lengths of the tools are all different and the distance the tool is inserted into the collet can vary widely - both intentionally and unintentionally. With conventional CNC routing each tool operation has to be done in a separate g-code file, with each tool needing to be touched-off in the Z-axis on each tool change.

The new ATLaS radically optimizes the tool change process. With the tool length sensor, you will load the first tool, then the machine will capture the tool length with the sensor before you touch that tool off to the top of the part. This will establish the Z-axis origin and you will only have to touch off the top of the part this one time. On each tool change, the machine will shut off the spindle and drive out to the front of the machine to allow for easy tool change access. The machine will then drive over until it is above the tool sensor, will bounce off of that sensor, will then continue with the cutting process using the new compensated tool length offset.

The tool sensor can measure tools up to 5/8" diameter. You can still use larger tools if you need, but you will not be able to use the ATLaS when you do as the sensor sits just below the surface of the spoil board. You can make use of that area of the table if you need, but again you will not be able to use the ATLaS.

Usage

To use the ATLaS, your CAM post-processor will need to be modified such that the tool change function is no longer g-code M6. The tool change function typically looks like this:

T1 M6

The new tool change function will look like this:

o100 CALL [1]

The o100 subroutine handles loading of the G43 tool length compensation, so if the post processor is inserting G43s, they will need to be removed as well.

Step-by-step

  • E-Stop

  • Load First Tool

  • Insert Tool 1

  • Insert Tool 3

  1. Launch LinuxCNC
  2. Toggle the eStop switch and make sure the red e-Stop indicator follows the position of the physical eStop switch. (see E Stop image)
  3. Activate the software by pressing the orange machine power button (or F2)
  4. Home the machine by clicking Home All or Tool home.gif
  5. Click the Load 1st Tool or Measure 1st Tool button. (see Probotix Axis Interface)
    • This will bring the spindle out to the front of the machine and prompt you to load Tool #1
    • You don't have to actually use Tool #1, you may have another tool you prefer to do your touch-offs with, if so then load that tool.
  6. It will say "Insert tool 1 and click continue when ready." - do so. (see Insert Tool 1)
  7. The machine will drive over to the center of the tool sensor and plunge down.
    • Make sure to have your finger on the escape key in case it's plunging down in the wrong place and if so, see #Not centered over ATLaS.
  8. After it calculates the length of the tool it will raise all the way up, and then move over a small amount in the X (to prevent accidental crashes into the tool sensor). At the bottom of the screen you will see now "Tool 1" and the calculated length of the tool.
  9. Now if you go to the MDI screen, you will see that G43 is now listed in the list of active G-codes. This means that you are now operating in tool length compensation mode. A G49 will cancel tool length compensation mode if you need to go back to the traditional machine methods - ie: the way you did things before you installed the tool sensor.
  10. Now, mount your stock up on the table. Jog the machine over and touch off as you normally would. When touching off while G43 is active, the Z axis touch off is referenced to the length of the tool rather than the actual height of the stock.
  11. Now you are ready to run your program. In your program, whenever LinuxCNC encounters o100 CALL [tool_number] it will turn off the spindle, drive the spindle out to the front of the machine, and lift all the way up to give you easy access to changing the tool. A dialog box will pop up on the screen prompting you to load the next tool. To be safe, you may want to turn off the physical power button on the side of your router if it has one. Don't forget to turn it back on or else you may drag the tool through your part.
  12. After you click continue, it will drive over and measure the length of the new tool and continue with the next cutting operation.
IMPORTANT: If you change your spindle/spindle mount, the Y position may be different and you may need to adjust the ATLaS position as noted below.

Post Processors

We will post modified post processors here on the wiki as we compile them.

Vectric CAM software

Where to find the Post Processors directory on your PC

Installation

ATLaS Connector

The ATLaS will plug into the secondary parallel port connector on the back of the control PC. If your ATLaS was not factory installed you will need to re-configure your machine for its usage.

Retrofitting an Existing Machine

You can mount the ATLaS anywhere on the machine that the tool can reach but if you purchased the machine in 2015 or later it will already have a hole in the spoil board for mounting in the left hand corner closest to the front of the machine. Otherwise you will need to drill a 3/4" hole in the spoil board that the plunger will fit through. If you are going to remove your spoil board to do this see Installing/Removing the Spoilboard.

If you purchased the ATLaS separately it may come with a DB25 connector to be used on the secondary parallel port on the PC. If you already have a Z-puck installed with a DB25 connector of its own see Z-puck Retrofitting

IMPORTANT: If you choose to mount the sensor anywhere other than the location that we provided, then you will need to modify your 100.ngc file manually as the location of the sensor is hard-coded in that file now.

Configuration

You will need to reconfigure LinuxCNC for your machine to make use of the tool sensor. Follow the configuration instructions here: LinuxCNC Configurator

  • The new configuration will place a Probe LED on the right hand panel of the screen. Depress the plunger on the probe and make sure the indicator responds before proceeding.

Code

Below is the tool change routine and must be kept in the /nc_files directory and be named 100.ngc 

o100 SUB

(#1 tool number as passed from CALL) 
#<_ATLAS_X> = -0.075                            (Absolute machine X position for tool sensor)
#<_ATLAS_Y> = 3.5533                            (Absolute machine Y position for tool sensor)
#<_MULTIPLIER> = 1                              (1 for INCH, 25.4 for MM)
#<_Z_MIN> = 5                                   (maximum Z- probe search distance)
#<_X_PARK> = REPLACE_X_PARK

M5 M9						(turn off spindle and shop vac)
REPLACE_GUNITS					(set units)
G53 G90 G0 Z0 					(retract z)

(#5400 is current tool number)
o101 if [#1 NE #5400] 				(if tool number has changed)
	G53 G0 X#<_X_PARK> Y0			(drive out to front of machine)
	T#1 M6 					(tool change prompt)
o101 endif

G53 G0 X#<_ATLAS_X> Y#<_ATLAS_Y>		(move over tool sensor)
G91 G38.2 Z-#<_Z_MIN> F[10 * #<_MULTIPLIER>]	(feed down until probe is active)
G10 L11 P#1 Z0 R0				(set tool table)
G53 G90 G0 Z0			                (retract most of the way up)
G43                                             (load tool length offset for current tool)
G91 X[2 * #<_MULTIPLIER>]			(move over 2 inches to right)
G90						(jump back into absolute mode)

o100 ENDSUB

FAQ

Not centered over ATLaS

If your spindle/router does not center over the ATLaS sensor before plunging down you may need to adjust the Y-coordinate of the ATLaS location.

  1. Start by positioning the machine over the ATLaS button in order to determine the Y-coordinate.
  2. Open the 100.ngc file located in /nc_files/subs
  3. Edit the line #<_ATLAS_Y> to equal the Y location you previously found.
  4. Don't forget to save the 100.ngc file for the change to take place.
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