Acu-Rite Control System MILLPWRG2 User Manual

							ACU-RITE MILLPWRG2 31
1.2 Operating in 2 Axes and 3 Axes Modes
1.2  Operating in 2 Axes and 3 Axes 
Modes
Overview
The MILLPWRG2 is capable of running a 2 axes machine (manual Z) or 
a 3 axes machine with the Z being switched to manual as needed. This 
Users Manual covers 2 axes and 3 axes operation. This section 
provides some general guidelines. In 2 axes mode, all Z moves must 
be made manually.  
When running a program, the system will pause and provide a prompt 
whenever a Z move is required.  
The incremental DRO display will show the distance to the Z axis 
target position.
Press the ABS/INCR key to toggle between absolute and incremental  
display modes.
In incremental mode, a bar graph is displayed below each axis 
position.  A small blue indicator moves toward the center of the bar 
as the incremental position approaches 0.  When at 0, the blue 
indicator will be centered.
After moving the Z axis to the programmed position, press the GO 
key to continue running the program.
In 2 axis mode, the incremental DRO display may be set to 0 by 
pressing the Zero Z soft key.
Move Z to the surface of the part or a known reference position.
Press the Zero Z soft key.
Move Z to the desired position.  The INCR display shows how far Z 
has been moved from the reference position.
Press the GO key to continue running the program.
Coupled axes in 2 axis mode
In 2 axis mode, moving the W axis while running a program will not 
cause a program fault. W motion will affect the current step’s Z target 
positions.  The Z moves are determined at the beginning of each step. 
The Z axis INC display will not account for any W motion, and will not 
show the correct distance to subsequent Z target moves within the 
current step.
For most pockets or paths, W motion only affects the Z retract move 
at the end of the pocket or path. For custom pockets, contour steps, 
and engrave steps, there may be multiple Z moves within the step that 
are affected.
If the W axis is moved, use the DRO’S ABS display value to correctly 
position the Z axis.
The INC display is corrected for any W motion at the start of the next 
step. Position / Drill steps and hole pattern steps are correct for any
W motion. 
						

							321 Introduction
1.2 Operating in 2 Axes and 3 Axes Modes
Program steps on 2 axis systems
When prompted to set Z, the incremental display will show the 
distance to the Z end depth.  
After drilling to depth, raise the quill and press the GO key to continue 
running the program.
For pocket steps, raise the quill and press GO when prompted. 
Selecting 2 axis mode on 3 axis systems
To run a program in 2 axis mode, disengage the quill assembly 
before pressing the GO key.  
A prompt will appear indicating that the quill is disengaged.  
If this is intentional, press GO and the program will run in 2 axis 
mode. 
To program a specific step to run in 2 axis mode:
Select  Position for the Z operation type (drill steps). 
For Pockets, clear the Z begin depth field.  
When the step is run, the Z axis servo motor will be turned off to 
allow manual movement.  
If an additional pass is needed for a step, press STOP to end 
the program and run the step again. 
It may also be necessary to repeat a set of steps for each 
pass in a program.
Not all of the step dialogues Z axis fields shown in the 
manual are available on 2 axis systems.
The Z prompts to raise the quill require a Z retract height.  
Set Z retract in the Datum dialogue prior to running a 
program.
Follow all manual Z motion prompts. See Tool Table on 
page 68 for a complete description about using the Tool 
Table. 
						

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1.3 Console
1.3   C on s ole
Operating console
The  ACU-RITE MILLPWRG2 Console has a 12.1-inch Flat-Panel Color 
Screen Display.  The following list of items are located on the front 
panel. 
See DRO display screen on page 43 for mapping information of the 
start up screen. 
See Console keypad on page 42 for a full description of the console 
keypad layout. The individual keys are fully described on page ii of the 
inside front cover.
The following features are located on the front panel of the console:
See Calculator on page 40 for a full description of the calculator 
keypad.
Rear panel
The  ACU-RITE MILLPWRG2 DRO rear panel has the following list of 
items located on the panel. 
1Color flat panel screen display. 
2Emergency “E” Stop
3Soft keys
4Power On indicator light / Error indicator light
5Potentiometer for feed rate override
6Go, Pause/Stop, Navigation keys, and Move Table keys
7Axis keys
8Console keypad
9USB Port
1Power switch
2Power connector
3Servo Power connector
4Earth (ground) terminal
5Ethernet port
6USB port
7KT 130 Edge Finder
8Pendant (Remote switch)
9RS-232-C connector
10Auxiliary Machine Interface (AMI); for future expansion.
11Servo connector (X, Y, and Z)
12Grounding Edger Finder
13Encoder Inputs (W and Z axis) 
						

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1.3 Console
Screen navigation
The MILLPWRG2 display layout changes between DROMode and 
PGM(Program) Mode by pressing the DRO/PGM key. The following 
illustrates the differences between the two screen modes.
DRO mode display
In general, the display changes as different functions are activated. 
Soft keys in the lower display area change per the function selected. 
Soft keys perform their associated function by pressing the key 
directly below it. Basic procedures and features remain the same 
regardless of which mode is selected. For a complete description of 
the display areas see DRO screen on page 53.
PGM mode display
When PGM mode is selected, the display changes from DRO mode to 
display program functions and graphics. Soft keys change to 
programming functions. All soft keys are run by pressing the 
corresponding hard key located directly below it. See Status Bar 
display on page 54 for complete descriptions.
1Status Bar display for Servo Motor Status, Feed rate, Tool, 
Datum, Scale, Skew, (Inch/MM), Estimated Time, Part Clock, 
Parts (run), Job Clock, and Time of Day. See Status Bar display 
on page 54. 
2Axes Display (current position). 
3Operator Intervention Message line (OIM).
4Soft keys display area.
5Dialogue box display area for milling functions.
1Status Bar display for Servo Motor Status, Estimated Time, Tool, 
Datum, Scale, Skew, (Inch/MM).
See Status Bar display on page 54.
2Display window of graph simulation.
3Operator Intervention Message (OIM).
4Soft keys display area.
5Program name.
6Program steps. 
						

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1.3 Console
Dialogues and drop down menus
This manual provides complete information where specific examples 
of actions are being explained.
As a general overview of the dialogues provided by the MILLPWR
G2, 
several fields are likely to be provided for input. To navigate a dialogue, 
use the ARROW keys to select the desired field. After entering the data 
into a field, press either the ENTER key, or the UP or DOWN  ARROW keys to 
move to the next field. Exiting a field with one of these key methods 
will retain the entered data in that field.
When the required data has been entered, press the USE key to accept 
the data entered for use in that specific function.
Most dialogues contain Drop Down menus. Specific milling functions 
may require additional information. The choices available are provided 
in a drop down menu. In most cases, they are also provided as soft 
keys.  The choices can be selected from either location.
Operator prompts
For actions that require immediate input to continue the operation an 
operator prompt will be displayed by the MILLPWR
G2 in the message 
bar. The required data can be entered with the numerical keypad, and 
in some instances using the alphanumeric on screen keyboard.
Cursor
The MILLPWR
G2 uses a highlighted cursor to mark a field for selection 
or editing. In some instances, the cursor will default to a field without 
highlighting the field.  Use the ARROWS keys to move the cursor. The UP 
and DOWN ARROWS move the cursor through the fields available.  The 
RIGHT ARROW will open a field that contains more choices, or subfolders 
in the folder tree window.  The LEFT ARROW will close the menu, or 
subfolders.
The cursor will also change from a highlighted bar to a text cursor 
when a field selected is having data entered.
Three axis specific fields are not displayed when in two axis mode. 
						

							361 Introduction
1.3 Console
General operating guidelines
General operating guidelines for the MILLPWRG2.
Additional operation soft keys are located in the soft key area along 
with task selection and dialogue.  The soft keys change in relation to 
the task being performed.
Selection of a particular soft key that requires additional information 
may open a popup menu [1]. 
A soft key may open a dialogue menu that requires input necessary 
to continue with the operation selected.
The status bar in the top of the display is constant, and reflects only 
what has been selected for the current program.
Use the Context Sensitive Help (INFO key) feature when assistance 
is desired. This is an intuitive feature that aids the user by going 
directly to the section in the manual in relation to the feature, or key 
that has been selected to obtain assistance with.
 A feature that is not available will have its soft key disabled.
Soft keys that have a small arrow in the upper left hand 
corner indicates that a popup menu is available when the 
key is selected for additional choices. 
						

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1.3 Console
Operating modes
The MILLPWRG2 has two main operating modes: DRO and PGM 
(Program). These are accessed from the front panel hard key. This is a 
toggle key.  
DRO mode shows the current position of each axis 
relative to current datum.  In DRO mode, manual 
machining, and Single Cycles can be performed. Tool 
selection, units, along with most setup features can 
be accessed.
Program mode PGM, displays the list of program steps 
and part-view graphics. New programs can be 
created as well as editing existing programs. 
Programs, new or existing, can be saved, deleted,  or 
copied using program functions.
A USB pointing device e.g. mouse, trackball, etc. may also be used. 
If a pointing device is being used, the action of clicking on a soft key 
button is the same as pressing the corresponding soft key. A USB 
keyboard can also be used for data entry and cursor control. 
						

							381 Introduction
1.3 Console
Popup menus
Within the soft keys, additional features may be available in program 
mode. A soft key that has a down arrow in the lower right hand corner 
indicates that additional soft keys are available for that feature.
As an example, pressing the Program Steps soft key (in PGM mode) 
opens another set of soft keys available for this function. Then you will 
notice an up arrow on most of the soft keys. This indicates a popup 
menu will open when that key is pressed.
Soft keys for PGM provide access to edit existing programs, or 
create a new program. Sub menus provide dialogue for machining 
operations such as milling a line, an arc, engraving, drilling and 
creating pockets.  
Pressing the required operation step soft key will open a popup menu 
to further define the machining operation required. 
A selection for a popup can occur in one of two ways: 
Use the shortcut number to the left of the feature; for example, 
pressing 9 on the numeric keypad will select the Circle Ring 
dialogue.
Or use the Up and Down arrow keys to highlight the feature to be 
used, then press ENTER.
When the type of machining operation has been selected, the 
corresponding dialogue opens so that the required data can be 
entered. 
A dialogue in DRO mode will retain the previous data entered making it 
possible to re-run the previous operation without having to re-enter all 
the data.
At anytime when entering data into a dialogue the calculator can be 
accessed by pressing the CALC key.
Soft keys for CALC provide access to additional math functions such 
as trig functions.
When a dialogue is activated, it is not possible to change 
to another dialogue. The current dialogue must be exited 
by pressing USE to save the data in the dialogue or pressing 
CANCEL to discard the data. 
						

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1.3 Console
Keyboard
An on screen QWERTY keyboard will automatically popup when you 
enter a field that requires text information input. 
The keyboard becomes visible (popup) when text, and numerical 
information is required for an action (e.g. saving a program, or 
entering text for engraving).
Use the ARROW keys for navigation of the cursor to go to the desired 
character and press ENTER to select the character.
When the information has been entered using the keyboard, press 
the Save soft key. The keyboard will disappear from the screen. The 
keyboard will also be removed from the screen when the CANCEL key 
is pressed.
When using a USB keyboard, the on screen keyboard can be 
disabled by pressing the Keyboard soft key. The on screen keyboard 
will remain disabled until it is enabled by pressing the Keyboard soft 
key again. When the console goes through a power cycle, the key 
board will retain its setting prior to the power cycle.
Special characters
The keyboard also provides a “Special Characters” display which is 
accessed by the “(#*\!...” key.
Arrow over to the “(#*\!...” key to highlight the key, and press the 
the ENTER key.
Navigational soft keys
The following navigational soft keys are always available on the 
keyboard.
The “Up Arrow” key switches the keyboard from 
upper to lower case letter mode, or from lower to 
upper case letter mode depending on the current 
keyboard mode.
The “Abc” key switches the keyboard from the 
special character key mode to the alpha numeric key 
mode.
The “(#*\!...” key switches the keyboard from the 
alpha numeric key mode to the special character key 
mode. 
						

							401 Introduction
1.3 Console
Editing keys
The following keys are available for editing text on the keyboard.
The Copy key will copy the highlighted text in the text 
field.
The Paste key will paste to the text field text that was 
previously highlighted, and copied.
The Clear key will remove all text in the text field.
The back space key will delete text in the text field one 
character at a time. 
Calculator
Numeric keypad
The numeric keypad on the front of the console resembles a standard 
calculator with keys for numbers 0 through 9, four math function 
symbols (+, -, x, and ÷), a decimal point, and a positive/negative sign 
(+/-).
The calculator is accessible from nearly any screen or 
field. Press the CALC key to access the “stand-alone” 
calculator. The math function soft keys are displayed 
in the soft key area. Calculations can be entered 
directly into a highlighted field.
Using the calculator in an entry field in a dialogue requires 
the operator to press the ENTER key to run the calculation.  
To move to the next field using the ENTER key requires the 
operator to press ENTER a second time.
Anytime data is entered into an entry field in a dialogue 
and the value is changed using the +/- key, the operator is 
required to press the ENTER key to use the value change.  
Moving to the next field using the ENTER key requires the 
operator to press ENTER a second time.