programming ouputs

[curiousMike]

I am asking if there is a way that I can get one of the output relays to flip on when on the input relays flip on. I see no outputs selection that deals with inputs. Is there another list or library of choices that deals with input?. I would really not like to delve in plc programming. For such a basic thing it seems they has to be simpler way.

[tblough]

If you don't want to modify the PLC, then "T" the input to the input relay, and route it to the coil of an external relay of your choice.

[cnckeith]

I am asking if there is a way that I can get one of the output relays to flip on when on the input relays flip on. I see no outputs selection that deals with inputs. Is there another list or library of choices that deals with input?. I would really not like to delve in plc programming. For such a basic thing it seems they has to be simpler way.

do you have a copy of the macro programming guide?

[Gary Campbell]

If you add a bit more information, the guys here can probably provide a solution. What exactly are you trying to accomplish?

[curiousMike]

What am I trying to do here? I want to see a green board. It's an old military practice. Before you roll down that runway all your panels in front of you better light up green. For people who use a device infrequently it helps. I am rebuilding my control cabinet I would like see a panel on this build that shows the status of the major functions such motors, limit switches, probes etc. From a standpoint of someone who uses the machine every day it probably seen silly.
I spent some time with the plc manual and the video. It looks like that every time the Centroid software it updated, I will have reinsert code I do not fundamentally understand the .SCR edit process. Sooner or later, I will certainly mess this up. Adding a second relay board will work after I figure out the resistors that keep the panel light from pulling down the inputs. With all the Acorn relays sitting there doing nothing it also seems like a needless complication. I do not see how a Macro energized by a button will help me.
We have canned outputs for every conceivable shop function. Why can't the boards own input list be included.

[Ken Rychlik]

The status of a motor can have a fault signal sent to the controller in the event of an issue. If the system does not stop with a a warning message, that means the motor is doing well.

A limit switch is basically used as a homing switch and if does the homing routine properly, they are working. It has soft limits for during operation and if you load a file that wants it to go farther than the soft limits are set, it will stop and tell you. I only use them as homing, and not limit switches, as it is not needed.

For a probe, you can set up the macro to not start probing unless the probe input is open or closed. Also you can press alt and I on the keyboard which brings up the inputs and output diag screen if you want to verify function of any input or output.

Any file can be set up with a "wait for input on or off" before proceeding. I do this for atc routers. If the sensor does not show that it properly unloaded a tool, it will not go to get the next tool. This function can be used in many ways, and would also work as a limit switch test before starting a spindle, or whatever.

All of the functionality is in there, but it's not green lights in a cockpit.

Normally closed would be better for limits and probe rather than normally open for your concerns.

[eng199]

You can press <Alt-I> to display I/O states. However, they may not all be "green is good".

If you have a panel of lights for input state indication, you will end up with the same situation as the <Alt-I> display. Either you must remember the proper state of each light, or wire inversion for specific lights to get a "green for go" panel.

One green light could be wired through an estop contactor auxiliary contact (controlled by NoFaultOut output). If the estop pulls in, the ACORN is ready to go to the best of its "knowledge".

[cnckeith]

https://centroidcncforum.com/viewtopic.php?f=60&t=3397

[Gary Campbell]

What am I trying to do here? I want to see a green board. It's an old military practice. Before you roll down that runway all your panels in front of you better light up green. For people who use a device infrequently it helps. I am rebuilding my control cabinet I would like see a panel on this build that shows the status of the major functions such motors, limit switches, probes etc. From a standpoint of someone who uses the machine every day it probably seen silly.
I spent some time with the plc manual and the video. It looks like that every time the Centroid software it updated, I will have reinsert code I do not fundamentally understand the .SCR edit process. Sooner or later, I will certainly mess this up. Adding a second relay board will work after I figure out the resistors that keep the panel light from pulling down the inputs. With all the Acorn relays sitting there doing nothing it also seems like a needless complication. I do not see how a Macro energized by a button will help me.
We have canned outputs for every conceivable shop function. Why can't the boards own input list be included.

For the most part the functions that you describe are already built into the (PLC) system. Virtually all of the inputs (depending on their configuration) will return an onscreen message if they are in a "tripped" stage. Touch plate, tool measure or probes return an onscreen message. Limit switches do also if set to discreet inputs. Homing switches will if trying to home while one is tripped. Closed loop steppers, servos and VFDs also alarm out with a shut down and onscreen message if faulted.

Many, if not all of these functions could be monitored with "a green LED" across the input terminal and VCC, but you would have to test both your LED and each switch/sensor individually.

The Centroid system is very complete when it comes to input function as long as you have it set up accordingly. If you are need to monitor an input that does not have a "canned function" you can always put a line in the M3 macro to check its state and return a message if not optimal prior to turning on the spindle.

[Ken Rychlik]

You can build a custom button for the screen with a custom macro that test each input to be where you want it.

You could also just have that be part of the M3 (spindle run) file and if all inputs are not correct, the spindle won't run.