ACU-RITE 300S READOUTS User Manual

300S R

EADOUTS

REFERENCE MANUAL

300S Key Layout

1

1

121

41516

1

7

1

8

3

1

1

2

1

1 Display Area
2 Soft keys
3 Power Indicator light
4 Arrow Keys: Use the UP/DOWN keys to adjust the

screen contrast.

5 Axis Keys
6 Numeric Keypad
7 ENTER key
8 CLEAR key

300S Soft keys

There are multiple pages of soft key functions to select from the
operating modes. Use the LEFT/RIGHT arrow keys [4] to cursor
through each page. The page indicator in the Status Bar will show the
page orientation. The darkened page indicates the page you are
currently on.

1 Page Indicator
2 Set Zero Indicator

Soft Key function (Page 1) Soft key

Opens on-screen help instructions.

Opens the Tool Table. Page 22 for Milling, and
page 51 for Turning.

Switches display between operating modes
Actual Value (Absolute) / Distance-to-Go
(incremental). See page 12.

Toggles between Set/Zero functions. Used
with individual axis keys (page 20).

Soft Key function (Page 2a) Soft key

Opens the Datum form to set the datum for each axis
(

page 28).

Opens the Preset form. This form is used to set a
nominal position. This is a Distance-To-Go
(Incremental) function (

Used to divide the current position by two (

page 33).

page 36).

300S i

Soft Key function (Page 2a) Soft key

Press to select the Circle Pattern, Linear Pattern,
Incline Mill, or Arc Mill table (

This soft key toggles between radius and diameter
displays. This function is for Turning applications only
(

page 56).

page 38).

Soft Key function (Page 2b) Soft key

Opens the Job Setup menu and provides access to
the Installation Setup soft key (

page 13).

Press when ready to identify a reference mark (

10

).

Opens the Calculator functions for standard math,
trigonometry, RPM, and Taper for Turning functions.
The

CALC key is also available on input forms

where calculations may be required while

page

inputting data.

Toggles between inch and millimeter units (page

).

13

Soft Key function (Page 3) Soft key

Selects the Program Mode (page 66).

ii

Readout Parameter Access Code

An access code must be entered before machine-related installation
parameters can be set or changed. This prevents inadvertent
adjustments to the installation setup parameters.

IMPORTANT!

The access code is 8891.

Access to Machine Parameter Operations

Refer to the Setup section also.

Begin by pressing the SETUP soft key.

Press the soft key INSTALLATION SETUP.

Press the access code numbers 8891 using the numeric key pad.

Press the ENTER key

The readout is now ready for machine parameter setting operations.

IMPORTANT!

To prevent setup parameters from being changed, remove
this page from the Reference Manual after initially setting
up the readout system. Retain this information in a safe
place for future use.

Readout Parameter Access Code

300S iii

Readout Parameter Access Code

iv

Introduction

Software Version

The software version is shown on the initial power up screen.

This User's Manual covers the functions of the 300S for
both milling, and turning applications. Operational
information is arranged in three sections: General
Operations, Mill Specific Operations, and Turn
Specific Operations.

300S

DRO axis availability.

The 300S Color DRO is available in two, three, and four
axis form. The 4 axis 300S DRO is used through out this
manual for illustration, and description of function keys.

Symbols within Notes

Every note is marked with a symbol on the left indicating to the
operator the type, and/or potential severity of the note.

General Information

e.g. on the behavior of the 300S.

Introduction

Warning

e.g. when a special tool is required for a function.

Damage - Risk of electric shock

e.g. when opening a housing.

300S Fonts

The following shows how soft keys, and hard keys are represented
within the text of this manual:

 Soft keys - SETUP soft key
 Hard keys - ENTER hard key

300S v

Introduction

vi

Warranty

Go to www.acu-rite.com for warranty information.

300S vii

viii

Table of Contents

300S Key Layout........................................................................................................i

300S Soft keys...........................................................................................................i

Readout Parameter Access Code

Access to Machine Parameter Operations .............................................................. iii

Introduction

Software Version ......................................................................................................v

300S..........................................................................................................................v

Symbols within Notes...............................................................................................v

300S Fonts................................................................................................................v

Warranty

Warranty ................................................................................................................. vii

I - 1 Fundamentals of Positioning

Datums .................................................................................................................... 2

Actual Position, Nominal Position, and Distance-To-Go........................................... 2

Absolute Workpiece Positions ................................................................................. 3

Incremental workpiece positions............................................................................. 3

Zero Angle Reference Axis ...................................................................................... 4

Reading head position ............................................................................................. 4

Encoder Reference Marks ....................................................................................... 5

I - 2 General Operations for 300S

Screen Layout ......................................................................................................... 6

General Navigation................................................................................................... 7

General Overview .................................................................................................... 7

Graphic Positioning Aid ....................................................................................... 7

Help Screen ............................................................................................................. 8

Data Input Forms ..................................................................................................... 9

Instruction Box messages .................................................................................. 9

Error Messages................................................................................................... 9

Power Up............................................................................................................... 10

Reference Mark Evaluation.................................................................................... 10

Working without reference mark evaluation..................................................... 10

Enable/Disable Ref function................................................................................... 11

Operating Modes................................................................................................... 12

Setup .................................................................................................................... 12

300S ix

Job Setup Parameters ........................................................................................... 13

Units ................................................................................................................. 13

Scale Factor ...................................................................................................... 13

Mirror ................................................................................................................ 14

Edge Finder (milling applications only).............................................................. 14

Diameter Axes .................................................................................................. 14

Measured Value Output.................................................................................... 15

Near Zero Warning............................................................................................ 15

Status Bar Settings ........................................................................................... 15

Job Clock .......................................................................................................... 15

Skew Compensation (Milling applications only)............................................... 16

Remote Switch ................................................................................................. 17

DRO View Settings........................................................................................... 17

Console Adjustment ......................................................................................... 19

Language .......................................................................................................... 19

Import/Export.................................................................................................... 19

Set/Zero Soft Key Details.................................................................................. 20

Calc Soft Key .................................................................................................... 20

RPM Calculator ................................................................................................. 21

I - 3 Milling Specific Operations

Soft Key Functions Detailed .................................................................................. 22

Tool Soft Key .................................................................................................... 22

Tool Table ......................................................................................................... 22

Import/Export.................................................................................................... 23

Tool Radius Compensation feature................................................................... 24

Sign for the length difference

Entering tool data.............................................................................................. 25

Calling the Tool from the Tool Table ................................................................. 28

Datum Soft Key ................................................................................................ 28

Probing Functions for Datum Setting ............................................................... 28

Probing with a Tool ........................................................................................... 31

Presets.............................................................................................................. 33

Absolute Distance Preset ................................................................................. 33

Incremental Distance Preset ............................................................................ 35

1/2 Soft Key ...................................................................................................... 36

Features (Milling) ................................................................................................... 37

Circle, and Linear Patterns..................................................................................... 38

Soft key Functions ............................................................................................ 38

Circle, and Linear Pattern Table Entry............................................................... 39

Circle, and Linear Pattern Soft keys.................................................................. 40

Circle, or Linear Pattern Execution ................................................................... 41

Example: Enter data and execute a circle pattern. .......................................... 42

Incline, and Arc Milling........................................................................................... 44

Soft Key Functions............................................................................................ 44

Incline, and Arc Milling Table Entry................................................................... 45

Incline, and Arc Milling Table Entry................................................................... 46

ΔL ...................................................................... 24

x

Arc Milling......................................................................................................... 47

Incline, and Arc Mill Execution.......................................................................... 48

Z/W Coupling ......................................................................................................... 50

Z/W Coupling (4 axes Milling) ........................................................................... 50

Enabling Z/W Coupling...................................................................................... 50

Disabling Z/W Coupling..................................................................................... 50

I - 4 Turning Specific Operations

Tool Display Icon............................................................................................... 51

Tool Table.......................................................................................................... 51

Import/Export.................................................................................................... 52

Calling a Tool from the Tool Table..................................................................... 53

Datum Setting................................................................................................... 53

Taper Calculator Soft Key.................................................................................. 55

Presets.............................................................................................................. 56

Radius/Diameter Soft Key................................................................................. 56

Vectoring........................................................................................................... 57

Z Coupling......................................................................................................... 57

Disabling Z0, and Z Coupling............................................................................ 58

Thread Cycle .......................................................................................................... 59

Soft Key Functions............................................................................................ 59

Running the Thread Cycle Program .................................................................. 64

I - 5 Programming 300S

Overview ............................................................................................................... 66

Program Mode Soft key functions.................................................................... 67

View Soft Key ................................................................................................... 68

Feature Soft Key functions ............................................................................... 69

Program Function Soft keys .................................................................................. 72

Step Function Soft keys......................................................................................... 72

Editing, and moving through a program............................................................ 73

I - 6 Executing a Program

Run Soft Keys ................................................................................................... 74

Executing Steps..................................................................................................... 74

II - 1 Installation Setup

Installation Setup Parameters ................................................................................ 78

Encoder Setup ....................................................................................................... 79

Thread Cycle Setup:............................................................................................... 80

Display Configuration............................................................................................. 81

Error Compensation............................................................................................... 81

Linear Error Compensation ............................................................................... 82

Automatic Linear error compensation............................................................... 82

300S xi

Non-Linear Error Compensation ....................................................................... 83

Setup procedure for Non-linear Error ................................................................ 83

Starting a Non-Linear Error Compensation Table ..................................................... 84

Configuring the Compensation Table ............................................................... 85

Automatic Non Linear error compensation....................................................... 85

Backlash Compensation ........................................................................................ 87

Counter Settings.................................................................................................... 87

Diagnostics ............................................................................................................ 88

Keypad Test ...................................................................................................... 88

Edge Finder Test............................................................................................... 88

Display Test ...................................................................................................... 88

II - 2 Data Interface

Serial Port .............................................................................................................. 90

II - 3 Installation and Electrical Connections

Installation.............................................................................................................. 91

Electrical requirements ..................................................................................... 91

Environmental................................................................................................... 91

Preventative maintenance ................................................................................ 91

II - 4 I/O Connections

Wiring the Serial communication cable ................................................................. 93

Signal ................................................................................................................. 93

External Operations via RS-232 Data Interface................................................. 94

II - 5 Remote Switch Data Output

Data output using external signals.................................................................... 96

Data output using Edge Finder ......................................................................... 98

II - 6 Error Messages

............................................................................................................................. 101

II - 7 Dimensions

DRO Dimensions ................................................................................................. 104

xii

Operating Instructions

300S 1

I - 1 Fundamentals of Positioning

Datums

The workpiece drawing identifies a certain point on the workpiece
(example: “a corner”) as the absolute datum, and perhaps one, or
more other points as relative datums.

The datum setting procedure establishes these points as the origin of
the absolute, or relative coordinate systems. The workpiece, which is
aligned with the machine axes, is moved to a certain position relative
to the tool. The display is set either to zero, or to another appropriate
value (e.g., to compensate for tool radius).

Actual Position, Nominal Position, and Distance-To-Go

The position of the tool at any given moment is called the ACTUAL
POSITION I, while the position that the tool is to move to is called the
NOMINAL POSITION S. The distance from the nominal position to
the actual position is called the DISTANCE-TO-GO R.

I - 1 Fundamentals of Positioning

2 I

Absolute Workpiece Positions

Each position on the workpiece is uniquely identified by its
absolute coordinates.

Example: Absolute coordinates of position 1:
X = 20 mm
Y = 10 mm
Z = 15 mm

If you are drilling, or milling a workpiece according to a workpiece
drawing with absolute coordinates, the tool is moving to the value of
the coordinates.

Incremental workpiece positions

A position can also be referenced to the preceding nominal position.
In this case the relative datum is always the last nominal position.
Such coordinates are referred to as incremental coordinates
(increment = increase). They are also called incremental, or chain
dimensions, since the positions are defined as a chain of dimensions.
Incremental coordinates are designated with the prefix I.

Example: Incremental coordinates of position 3 referenced
to position 2.

Absolute coordinates of position 2:
X = 10 mm
Y = 5 mm
Z = 20 mm

Incremental coordinates of position 3:

IX = 10 mm
IY = 5 mm
IZ = 20 mm

If you are drilling, or milling a workpiece according to a drawing with
incremental coordinates, you are moving the tool by the value of
the coordinates.

I - 1 Fundamentals of Positioning

300S 3

Zero Angle Reference Axis

The Zero Angle Reference Axis is the 0.0° position. It is defined as
one of the two axes in the plane of rotation. The following table
defines the Zero Angle where the position of the angle is zero for the
three possible planes of rotation.

For angular positions, the following reference axes are defined:

Plane Zero Angle Reference Axis

XY +X

YZ +Y

ZX +Z

Positive direction of rotation is counterclockwise if the working plane
is viewed in the negative tool axis direction.

EXAMPLE: Angle in the working plane X / Y

Plane Zero Angle Reference Axis

+ 45° ... bisecting line between +X and +Y

I - 1 Fundamentals of Positioning

+/- 180° ... negative X axis

- 270° ... positive Y axis

Reading head position

The reading head position provides feed back to the 300S that
converts the movement of the machine axes into electrical signals.
The 300S constantly evaluates these signals, and calculates the actual
positions of the machine axes, which it displays as a numerical value
on the screen.

If there is an interruption in power, the calculated position will no
longer correspond to the actual position. When power is restored, you
can re-establish this relationship by using the reference marks on the
provided on the scale. The 300S provides the Reference Mark
Evaluation feature (REF).

4 I

Encoder Reference Marks

Encoders normally contain one or more reference marks which the
300S Reference Mark Evaluation feature uses to re-establish datum
positions after a power interruption. There are two main options
available for reference marks; fixed and distance-coded.

Position Trac (Distance-coded reference marks): Encoders that have
marks separated by a specific encryption pattern allows the 300S to
use any two pair of marks along the length of the encoder to re­establish the prior datums. This configuration means that the operator
only has to travel less than two inches any where along the encoder,
to re-establish the datums when the 300S is turned back on.

Fixed reference marks: Encoders that have one or more marks on
fixed intervals, have to re-establish the datums correctly. It is
necessary to use the same exact reference mark, during the
Reference Mark Evaluation routine, that was used when the datum
was first established.

The established datums’ cannot be restored from one
power cycle to the next if the reference marks were not
crossed before the datums were set

I - 1 Fundamentals of Positioning

300S 5

I - 2 General Operations for 300S

9

10

4

5

1

678

2

11112

13

3

Screen Layout

1 Datum
2 Tool
3 Feed Rate
4 Job Clock
5 Unit of Measure
6 Operating Modes
7 Page Indicator
8 Set/Zero
9 Axis Labels
10 Ref Symbol
11 Soft key Labels
12 Display Area
13 Near Zero Warning (In Distance-To-Go mode only)

The ACU-RITE 300S color readout provides application-specific

I - 2 General Operations for 300S

features that allows you to obtain the most productivity from your
manual machine tools.

 Status Bar - This displays the current datum, tool, feed rate, job

clock time, unit of measure, operating mode status, page indicator,
and set/zero. See Job Setup for details on setting up the Status
Bar parameters.

 Display Area - Indicates the current position of each axis. Also

shows forms, fields, instruction boxes, error messages and
help topics.

 Axis Labels - Indicates axis for corresponding axis key.
 Ref Symbols - Indicates current reference mark status.
 Soft key Labels - Indicates the various milling or turning functions.

6 I

General Navigation

 Use key pad to enter numeric values within each field.
 The ENTER key will confirm the entry within a field, and return to the

previous screen.

 Press the C key to clear entries, and error messages, or return back

to the previous screen.

 SOFT KEY labels show the various milling, or turning functions.

These functions are selected by pressing the corresponding soft key
directly below each soft key label. There are 3 pages of selectable
soft key functions. These are accessed using the LEFT or RIGHT
arrow keys as indicated below.

 LEFT or RIGHT arrow keys move through pages 1-3 of soft key

selectable functions. The current page will be highlighted in the
Status bar at the top of screen.

 Use the UP, or DOWN arrow keys to move between fields within a

form, and list boxes within a menu. The orientation of the cursor is
such that it will return to the top once it has reached the bottom of
a menu.

General Overview

Graphic Positioning Aid

When traversing to display value zero (in the Distance-To-Go mode),
300S displays a graphic positioning aid.

300S displays the graphic positioning aid in a narrow rectangle
underneath the currently active axis. Two triangular marks in the
center of the rectangle symbolize the nominal position.

A small square symbolizes the axis slide. An arrow indicating the
direction appears in the square while the axis is moving towards, or
away from the nominal position. Note that the square does not begin
to move until the axis slide is near the nominal position. Setting up the
graphic positioning aid, see "Status Bar Settings" on page 15 under Job
Setup.

I - 2 General Operations for 300S

300S 7

Help Screen

The integrated operating instructions provide information and
assistance in any situation.

To call the operating instructions:

8 Press the HELP soft key.
8 Information relevant to the current operation will be displayed.
8 Use the UP/DOWN arrow keys if the explanation is spread over

more than one screen page.

To view information on another topic:

8 Press the LIST OF TOPICS soft key.
8 Press the UP/DOWN arrow keys to scroll through the index.
8 Press the ENTER key to select the item you need.

To exit the operating instructions:

8 Press the C key.

I - 2 General Operations for 300S

8 I

Data Input Forms

Information required for various operational functions and setup
parameters are entered through a data input form. These forms will
appear after selecting features that require any additional information.
Each form provides specific fields for entering the required
information.

Changes must be confirmed by pressing the ENTER key for them to
become effective. If you do not want to save your changes, press the
C key to return to the previous screen without saving changes.
In some cases such as the Tool Table, the C key is used in place of the
ENTER key.

Instruction Box messages

Whenever a Menu, or Form is opened, an instruction box will also
open immediately to the right of it. This message box will provide
information for what the chosen function does, and present
instructions for available options.

I - 2 General Operations for 300S

Error Messages

If an error occurs while working with the 300S, the message will
appear on the display, and provide an explanation of what caused the
error. See "Error Messages" on page 101.

To clear the error message:

8 Press the C key.

 Error message will be cleared, and normal operation can be

continued.

300S 9

Power Up

(1)

Switch on the power (located on the back). The initial
screen will appear. This screen will only appear the
very first time the unit is powered up. The following
steps may have already been completed by
the installer.

 Select the proper language by pressing the LANGUAGE soft key.
 Choose your application of either MILL or TURN. The APPLIC.

[MILL/TURN] soft key toggles between these two settings.

 Next, select the number of axes required. When complete, press

the ENTER hard key.

If necessary, you can change the application later in Installation Setup
under Counter Settings.

The 300S is now ready for the remaining setup requirements. It is
now in the operating mode “Absolute”. Each active axis will have a
flashing “REF” sign next to it. The following section, “Reference

I - 2 General Operations for 300S

Mark Evaluation”, describes setting up this feature.

Reference Mark Evaluation

The 300S reference mark evaluation feature (1), automatically
re-establishes the relationship between axis slide positions and
display values that was last defined by setting the datum.

For each axis with an encoder that has reference marks, the “REF
indicator will flash for that axis. After crossing over the reference
marks, the indicator will stop flashing and change to a non-flashing
“REF” indicator.

Working without reference mark evaluation

The 300S can also be used without crossing over the reference marks.

8 Press the NO REF soft key to exit the reference mark evaluation

routine, and continue.

”

10 I

The 300S can still cross over reference marks at a later time. Such as
if it becomes necessary to define a datum that can be re-established
after a power interruption.

8 Press the ENABLE REF soft key to activate the position recovery

routine. Press the RIGHT / LEFT arrow key if the soft key is not
shown on current screen.

If an encoder is setup without reference marks, then the
REF indicator will not be displayed, and a datum set from
any axis will be lost once power is turned off.

Enable/Disable Ref function

The ENABLE/DISABLE soft key, that is present during the position
recovery routine, allows the operator to select a specific reference
mark on an encoder. This is important when using encoders with
Fixed Reference Marks (instead of ones with Position-Trac™ feature).
When the DISABLE REF soft key is pressed, the recovery routine is
paused and any reference marks that are crossed during encoder
movement are ignored. When the ENABLE REF soft key is then
pressed, the recovery routine once again becomes active and the next
crossed reference mark will be selected.

Not all reference marks have to be crossed over on each encoder, only
those that are needed.

8 Once reference marks for all desired axes are established, press the

NO REF soft key to cancel out of the routine. If all reference marks
have been found, the 300S will return to the DRO display
screen automatically.

I - 2 General Operations for 300S

300S 11

Operating Modes

The 300S has two operating modes: Distance-To-Go
(INCREMENTAL), and Actual Value (ABSOLUTE). The Actual Value
mode always displays the current actual position of the tool, relative
to the active datum. In this mode, all moves are done by traveling until
the display matches the nominal position that is required. The
Distance-To-Go feature enables you to approach nominal positions by
traversing to display value zero. When working within the Distance­To-Go mode you can enter nominal coordinates as either absolute or
incremental dimensions.

Milling applications have only the tool length offsets active while in the
Actual Value Mode. In the Distance-To-Go mode, both the diameter
and length offsets are used to calculate the amount of “distance-to­go” required to get to the desired nominal position. This is relative to
the edge of the tool that will be doing the cutting.

Turning applications have both diameter and length offsets in both the
Actual Value and Distance-To-Go modes.

Press the ABS/INC soft key to toggle between these two modes. To
view other soft key functions in either Actual Value or Distance-To-Go
mode, use the LEFT/RIGHT arrow keys.

The Milling application provides a quick method for coupling the Z and

I - 2 General Operations for 300S

W axes position on a 4 axis system. For more information, see "Z/W
Coupling (4 axes Milling)" on page 50.

The Turning application provides a quick method for coupling the Z
axes positions on a 3 axis system. For more information, see "Z
Coupling" on page 57.

Setup

300S offers two categories for setting up operating parameters. These
categories are: Installation Setup and Job Setup. The Job Setup
parameters are used to accommodate specific machining
requirements for each job. Installation Setup is used to establish
encoder, display and communication parameters.

The Installation Setup menu is accessed by pressing the SETUP soft
key, then the INSTALLATION SETUP soft key. When in the Installation
Setup menu, the following soft keys will be available:

 JOB SETUP: Press to begin accessing the Job Setup parameters.
 IMPORT/EXPORT: Press to begin importing or exporting operating

parameters. See "Import/Export" on page 19.

 HELP: Will open on-line help.

8 To view, and change Installation Setup parameters, first press the

SETUP soft key, then the INSTALLATION SETUP soft key.

8 Use the UP/DOWN arrow keys to highlight the parameters

of interest.

8 press the ENTER key.

12 I

Job Setup Parameters

8 To view and change Job Setup parameters, first press the SETUP

soft key. This is the screen that will now be on the DRO.

8 Use the UP/DOWN arrow keys to highlight the parameters

of interest.

8 press the ENTER key.

The Job Setup Data can be imported, or exported using the
IMPORT/EXPORT soft key

Exporting the current Job Setup:

8 Press the SETUP soft key.
8 Press the IMPORT/EXPORT soft key.
8 Press the EXPORT soft key.

Importing a new Job Setup Table

8 Press the SETUP soft key.
8 Press the IMPORT/EXPORT soft key.
8 Press the IMPORT soft key.

Units

The Units form is used to specify the preferred display units and
format. You can also select the unit of measure by pressing the
INCH/MM soft key in either Actual Value or Distance-To-Go mode.

Scale Factor

The scale factor may be used to scale the part up or down. A scale
factor of 1.0 creates a part with the exact size as dimensioned on the
print. A scale factor >1 “grows” the part, and <1 “shrinks” the part.

 The numeric keys are used to enter a number greater than zero. The

number range is 0.1000 to 10.000. A negative value may also
be entered.

 The scale factor settings will be retained on a power cycle.
 When the scale factor is a value other than 1, the scaling symbol

is shown on the axis display.

 The ON/OFF soft key is used to disable the current scale factors.

I - 2 General Operations for 300S

300S 13

Mirror

A scale factor of -1.00 will produce a mirror image of the
part. You can both mirror and scale a part at the same time.

Edge Finder (milling applications only)

The diameter, length offset and units of the edge finder are set in this
form. Both values are in the units indicated in the form. Please see
"Probing Functions for Datum Setting" on page 28 for details on using
Edge Finder functions.

 The numeric keys are used to enter values of diameter and length.

The diameter must be greater than zero. The length is a sign value
(negative, or positive).

 A soft key is provided to indicate the units of measure for the

edge finder.

 The edge finder values will be retained on a power cycle.

Diameter Axes

Select Diameter Axes to bring up the diameter screen shown here to
set which axes can be displayed in either radius or diameter values.
ON indicates that the axis position will be displayed as a diameter

I - 2 General Operations for 300S

value. When OFF, the Radius/Diameter feature does not apply. For
turning applications see "Radius/Diameter Soft Key" on page 56 for the
Radius/Diameter feature.

8 Cursor to Diameter Axes, and press ENTER.
8 The cursor will be in the X axis field. Depending on the parameter

you need for that axis press ON/OFF soft key to turn feature on
or off.

8 Press ENTER.

14 I

Measured Value Output

With the measured value output feature, probe measurement values
can be sent over the serial port. Also output of the current display
positions is activated via a command (Ctrl B), sent to the 300S over the
serial port.

The Measured Value Output form is used to set data output during
probing operations.

 Data Output Probing (Milling Only), may be set to either On, or Off.

When On, the measurement data is output when the probe
operation is completed.

Refer to chapter "II - 5 Remote Switch Data Output on page 96” for
information on the format of the output data.

Near Zero Warning

The Near Zero Warning form, is used to configure the bar graph. This
is shown below the axes’ display in Distance-To-Go mode. Each axis
has its own range.

8 Press the ON/OFF soft key to enable, or begin entering values using

the numeric keys. The current position box will begin moving when
the position is within range.

Status Bar Settings

The Status Bar is the segmented bar at the top of the screen which
displays current datum, tool, feed rate, job clock and page indicator.

8 Press the ON/OFF soft key for each setting you want to

see displayed.

Job Clock

The job clock shows the hours (h), minutes (m), seconds (s). It
operates like a stop watch showing elapsed time. The clock starts
timing from 0:00:00.

 The elapsed time field shows the total accumulated time from

each interval.

8 Press the START/STOP soft key, the status field will read

RUNNING. Press it again to stop time from elapsing.

I - 2 General Operations for 300S

300S 15

8 Press RESET to reset the elapsed time. Resetting will stop the

clock if it is running.

Pressing the Decimal key while in operating mode, will also
stop and start the clock. Pressing the Zero key will reset
the clock.

Skew Compensation (Milling applications only)
Skew compensation allows the user to drill holes on a workpiece

without aligning the workpiece on the machine. Use this feature only
for drilling holes.

The Skew Compensation setup form is found under Job Setup. The
form is used to turn skew compensation on, or off; to set, or learn the
skew angle; and to set the datum.

8 In the Status Field, press the ON/OFF soft key, turn skew

compensation on, or off.

8 In the Angle Field, enter the skew angle if known. To learn the

angle, use the edge finder (or a tool) to touch off the part.

The skew angle is learned by touching off two points along
one side. When using the edge finder, the location of the
edge is captured automatically.

I - 2 General Operations for 300S

8 When using a tool, touch the tool to the edge of the part, and press

the TEACH soft key.

Setting the datum

 After learning the angle, the datum may be set to the corner of the

part by touching off one point along the other side see "Datum
Soft Key" on page 28. In the datum calculation, the system
compensates for the radius of the edge finder (or current tool).

The readout automatically compensates for the misaligned workpiece
on the machine when running a program, a hole pattern, or preset.
Move the machine until the X axis and the Y axis indicate zero.

When skew compensation is activated, the skew icon is
displayed on the right side of the axis display.

16 I

Remote Switch

The remote switch sets the parameters so the external switch
(pendant, or foot switch) can be enabled to perform any or all of the
following functions: Data Output; Zero, and Next Hole. Refer to
Section II for information on connecting remote switches via
Grounding Edge Finder input.

 Data Output - to send position information out of the serial port or to

print the current position.

 Zero - to zero one or more axes. In Distance-To-Go mode, it will zero

the Distance-To-Go display. In Actual Value mode, it will zero the
datum).

 Next Hole key press will move to the next hole within a pattern (i.e.

Hole Pattern).

8 While in the Data Output Field, press the ON/OFF soft key to ON

to send the current position over the serial port when the switch
is closed.

8 While in the Zero Field, press the appropriate axis keys to enable

or disable zeroing of the axis display positions when the switch is
closed.

8 While in the Next Hole Field, press the ON/OFF soft key to ON to

move to the next hole within a pattern.

DRO View Settings

The 300S has the ability to define up to two DRO display
configurations (views). Each view defines which axes displays appear
on the screen when the view is selected.

With two views available, one may be set to all available axes, and the
other may be a subset of the axes.

I - 2 General Operations for 300S

300S 17

When two DRO views are configured, the DRO mode includes a VIEW
soft key which is used to toggle between DRO 1 and DRO 2 views.
The current view (1 or 2) is indicated on the soft key.

To setup the DRO views, press SETUP, cursor to DRO view settings,
and press ENTER. The configuration form will open.

Press the axis key to turn that axis display on. If an axis key is pressed
on an axis that is already on, it will turn off. The default configuration
is that all available axes are on for DRO 1, and all axes are off for
DRO 2. The 300S requires that at least one axis must be turned on at
all times. Axis view settings are remembered when power is cycled.

Multiple DRO views are only available when the full screen DRO is
displayed. In screens where the small DRO is displayed, all axes
positions are displayed and multiple DRO views are not available.

When running a program or a single cycle pattern, the large DRO uses
the current DRO view that is selected. The view with the graphic and

I - 2 General Operations for 300S

small DRO will show all available axes.

The size of the position values, and the axis labels are
adjusted based on the number of axes being displayed.
Smallest at 4 axes, largest at 1, or 2 axis display.

Axis keys correspond to the axes being displayed in the
current DRO view. If only two axes are being displayed,
and there are more axis keys (3 or 4), then only the top two
keys will function. Unmatched keys are ignored.

18 I

Console Adjustment

The LCD’s brightness and contrast can be adjusted either by using the
soft keys in this form, or by using the UP/DOWN arrow keys on the
keypad in either operating mode. The settings of brightness, and
contrast may need to be adjusted due to variations in ambient lighting,
and operator preference. This form is also used to set the display
saver’s idle time-out. The display saver setting is the amount of time
the system is idle before the LCD is turned off. The idle time may be
set from 30 to 120 minutes. The display saver can be disabled during
the current power cycle.

Language

The 300S supports multiple languages. To change the
language selection:

8 Press the LANGUAGE soft key until the desired language selection

appears on the soft key, and the form.

8 Press ENTER to confirm your selection.

Import/Export

Job, and Installation Setup parameters can be imported or exported
using the serial port. See "Data Interface" on page 89.

8 Press the IMPORT/EXPORT soft key in the Setup screen.
8 Press IMPORT to download operating parameters from a PC.
8 Press EXPORT to upload the current operating parameters to a PC.
8 Press the C key to exit.

I - 2 General Operations for 300S

300S 19

Set/Zero Soft Key Details

The SET/ZERO soft key is a key that determines the effect of pressing
an Axis key. This key is a toggle key, switching the functionality
between Set, and Zero. The current state is indicated in the Status Bar
shown as “SET” in this view.

When the state is Set, and the 300S is in Actual Value mode, selecting
an Axis key opens the Datum form for the selected axis. If the 300S
is in Distance-To-Go mode, a Preset form opens.

When the state is Zero, and the 300S is in Actual Value mode,
selecting an Axis key sets the current datum for that axis to zero, at
the current position. If it is in Distance-To-Go mode, the current
Distance-To-Go value is set to zero.

If the 300S is in Actual Value mode and the state of
Set/Zero is zero, pressing any Axis key resets the current
datum to zero at the current location for that axis.

Calc Soft Key

300S’s calculator is capable of handling everything from simple
arithmetic to complex trigonometry and RPM calculations.

Press the CALC soft key to access the STANDARD/TRIG and RPM
soft keys. The CALC soft key is also available on input forms where

I - 2 General Operations for 300S

preforming calculations may be required while inputting data.

When you need to enter more than one calculation into a
numeric field, the calculator will perform multiplication and
division before it performs addition and subtraction. If you
were to enter 3 + 1 ÷ 8, 300S will divide one by eight, then
add three for an answer of 3.125.

Trig functions contain all trig operators as well as, square and square
root. Whenever you're calculating the SIN, COS or TAN of an angle,
enter the angle first and then press the appropriate soft key.

Angle values use the current angle format selection of
decimal degrees, or radians.

20 I

RPM Calculator

The RPM calculator is used to determine the RPM (or surface cutting
speed) based on a specified tool (part, for turning applications)
diameter. The values shown in this Figure are only an example.
Consult your tool manufacturer’s manual to verify spindle speed
ranges per tool.

8 Press CALC.
8 Press the RPM soft key to open the RPM Calculator form.
8 The RPM calculator requires a tool diameter. Use the numeric hard

keys to enter a diameter value. The diameter value will default to the
current tool’s diameter. If there is no last value entered in this power
cycle, the default value is 0.

8 If a surface speed value is required, enter the value using the

numeric hard keys. When a surface speed value is entered, the
associated RPM value will be calculated.

When in the Surface Speed field, a soft key is available for opening on­line help. The table may be consulted for a recommended range of
surface speeds for the material being machined.

8 Press the UNITS soft key to show the units as inch or millimeter.
8 The RPM Calculator form is closed by pressing the C key saving

current data.

I - 2 General Operations for 300S

300S 21

I - 3 Milling Specific Operations

This section discusses operations and soft key functions specific to
milling applications only.

Soft Key Functions Detailed

Tool Soft Key

This soft key opens the tool table and provides access to the Tool form
for entering a tool’s parameters (a soft key is used on a one axis
readout). The 300S can store up to 99 tools within the tool table.

Tool Table

The 300S tool table provides a convenient way to store diameter and
length offset information for each of the tools that may be commonly
used, up to 99 tools. An example of the Tool Table screen is
shown here.

The following soft keys are also available while in the Tool Table form
or in the individual tool data form:

Function Soft key

I - 3 Milling Specific Operations

Use this key to select which axis all the tool
length offsets will affect. The tool’s diameter
values will subsequently be used to offset the
remaining two axes.

Press to automatically enter the tool offset
length. This key is only available in the TOOL
LENGTH field.

The Tool Types form is opened using this key,
and is only available in the Type field.

To remove a tool from the table, use the CLEAR
TOOL key.

To use a tool from the table, highlight the tool,
and press the USE TOOL key.

Press access available help files.

22 I

Import/Export

Tool Table information can be imported, or exported over the serial
port.

8 IMPORT, and EXPORT soft keys are available in the Tool Table

screen.

8 Press IMPORT to download a Tool Table from a PC.
8 Press EXPORT to upload the Tool Table to a PC.
8 To exit, press the C key.

I - 3 Milling Specific Operations

300S 23

Tool Radius Compensation feature

This allows you to enter workpiece dimensions directly from the
drawing. R represents the tool radius, and examples of the R values
are shown in this figure. The displayed distance to go is then
automatically lengthened R+, or shortened R- by the value of the tool
radius. For more information see "Presets" on page 33.

The length offset may be entered as a known value or the 300S may
determine the offset automatically. The tool length is the difference in
length ΔL between the tool and the reference tool. The length
difference is indicated with the “Δ”symbol. The reference tool is
indicated by T1.

Sign for the length difference ΔL

If the tool is longer than the reference tool: ΔL>0(+).
If the tool is shorter than the reference tool:ΔL<0(–).

I - 3 Milling Specific Operations

The length offset may be entered as a known value, or the 300S may
determine the offset automatically. To have the 300S determine a
tool’s length offset involves touching the tip of each tool to a common
reference surface. This allows the 300S to determine the difference
between the length of each tool.

Move the tool until it’s tip is touching the reference surface. Press the
TEACH LENGTH soft key. The 300S will calculate an offset relative to
this surface. Repeat the procedure for each additional tool using the
same reference surface.

Only the tools set using the same reference surface may be
changed without having to reset the datum.

24 I

Entering tool data

8 Choose TOOL soft key.
8 Cursor to the desired tool and press ENTER. The Tool Description

form will appear.

8 Enter the tool diameter.
8 Enter the tool length or press TEACH LENGTH.
8 Enter the tool units (inch/mm).
8 Enter the tool type.
8 Spindle data is not required unless the Spindle Speed Control has

been installed. If installed, then refer to the CSS I/O User’s Manual.

8 Press C to return to the tool table. Press C to exit.

Tool Table Usage
Example: Entering the tool length and diameter into the tool table.

Tool diameter 2.00
Tool length: 20.000
Tool unit: mm
Tool type: flat end mill

I - 3 Milling Specific Operations

It is also possible to have 300S determine the length of an
offset. See - ALTERNATIVE METHOD -.

Spindle Speed Control information is only required when
CSS I/O option box is installed. Refer to the CSS I/O User
Manual if this has been installed.

300S 25

Entering a tool:

8 Press the TOOL. soft key. The cursor will default to the Tool Table

form.

8 Cursor to the tool you want to define or enter the tool number. Press

ENTER.

8 Enter the tool diameter, for example (2).
8 Press the DOWN ARROW key.
8 Enter the tool length, for example, (20).
8 Press the DOWN ARROW key.

-ALTERNATIVE METHOD -

It is also possible to have 300S determine an offset. This method
involves touching the tip of each tool to a common reference surface.
This allows 300S to determine the difference between the length of
each tool.

8 Move the tool until its tip is touching the reference surface.
8 Press the TEACH LENGTH soft key. 300S will calculate an offset

relative to this surface.

8 Repeat the procedure for each additional tool using the same

I - 3 Milling Specific Operations

reference surface.

8 Press ENTER.

26 I

Only the tools set using the same reference surface may be
changed without having to reset the datum.

If the tool table already contains tools in which the length
has been set, the reference surface should first be
established using one of them. If not, you will not be able
to switch between the new tools and the existing tools
without having to re-establish the datum. Before adding the
new tools, select one of the tools from the tool table. Touch
the tool to a reference surface and set the datum to 0

TOOL UNIT

8 Enter the tool unit (inch/mm).
8 Cursor to the Tool Type field.

TOOL TYPE

8 Press TOOL TYPES soft key.
8 Press ENTER.

I - 3 Milling Specific Operations

300S 27

Calling the Tool from the Tool Table
Before you start machining, select the tool you are using from the tool

table. 300S then takes into account the stored tool data when working
with tool compensation.

Tool call

8 To call a tool, press the TOOL soft key.
8 Use the UP/DOWN arrow keys to cursor through the selection of

tools (1-99). Highlight the tool you want.

8 Verify the proper tool has been called, and press the TOOL, or C key

to exit.

Datum Soft Key

Datum settings define the relationships between the axis positions,
and the display values.

Setting datum points is done by using the 300S probing functions
either with a tool, or with an edge finder.

Probing Functions for Datum Setting

An electronic Edge Finder can be connected through the edge finder
input. The 300S also supports a grounding type edge finder connected
via the 3.5mm Phono Jack on the back of the unit. Both types of edge

I - 3 Milling Specific Operations

finders operate the same way.
The following probing soft key functions are available:

 Workpiece edge as datum: EDGE soft key.
 Centerline between two workpiece edges: CENTER LINE soft key.
 Center of a hole or cylinder: CIRCLE CENTER soft key.

In all probing functions, 300S takes into account the probes’s entered
tip diameter. During probing functions, with an electronic, or
grounding edge finder, the display freezes with the location of the
edge, centerline, or circle center.

8 To abort the probing function while it is active, press the C key.

To perform probing, the probe’s dimensional
characteristics must first be entered into Job Setup. See
"Job Setup Parameters" on page 13..

28 I

Example: Set centerline between two workpiece edges as datum
0 is offered as a default value for the coordinate. Enter the desired

coordinate for the workpiece edge. For this example Y = 0.0, set the
coordinate as a datum for this workpiece.

8 Press the ENTER hard key.

The position of the centerline M is determined by probing the edges
1, and 2.

The centerline is parallel to the Y axis.
Desired coordinate of the centerline: X = 0.0

Spacing between edges is displayed on the message box
when using the probe centerline feature.

I - 3 Milling Specific Operations

300S 29

8 Press the DATUM soft key.
8 Press the DOWN arrow key to select the item you need.
8 Press the PROBE soft key.

Probe the 1st edge X

8 Move the edge finder toward workpiece edge 1 until the LEDs in the

edge finder light up.

Probe the 2nd edge in X

8 Move the edge finder toward workpiece edge 2 until the LEDs in the

edge finder light up. The distance between the edges is displayed
on the message box.

8 Retract the edge finder from the workpiece.

Enter the value for X

8 Enter coordinate (X = 0.0), and transfer coordinate as datum for the

centerline.

8 Press the ENTER hard key.

Example: Probe the center of a hole with an edge finder, and set the datum 2.00 from the circle’s center

X coordinate of the circle center: X = 2.00”

I - 3 Milling Specific Operations

Y coordinate of the circle center: Y = 0.00”

8 Press the DATUM soft key.
8 Press the DOWN arrow key to select the item you need.
8 Press the PROBE soft key.
8 Press the CIRCLE CENTER soft key.
8 Move the edge finder toward the first point 1 on the circumference

until the LEDs in the edge finder light up.

8 Probe two additional points on the circumference in the same

manner. Further instructions appear on the screen. See Instruction
Box for the measured diameter.

Enter center point X X = 2.00”

8 Enter the first coordinate (X = 2.00”).
8 Press the DOWN arrow hard key.

Enter center point Y Y = 0.00”

8 Accept default entry Y = 0.00”.
8 Press the ENTER hard key.

30 I

Probing with a Tool

If using a tool, or non-electrical edge finder to set datum points, the
300S probing functions can still be used.

Datum points can be set by touching the edges of a workpiece, one
after the other with a tool, and then manually entering the tool’s
position as datum points.

I - 3 Milling Specific Operations

300S 31

Example: Probe workpiece edge and set edge as datum

8 Preparation: Set the active tool to the tool that will be used to set

the datum. An end mill is shown in this example, along with the Set
Datum screen.

 Datum axis: X =0
 Tool diameter D = 0.25”

8 Press DATUM.
8 Press the Down arrow key until the X axis field is highlighted.
8 Press PROBE soft key.
8 Press EDGE soft key.
8 Touch workpiece edge.
8 Press the TEACH soft key to store the current absolute value while

the tool is in contact with the workpiece edge. The location for the
touched edge will take into account the diameter of the tool in use
(T:1, 2...), and the last direction the tool was moved prior to pressing
the TEACH soft key.

8 Retract the tool from the workpiece and enter 0” and then

press ENTER.

I - 3 Milling Specific Operations

32 I

Presets

The Preset function allows the operator to indicate the nominal (target)
position for the next move. Once the new nominal position
information is entered the display will switch to Distance-To-Go mode
and show the distance between the current position and the nominal
position. The operator now only needs to move the table until the
display is zero and he will be at the required nominal position. The
information for the location of the nominal position can be entered as
an absolute move from the current datum zero or as an incremental
move from the current nominal position.

Presetting also allows the operator to indicate which side of the tool
will be doing the machining at the nominal position. The R+/- soft key
in the Preset form defines the offset that will be in effect during the
move. R+ indicates that the center line of the current tool is in a more
positive direction than the edge of the tool. R- indicates that the
center line is in a more negative direction than the edge of the current
tool. Using R+/- offsets automatically adjusts the distance-to-go value
to account for the diameter of the tool.

Absolute Distance Preset

Example: Milling a shoulder by traversing to display value zero using
absolute position.

The coordinates are entered as absolute dimensions; the datum is the
workpiece zero. Using this figure example:

 Corner 1: X = 0 / Y = 1
 Corner 2: X = 1.50 / Y = 1
 Corner 3: X = 1.50 / Y = 2.50
 Corner 4: X = 3.00 / Y = 2.50

I - 3 Milling Specific Operations

Press the PRESET soft key, then an axis key to recall the
last entered preset value for that axis.

300S 33

Preparation:

8 Select the tool with the appropriate tool data.
8 Pre-position the tool to an appropriate location (such as X = Y = -1”).
8 Move the tool to milling depth.
8 Press the PRESET soft key.
8 Press the Y axis key

-ALTERNATIVE METHOD -

8 Press the SET/ZERO soft key so that you are in Set mode.
8 Press the Y axis key.
8 Enter nominal position value for corner point 1: Y = 1”, and select

tool radius compensation R + with R+/- soft key. Press until R+ is
shown next to axis form.

8 Press ENTER.
8 Traverse the Y axis until the display value is zero. The square in the

near zero warning is now centered between the two
triangular marks.

8 Press the PRESET soft key.
8 Press the X axis key.

I - 3 Milling Specific Operations

-ALTERNATIVE METHOD -

8 Press the SET/ZERO soft key so that you are in Set mode.
8 Press the X axis key.
8 Enter nominal position value for corner point 2: X = 1.5” select tool

radius compensation R - with R+/- soft key. Press twice until R- is
shown next to axis form.

8 Press ENTER.
8 Traverse the X axis until the display value is zero. The square in the

near zero warning is now centered between the two
triangular marks.

8 Presets can be entered in the same manner for corners 3, and 4.

34 I

Incremental Distance Preset

Example: Drilling by traversing to display value zero with
incremental positioning.

Enter the coordinates in incremental dimensions. These
are indicated in the following (and on the screen) with a
preceding I (Incremental). The datum is the
workpiece zero.

 Hole 1 at: X = 1” / Y = 1”
 Distance from hole 1 to hole 2: XI = 1.5” / YI = 1.5”
 Hole depth: Z = –0.5”
 Operating mode: DISTANCE-TO-GO (INC)

8 Press the PRESET soft key.
8 Press the X axis key.
8 Enter nominal position value for hole 1: X = 1” and ensure no tool

radius is active. Note that these presets are Absolute Presets.

8 Press the DOWN arrow key.
8 Enter nominal position value for hole 1: Y = 1”.
8 Ensure no tool radius compensation is showing.
8 Press the DOWN arrow key.
8 Enter the nominal position value for the hole depth: Z = -0.5”. Press

ENTER hard key.

8 Drill hole 1: Traverse the X, Y and Z axis until the display value is

zero. The square in the near zero warning is now centered between
the two triangular marks. Retract the drill.

I - 3 Milling Specific Operations

300S 35

To preset the location for Hole 2:

8 Press the PRESET soft key.
8 Press the X axis key.
8 Enter nominal position value for hole 2: X = 1.5”, mark your input as

an incremental dimension, press the I soft key.

8 Press the Y axis key.
8 Enter nominal position value for hole 2: Y = 1.5”, mark your input as

an incremental dimension, press the I soft key.

8 Press ENTER.
8 Traverse the X and Y axes until the display value is zero. The square

in the near zero warning is now centered between the two
triangular marks.

8 To preset the Z axis:
8 Press the PRESET soft key.
8 Press the Z axis key.
8 Press the ENTER key (use last entered preset).
8 Drill hole 2: Traverse Z axis until the display value is zero. The

square in the near zero warning is now centered between the two
triangular marks.

I - 3 Milling Specific Operations

8 Retract the drill.

1/2 Soft Key

The 1/2 hard key is used to find the centerline (or midpoint) between
two locations along a selected axis of a workpiece. This can be
performed in either Actual Value or Distance-To-Go mode.

This feature will change datum locations when in Actual
Value mode.

36 I

Features (Milling)

Pressing the FEATURES soft key will provide access to the Circle
Pattern, Linear Pattern, Incline Mill, and Arc Mill milling features.

The 300S provides one user definable pattern each of these features.
They can be recalled, and executed from the DRO anytime
during operation.

The following soft keys are available while in the Milling Feature table.

Function Soft key

Press to access the circle pattern table.

Press to access the linear pattern table.

Press to access the Incline Mill entry form.

Press to access the Arc Mill entry form.

The Circle Pattern, and Linear Pattern features provide ways to
calculate, and machine various hole patterns. The Incline, and Arc
milling features provide ways to machine a flat diagonal surface
(incline milling), or a rounded surface (arc milling) using a
manual machine.

I - 3 Milling Specific Operations

Defined Circle, Linear, Incline, and Arc patterns are
remembered when power is cycled

300S 37

Circle, and Linear Patterns

This section describes the Circle, and Linear pattern tables, and
capabilities. The 300S provides storage of 10 user definable patterns
each for Circle, and Linear. Once patterns are defined, they are
remembered when power is cycled. They can be recalled, and
executed from the DRO, or from a program.

The View Graphic enables verification of the hole pattern before you
start machining. It is also useful when selecting holes directly,
executing holes separately, and skipping holes.

To access the Circle Pattern Table, or Linear Pattern Table, press the
FEATURES soft key. The CIRCLE PATTERN, and LINEAR PATTERN
soft keys are shown. Pressing one of these soft keys will open the
corresponding hole pattern table.

Soft key Functions

The following soft keys are available while in the Circle, and Linear
Pattern Milling feature.

Function Soft key

Press to access the FEATURES soft keys.

I - 3 Milling Specific Operations

Press to access the circle pattern table.

Press to access the linear pattern table.

Press to create a new circle, or linear pattern.

Press to edit an existing pattern.

Press CLEAR to delete an existing pattern.

Press RUN to execute a pattern.

Press HELP for additional information about
the pattern.

38 I

Circle, and Linear Pattern Table Entry

The Circle, or Linear Pattern Table is used to define up to 10 different
circle hole patterns (Full, or Segment), and 10 different linear hole
patterns (Array, or Frame).

8 Access the Pattern Table from the DRO soft key menu by pressing

the FEATURES soft key.

8 Press the CIRCLE PATTERN, or LINEAR PATTERN soft key.

 The Pattern Table will show all of the patterns that have been

previously defined.

8 Press the UP/DOWN arrow keys to define a new pattern, or edit an

existing pattern.

8 Highlight the table entry, press the NEW, or EDIT soft key (or

press ENTER).

 A Circle, or Linear Pattern form is opened.

8 Enter the information to define the pattern, then press ENTER.

 The pattern will be entered into the appropriate table. It can now

be modified, executed, or referred to from a program.

8 To delete a pattern from the table press the CLEAR soft key. Press

YES to confirm deletion from the table.

The pattern table, and its entries are saved to memory.
They will stay in memory until deleted, or changed, and are
not affected by a power cycle.

I - 3 Milling Specific Operations

300S 39

Circle, and Linear Pattern Soft keys

The following additional soft keys are available while in the Circle, and
Linear Pattern Milling feature.

Function Soft key

Press to execute the circle or linear pattern.

Press to use the current absolute position.

Press to open the Calculator for standard math, and
trigonometry functions.

Circle Pattern Information Required

 Type: type of pattern, FULL, or SEGMENT.
 Holes: number of holes in the pattern.
 Center: location of the center of the hole pattern.

I - 3 Milling Specific Operations

 Radius: radius of the pattern.
 Start Angle: angle between X axis and the first hole.
 End Angle: angle between X axis and the last hole.
 Depth: the target depth for drilling in the tool axis.

Linear Pattern Information Required

 Type: type of pattern, ARRAY or FRAME.
 First Hole: location of the first hole of the pattern.
 Holes per Row: number of holes in each row of a pattern.
 Angle: the angle, or rotation of the pattern.
 Depth: the target depth for drilling in the tool axis.
 Number of Rows: the number of rows in the pattern.
 Row Spacing: the spacing between each row of the pattern.

40 I

Circle, or Linear Pattern Execution

8 To execute a circle, or linear pattern, highlight the pattern to be

executed in the table.

8 Press the RUN soft key.

 The 300S then calculates the positions of the holes. It can also

provide a graphical view of the hole pattern.

The following soft keys are available while running a Circle, or
Linear Pattern

Function Soft key

Press to select the graphic view of the pattern.
Available in both incremental DRO, or
absolute DRO.

Press to select the previous hole in the pattern.

Press to select the next hole in the pattern.

Press to end execution of the pattern.

Press the VIEW soft key to toggle the views between
distance-to-go positions, graphic view, and
absolute positions.

I - 3 Milling Specific Operations

300S 41

Example: Enter data and execute a circle pattern.
1st step: Enter data

8 Press FEATURES soft key.
8 Press CIRCLE PATTERN soft key.
8 Press UP/DOWN hard keys to select pattern 1.
8 Press ENTER hard key.
8 Press FULL/SEGMENT soft key until FULL is selected.
8 Press DOWN ARROW hard key to move to the next field.
8 Enter 4 for the number of holes.
8 Enter X= 2.0”, Y= 1.5” for the circle pattern center location.

8 Enter 5” for the radius of the circle pattern.
8 Enter 25° for the start angle.
8 The end angle is 295°, and can not be changed because the pattern

I - 3 Milling Specific Operations

is full.

8 Enter depth of -.25”.

 The depth of the hole is optional, and may be left blank.

8 Press ENTER

42 I

The Circle Pattern table now shows the pattern that was just defined
as pattern 1.

2nd step: Execute circle pattern

8 Press the RUN soft key.

 The distance-to-go view is displayed.

8 Move to the hole, move the X, and Y axis until their display values

show 0.0.

8 Drill (Z depth): If a depth was entered into the pattern, move Z until

it’s display value shows 0.0. Otherwise, drill to the desired depth.

8 Press the NEXT HOLE soft key.
8 Continue to drill the remaining holes in the same manner.

When the pattern is complete, press the END soft key.

I - 3 Milling Specific Operations

300S 43

Incline, and Arc Milling

The incline and arc milling features provide ways to machine a flat
diagonal surface (incline milling) or a rounded surface (arc milling)
using a manual machine.

The 300S provides storage of up to 10 user definable Incline Mill
features, and 10 Arc Mill features. Once the features are defined, they
are stored in memory and can be recalled at anytime. They can be
executed from the DRO, or from the operating program. All defined
features will stay in memory until removed, regardless if the power
has been cycled.

To access the Incline or Arc Mill Table, press the FEATURE soft key,
then press the INCLINE MILL, or ARC MILL soft key to open the
corresponding mill table.

Soft Key Functions

The following soft keys are available while in the Milling Feature table.

Function Soft key

Press to access the Incline Mill Table.

I - 3 Milling Specific Operations

Press to access the Arc Mill Table.

Press to create a new milling feature.

Press to edit and existing milling feature.

Press to delete and existing milling feature.

Press to execute the milling feature.

Press for additional information about the
milling feature.

44 I

Incline, and Arc Milling Table Entry

The Incline or Arc Mill Table is used to define the milling features. To
access either Mill Table:

8 Press the FEATURES soft key.
8 Press the INCLINE MILL, or ARC MILL soft key.

To define a new milling feature:

8 Press the UP/DOWN ARROW hard keys to highlight a blank feature.
8 Press the NEW soft key, or press ENTER.

To edit an existing feature:

8 Press the UP/DOWN ARROW hard keys to highlight the table entry.
8 Press the EDIT, soft key, or press ENTER.

To execute a milling feature:

8 Highlight the table entry, and press the RUN soft key.

 See “Incline, & Arc Mill Execution” for more information.

To delete an existing feature:

8 Highlight the table entry.
8 Press the CLEAR soft key.
8 Press YES to confirm deletion.

I - 3 Milling Specific Operations

300S 45

Incline, and Arc Milling Table Entry

The following soft keys are available while in the entry form.

Function Soft key

Press to select a plane ([XY], [YZ], or [XZ]

Press to execute the milling operation

Press to use the current absolute position

Press to open the Calculator for standard math, and
trigonometry functions.

The Incline Milling form is used to specify the flat surface to be milled.
The data is entered through the “Incline Mill Table”. Selecting an
incline mill entry, and then pressing the NEW, or EDIT soft key, (or
ENTER), will allow the feature to be defined. The following listed
fields require data input.

I - 3 Milling Specific Operations

 Plane: Select the plane by pressing the PLANE soft key. The

current selection is shown on the soft key and in the plane field. The
graphic in the message box aids in selecting the correct plane.

 Start Point: Enter the coordinates of the start point, or press

TEACH to set the coordinate to the current position.

 End Point: Enter the coordinates of the end point, or press teach

to set the coordinate to current position.

 Step: Enter the step size. When milling, this is the distance

between each pass or each step along the line.

The Step size is optional. If the value is zero, the operator
decides at run-time how far to move between each step.

Press the ENTER key to close the form and save the feature to the
table. Press the RUN soft key to execute the surface milling
operation. Press C hard key to exit the form without saving the
feature.

The table, and its entries are saved to memory. They will
stay in memory until deleted, or changed, and are not
affected by a power cycle.

46 I

Arc Milling

The Arc Milling form is used to specify the curved surface to be milled.
The data is entered through the “Arc Mill Table”. Selecting an arc mill
entry, and then pressing the NEW, or EDIT soft key, (or ENTER), will
allow the feature to be defined.

The following listed fields require data input.

 Plane Selection: Select the plane by pressing the PLANE soft key.

The current selection is shown on the soft key, and in the plane field.
The graphic in the message box aids in selecting the correct plane.

 Center Point: Enter the coordinates of the arc’s center point, or

press TEACH to set the coordinate to the current position.

 Start Point: Enter the coordinates of the start point, or press

TEACH to set the coordinate to current position.

 End Point: Enter the coordinates of the end point, or press TEACH

to set the coordinate to current position.

 Step: Enter the step size. When milling, this is the distance along

the circumference of the arc between each pass, or step along the
arc’s contour.

The Step size is optional. If the value is zero, the operator
decides at run-time how far to move between each step.

I - 3 Milling Specific Operations

300S 47

Press the ENTER key to close the form and save the feature to the
table. Press the RUN soft key to execute the surface milling
operation. Press C hard key to exit the form without saving the
feature.

Incline, and Arc Mill Execution

8 To execute a milling operation, select the feature from the table to

open the entry form.

8 Press the RUN soft key.

 The screen switches to the incremental DRO view, showing the

incremental distance from the start point.

The following soft keys are available while running an Incline, or Arc
Milling feature.

Function Soft key

Press to select the incremental DRO, contour
view of feature, or absolute DRO

Press to return to the previous pass.

I - 3 Milling Specific Operations

Press to advance to the next pass.

Press to end execution of the milling operation.

The tool radius compensation is applied based on the radius of the
current tool. If the plane selection involves the tool axis, the tool tip is
assumed to have a ball end.

8 Move to the start point and make a plunge cut or the first pass

across the surface.

8 Press the NEXT PASS, soft key to continue with the next step along

the contour.

 The incremental display shows the distance from the next pass

along the line, or arc’s contour.

48 I

8 To follow the contour, move the two axes in small steps, keeping

the X, and Y positions as close to zero (0.0) as possible.

 When no step size is specified, the incremental display always

shows the distance from the closest point on the arc.

8 Press the VIEW soft key to toggle through the three available views

(incremental DRO, contour, and absolute DRO).

 The contour view shows the position of the tool relative to the

milling surface. When the cross hair representing the tool is on
the line representing the surface, the tool is in position. The tool
cross hair remains fixed in the center of the graph. As the table is
moved, the surface line moves.

8 Press END to exit the milling operation.

The tool offset direction (R+ or R-) is applied based on the
tool position. The operator must approach the contour
surface from the appropriate direction for tool
compensation to be correct.

I - 3 Milling Specific Operations

300S 49

Z/W Coupling

Z/W Coupling (4 axes Milling)

The 300S Milling application provides a quick method for coupling the
Z and W axes positions on a 4 axis system. The display can be coupled
in either the Z or W displays.

Enabling Z/W Coupling

To couple the Z and W axes and have the result displayed on the Z
display, press and hold the Z key approximately 2 seconds. The sum

I - 3 Milling Specific Operations

of the Z/W positions will be displayed on the Z display and the W
display will be blanked.

To couple the Z and W axes and have the result displayed on the W
display, press and hold the W key for approximately 2 seconds. The
sum of the Z/W positions will be displayed on the W display and the Z
display will be blanked. The coupling is preserved in between
power cycles.

Moving either Z or W inputs will update the coupled Z/W position.
When a position is coupled, the reference mark for both encoders

must be found in order to recall the previous datum.

Disabling Z/W Coupling

To disable Z/W Coupling, press the axis key of the display that is blank.
The individual Z and W display positions will be restored.

50 I

I - 4 Turning Specific Operations

This section discusses operations specific to turning applications only.

Tool Display Icon

The Ø icon is used to indicate that the displayed value is a diameter
value. No icon visible indicates that the display is a radius value.

Tool Table

The 300S can store the dimensional offsets for up to 99 tools (see
sample screen). When you change a workpiece and establish a new
datum, all tools are automatically referenced from the new datum.

Setting Tool Offsets Example 1: Using TOOL/SET

Before you can use a tool, you must enter its offset (the cutting edge
position). Tool offsets can be set using the TOOL/SET or LOCK
AXIS feature.

The TOOL/SET operation can be used to set a tool’s offset using a tool
when the diameter of the workpiece is known.

8 Touch the known diameter in the X axis (1).
8 Press the TOOL soft key.
8 Scroll to the desired tool.

I - 4 Turning Specific Operations

300S 51

8 Press the ENTER key.
8 Select the axis (X) key.
8 Enter the position of the tool tip, for example, X=.100. Remember

to ensure the 300S is in diameter display mode ( Ø) if the input is a
diameter value.

8 Touch the workpiece face with the tool.
8 Cursor to the Z axis (2), then set the position display for the tool tip

to zero, Z=0.

8 Press ENTER.

Setting Tool Offsets Example 2: Using LOCK AXIS Function

The LOCK AXIS function can be used to set a tool’s offset when a tool
is under load and the diameter of the workpiece is not known.

The LOCK AXIS function is useful when determining tool data by
touching the workpiece. To avoid losing the position value when the
tool is retracted to measure the workpiece, this value can be stored by
pressing LOCK AXIS.

To use the LOCK AXIS function:

8 Press the TOOL soft key.

I - 4 Turning Specific Operations

8 Select tool and press ENTER.
8 Press the X axis key.
8 Turn a diameter in the X axis.
8 Press the LOCK AXIS soft key while the tool is still cutting.
8 Retract from the current position.
8 Turn the spindle off and measure the workpiece diameter.
8 Enter the measured diameter or radius, and press ENTER.

Remember to ensure the 300S is in diameter display mode Ø if you
input a diameter value.

Import/Export

Tool Table information can be imported, or exported over the serial
port.

8 IMPORT, and EXPORT soft keys are available in the Tool Table

screen.

8 Press IMPORT to download a Tool Table from a PC.
8 Press EXPORT to upload the Tool Table to a PC.
8 To exit, press the C key.

52 I

Calling a Tool from the Tool Table

8 To call a tool, press the TOOL soft key.
8 Use the Up/Down arrow keys to cursor through the selection of

tools (1-99). Highlight the tool you want.

8 Verify the proper tool has been called, and press either the use

TOOL soft key, or the C key to exit.

Datum Setting

See "Datum Soft Key" on page 28. for basic information. Datum
settings define the relationships between the axis positions and the
display values. For most lathe operations there is only one X-axis
datum, the center of the chuck, but it may be helpful to define
additional datums for the Z-axis. The table can hold up to 10 datum
points. The recommended way to set datum points is to touch a
workpiece at a known diameter, or location, then enter that dimension
as the value that the display should be showing.

Example: Setting a workpiece datum

Preparation:

8 Call the tool data by selecting the tool which you are using to touch

the workpiece.

8 Press the DATUM soft key. The cursor will be in the DATUM

NUMBER field.

8 Enter the datum number, and press the DOWN arrow key to go to

the X-axis field.

8 Touch the workpiece at point 1.
8 Enter the radius or diameter of the workpiece at that point.

Remember to ensure the 300S is in diameter display mode Ø if you
input a diameter value.

I - 4 Turning Specific Operations

300S 53

8 Press the DOWN arrow key to advance to the Z axis.
8 Touch the workpiece surface at point 2.
8 Enter the position of the tool tip (Z= 0) for the Z coordinate of

the datum.

8 Press ENTER.

Setting Datums using LOCK AXIS Function

The LOCK AXIS function is useful for setting a datum when a tool is
under load and the diameter of the workpiece is not known.

To use the LOCK AXIS function:

I - 4 Turning Specific Operations

8 Press the DATUM soft key. The cursor will be in the DATUM

NUMBER field.

8 Enter the datum number and press the DOWN arrow key to go to

the X axis field.

8 Turn a diameter in the X axis.
8 Press the LOCK AXIS soft key while the tool is still cutting.
8 Retract from the current position.
8 Turn the spindle off and measure the workpiece diameter.
8 Enter the measured diameter, for example, 1.5” and press ENTER.

54 I

Taper Calculator Soft Key

Use the taper calculator to calculate taper angle. Refer to screen
examples on the right.

You can calculate tapers either by entering dimensions from a print, or
by touching a tapered workpiece with a tool or indicator.

Entry values:

For the taper ratio, calculation requires:

 Length of the taper
 Change in the radius of the taper.

For taper calculation using both diameters (D1, D2) and
length requires:

 Starting diameter
 End diameter
 Length of the taper

Using Taper Calculator

8 Press the CALC soft key: The soft key selection now changes to

include the taper calculator functions.

8 To calculate the taper angle using two diameters, and length

between, press the taper: di/D2/l soft keys.

8 First taper point, diameter 1, either enter a point using the numeic

keys and press enter, or touch the tool to one point and
press TEACH.

8 Repeat this for the diameter 2 field. When using the TEACH key, the

taper angle is automatically calculated. When entering data
numerically, enter data into the length field, and press ENTER: The
taper angle will appear in the angle field.

8 To calculate angles using the ratio of the diameter, change to length,

and press the taper: RATIO soft key.

8 Using the numeric keys, enter data into the ENTRY 1, and

ENTRY 2 fields.

8 Press ENTER after each selection: The calculated ratio, and the

angle will appear in their respective fields.

I - 4 Turning Specific Operations

300S 55

Presets

The functionality has been explained previously in this manual (see
"Presets" on page 33). The explanation, and examples on those pages
are based on a mill application. The basics of those explanations are
the same for turning applications with two exceptions; Tool Diameter
Offsets (R+/-), and Radius vs. Diameter inputs.

Tool diameter offsets have no applications with turning tools, so this
functionality is not available while doing turning presets.

Input values can be either radius or diameter values. It is important to
be sure the units you are entering for the preset agree with the state
that the display is currently using. A diameter value is shown with a Ø
symbol. The state of the display can be changed using the RAD/DIA
soft key (available in both operating modes).

Radius/Diameter Soft Key

Drawings for lathe parts usually give diameter values. 300S can
display either the radius or the diameter for you. When the diameter is
being displayed, the diameter symbol Ø is shown next to the
position value.

Example:

 Radius display, position 1, X =.50

I - 4 Turning Specific Operations

 Diameter display, position 1, X = Ø 1.0

8 Press the RAD/DIA soft key to switch between radius display, and

diameter display.

56 I

Vectoring

Vectoring breaks down the movement of the compound axis into the
crossfeed or longitudinal axes. If you are turning threads, for example,
vectoring lets you see the diameter of the thread in the X-axis display,
even though you are moving the cutting tool with the compound axis
handwheel. With vectoring enabled, you can preset the desired radius
or diameter in the X-axis, so that you can “machine to zero”.

When vectoring is used, the top slide (compound) axis
encoder must be assigned to the bottom display axis. The
crossfeed component of movement of the axis will then be
shown in the top display axis. The longitudinal component
of movement of the axis will be shown in the middle display
axis.

8 Select VECTORING from Job Setup.
8 Press the ON soft key to enable the vectoring feature.
8 Arrow down to the Angle field to enter the angle between the

longitudinal slide and top slide with 0° indicating the top slide is
moving parallel to the longitudinal slide.

8 Press ENTER.

Z Coupling

The 300S Turning application provides a quick method for coupling the
Z

, and Z axes positions on a 3, or 4 axis system. The display can be

0

coupled in either the Z

, and Z displays.

0

I - 4 Turning Specific Operations

300S 57

Enabling Z0, and Z Coupling

To couple the Z
display, press and hold the Z
of the Z positions will be displayed on the Z

, and Z axes and have the result displayed on the Z0

0

key approximately 2 seconds. The sum

0

display and the Z display

0

will be blanked.
To couple the Z

, and Z axes and have the result displayed on the Z

0

display, press and hold the Z key for approximately 2 seconds. The
sum of the Z positions will be displayed on the Z display and the Z
display will be blanked. The coupling is preserved in between
power cycles.

Moving either Z0, or Z inputs will update the coupled Z position.
When a position is coupled, the reference mark for both encoders

must be found in order to recall the previous datum.

0

Disabling Z

, and Z Coupling

0

To disable Z Coupling, press the axis key of the display that is blank.
The individual Z

, and Z display positions will be restored.

0

I - 4 Turning Specific Operations

58 I

Thread Cycle

The Thread Cycle feature allows for data to be input into the 300S to
ease, and enhance thread cutting features on a lathe.

The Thread Cycle feature requires a rotary encoder be
installed to the lathe thread cutting lead screw. The DRO
requires this encoder to be set up on the third axis.

Access the Thread Cycle setup forms through the INSTALL SETUP
soft key. High light Encoder Setup, and high light the Thread Cycle
feature.

This section describes the Thread Cycle entry forms, and capabilities.
The 300S provides one user definable pattern which can be recalled,
and executed from the DRO at anytime during operation.

Defined Thread Cycle pattern is remembered when power
is cycled.

The VIEW soft key provides actual tool location during machining.

Soft Key Functions

The following soft keys are available for the Thread Cycle Feature.

Function Soft key

Press the THREAD CYCLE key to access the
forms, or begin the Thread Cycle feature
previously set up.

I - 4 Turning Specific Operations

The THREAD AXIS key is used to select the axis
for the lead screw.

Press THREADS PER INCH soft key to select
English threads in the Thread Cycle setup form.

Press PITCH IN MM soft key to select Metric
threads in the Thread Cycle setup form.

Press DEPTH soft key to select thread depth cut
in the Thread Cycle setup form.

Press NUMBER soft key to select number of
threads in place of depth cut in the Thread Cycle
setup form.

300S 59

Function Soft key

Press FIRST PASS soft key to begin the thread
cycle feature.

Press NEXT PASS soft key to continue the
thread cycle features next cut.

Press START PASS soft key to begin the thread
cycle features next cut.

Press PREVIOUS PASS soft key if a cut is
aborted during the thread cycle feature, and
needs to be started again.

Press FINISH PASS soft key when the feature
has been setup in the thread cycle form for a
final cut.

Press END soft key to exit the thread cycle
feature.

Press VIEW soft key to view current tool

I - 4 Turning Specific Operations

location during the operation of the thread cycle
feature.

60 I

Thread cycle form:

 Once the thread cycle axis has been defined, the Thread Cycle form

is accessed by pressing the THREAD CYCLE soft key from the main
screen (on page 2).

 Start point: beginning of the thread cut.
 End point: end of the thread cut.
 Passes: Enter the number of cutting passes.
 Finish: Enter the depth of the finish pass.
 Threads per inch, or Pitch in MM: For English threads, enter the

number of threads per inch. For Metric threads, enter the pitch in
millimeters.

1st Step: Enter data

8 Locate the tool to the start point of the cut for each axes, and zero

the DRO display for both X, and Z axes.

 This location is the OD for the X axis for an outside thread, or the

ID for an inside thread on the part. The location for the Z axis is at
the start of the cut.

8 Press the THREAD CYCLE soft key to open the form, and enter

data.

 The axes will be in the same mode as what the relative axis is set

to; radius, or diameter

I - 4 Turning Specific Operations

300S 61

Start Point

8 X: Enter the coordinates for the start point as previously defined

(0.0).

 Typically 0.0 is the normal starting position.

8 Press the DOWN arrow key.
8 Zo: Enter the coordinates for the start point as previously defined

(0.0).

 Typically 0.0 is the normal starting position.

8 Press the DOWN arrow key.

End Point

8 X: Enter the final cut thread Diameter.

 This is the small OD for external threads, and the large ID for

internal threads.

8 Press the DOWN arrow key.
8 Zo: Enter the end point of the thread (thread length).
8 Press the DOWN arrow key.

I - 4 Turning Specific Operations

62 I

Passes

8 NUMBER or DEPTH will be displayed. Toggle the soft key for user

preference.

8 NUMBER: Enter the number of normal passes, or.
8 DEPTH: Enter the depth dimension for a normal pass.

8 FINISH PASS: (optional) Enter the depth dimension for the finish

pass, or leave blank.

 Finish pass is in addition to the normal passes, and is included in

the total cut depth.

8 Press the DOWN arrow key.

Thread

8 Select either INCH, or MM by toggling the soft key.
8 Enter the number of threads per inch, or pitch in MM.

 The Thread Cycle parameters are now entered.

8 Press ENTER to run the program.
8 Press the C key to exit the program, and return to the normal

display.

I - 4 Turning Specific Operations

300S 63

Running the Thread Cycle Program

1

The following messages will appear on the screen while running the
thread cycle program.

8 Move X, and Z to 0.0.
8 Ready to engage thread lever.
8 Disengage when X,Z = 0.
8 Press FIRST PASS.
8 Press START PASS.
8 Press NEXT PASS.
8 Engage lever.
8 Press FINISH PASS.

The Thread Bar T displays the rotation of the lead screw relative to an
established mark. This mark is established when the First Pass is
initially executed. All subsequent passes can now be engaged using
the Thread Bar indicator 1 when located at the center mark.

8 Press THREAD CYCLE soft key to open the form.
8 Press the ENTER key to start the program.

 A message is displayed to “Move X, Z0 to 0,0”.

I - 4 Turning Specific Operations

8 Move the longitudinal axis to zero.
8 Move the cross feed axis to zero.

 A message will be displayed “Press First Pass”.

64 I

First Pass

1

8 Press the FIRST PASS soft key.

 Do not move the carriage manually.

8 Watch the machine dial, and engage the lever for the first pass on

the appropriate number (even, or odd).

 If a false start occurs at any time, disengage the lever, backing off

the cross feed at the same time. Press the PREVIOUS PASS soft
key to restart the procedure.

Remaining Passes

8 Keep hand on lever while the carriage is moving. The DRO will count

down.

8 Disengage lever, and back off the cross feed at the same time when

the DRO reads 0.0, and the screen message states “Disengage
Lever”.

8 With lever disengaged, press the NEXT PASS soft key.
8 Move the axes back to the start position. Move Z to 0.0, then move

X to 0.0,. The message “Press Start Pass” will be on the screen.

8 When ready, press the START PASS soft key. Watch the “Thread

Bar Indicator”1 and engage the lever when it reaches the center
mark.

8 Repeat this procedure until all normal passes are completed.

 If a finish pass step was created, the FINISH PASS soft key will

appear.

8 Press the FINISH PASS soft key, and execute the same as the

previous passes.

I - 4 Turning Specific Operations

300S 65

I - 5 Programming 300S

Overview

The basic machining operations available in the DRO mode (i.e. tool
selection, preset, hole patterns) can also be used to create a program.
A program is a sequence of one or more machining operations.
Programs can be executed a number of times and saved for later use.

Each machining operation is a separate step with the program. A
program can have up to 250 steps. The program listing shows the
step numbers, and the associated machining operations.

Programs can be saved to internal storage, which isn’t lost when
power is off. The readout can hold up to 8 programs in internal
storage. Programs can also be saved to external storage on a PC using
the export and import functions.

I - 5 Programming 300S

To access the Program Mode, from the DRO mode, press the
PROGRAM soft key. A listing of the current program loaded (or a
blank listing) is displayed. Also displayed are the soft keys VIEW,
FEATURES, RUN, HELP, PROGRAM FUNCTIONS, and STEP
FUNCTIONS.

Press the LEFT, or RIGHT ARROW keys to view more
soft key choices.

66 I

Program Mode Soft key functions

The following soft keys are available while in the Program
Mode feature.

Function Soft key

Press to toggle between the current program
listing with DRO (ABS) positions and a graphical
view of the programmed part (milling only).

Press to show, and select the available
programming features: TOOL, DATUM,
PRESET, and for milling: POSITION, CIRCLE
PATTERN, LINEAR PATTERN, INCLINE MILL,
and ARC MILL.

Press to execute the program from the current
highlighted step.

Press to display help relating to the
program mode.

Press to show the available program functions:
LOAD, SAVE, DELETE, CLEAR, IMPORT,
and EXPORT.

Press to show the available step functions:
CLEAR STEP, and EXPLODE STEP
(milling only).

I - 5 Programming 300S

300S 67

View Soft Key

The VIEW soft key is used to toggle between the program listing with
the DRO (ABS) positions, and graphical view of the part program.

When Program Mode is selected, the view defaults to the program
listing view.

Press the VIEW soft key to show a graphical view of the part program.
The datum, position, circle pattern, and linear pattern steps have a
graphical view. The features of the part are scaled to the size of
the window.

 The datum is drawn as a vertical and horizontal line representing the

(0,0) location.

 The position and holes of a hole pattern are drawn as circles. The

diameter of the programmed tool is used to draw the holes.

I - 5 Programming 300S

68 I

Feature Soft Key functions

To access the available features, press PROGRAM, then the
FEATURES soft key. The following soft keys will be available. Use the
LEFT, and RIGHT arrow keys to toggle through the menu. Note that in
program mode the C key will clear the entry

Function Soft key

Press to enter a Tool step into the program. See
"Tool Soft Key" on page 22..

Press to enter a Datum step. See "Datum Soft
Key" on page 28..

Press to enter a Preset step into the program.
See "Presets" on page 33..

Press to enter a Position step (mill only).

Press to enter a Circle Pattern step (mill only).
See "Circle, and Linear Patterns" on page 38..

Press to enter a Linear Pattern step (mill only).
See "Circle, and Linear Patterns" on page 38..

Press to enter an Incline Mill step (mill only).
See "Incline, and Arc Milling Table Entry" on page

45..

Press to enter an Arc Mill step (mill only). See
"Arc Milling" on page 47.

I - 5 Programming 300S

300S 69

Tool Soft Key

The Tool step is used to select the tool (from the Tool Table) that will
be used by the subsequent steps in the program. Open the Tool Table
by pressing the TOOL soft key. Select the desired tool, then press the
USE TOOL soft key. The step that was highlighted in the program will
become a Tool step.

Datum Soft Key

The datum step is used to select the datum to be used by subsequent
steps in the program. Open the Datum form by pressing the DATUM
soft key. Enter the desired datum number (0-9), then press ENTER.
The step that was highlighted in the program will become a
Datum step.

Preset Soft Key

The preset step is used to enter the nominal (target) position to move
to from within a program. Open the Preset form by pressing the

I - 5 Programming 300S

PRESET soft key. Select the desired information, then press ENTER.
The step that was highlighted in the program will become a
Preset step.

Position Soft Key (mill only)
The Position step is used to enter the nominal (target) position to

move to “for the machine and tool axes” (X, Y, & Z) from within a
program. Open the Position form by pressing the POSITION soft key.
Enter the nominal positions for the machine axes, and the depth
(optional) for the tool axis, then press ENTER. The depth is optional,
and can be left blank. The step that was highlighted in the program
will become a Position step.

Circle Pattern Soft Key (mill only)
The CIRCLE PATTERN soft key is used to specify the parameters of a

circle pattern from within a program. Open the Circle Pattern table by
pressing the CIRCLE PATTERN soft key. Use the UP, and DOWN
arrow keys to select the desired pattern, then press USE. The step
that was highlighted in the program will become a Circle Pattern step.

To modify the selected pattern, press ENTER, or the EDIT soft key. In
the form; enter the new pattern parameters, then press ENTER.

70 I

Linear Pattern Soft Key (mill only)

The LINEAR PATTERN soft key is used to specify the parameters of a
linear pattern from within a program. Open the Linear Pattern table by
pressing the LINEAR PATTERN soft key. Use the UP, and DOWN
arrow keys to select the desired pattern, then press USE. The step
that was highlighted in the program will become a Linear Pattern step.

To modify the selected pattern, press ENTER, or the EDIT soft key. In
the form; enter the new pattern parameters, then press ENTER.

Incline Mill (mill only)
The INCLINE MILL soft key is used to provide a way to machine a flat

diagonal surface from within a program. Open the Incline Mill Table
by pressing the INCLINE MILL soft key. Use the UP, and DOWN
arrow keys to select the desired incline mill feature, then press USE.
The step that was highlighted in the program will become an Incline
Mill step.

To modify the selected pattern, press ENTER, or the EDIT soft key. In
the form; enter the new pattern parameters, then press ENTER.

Arc Mill (mill only)
The ARC MILL soft key is used to provide a way to machine a rounded

surface from within a program. Open the Arc Mill Table by pressing
the ARC MILL soft key. Use the UP, and DOWN arrow keys to select
the desired arc mill feature, then press USE. The step that was
highlighted in the program will become an Arc Mill step.

To modify the selected pattern, press ENTER, or the EDIT soft key. In
the form; enter the new pattern parameters, then press ENTER.

I - 5 Programming 300S

300S 71

Program Function Soft keys

The following Program Function soft keys are available while in
Program Mode

Function Soft key

Press to load a previously saved program into
current program.

Press to save and name the current program.

Press to delete a saved program permanently.

Press to clear current program memory.

I - 5 Programming 300S

Press to Import a program into current program
memory over the RS -232 port from a PC.

Press to Export the current program over the
RS-232 port to a PC.

Step Function Soft keys

The following Step Function soft keys are available while in
Program Mode.

Function Soft key

Press to clear the highlighted step from
current program.

Press to explode highlighted step into position
steps. This applies only to Circle and
linear Patterns.

72 I

Editing, and moving through a program

8 Press UP/DOWN arrow keys to move the highlighted cursor to the

next or previous step in the program listing.

8 To move to a specific step in the program use the numeric keys and

enter the desired step number (i.e. 005).

8 To insert a new step in the program, highlight the step in the

program listing, press the FEATURES soft key and select the
desired feature.

The highlighted step and all of the following steps are
shifted down one step in the program listing, and the new
step is inserted at the highlighted step.

8 To edit the step currently highlighted, press the ENTER key.
8 To clear a step, press STEP FUNCTIONS soft key, then press the

CLEAR STEP soft key. A YES/NO confirmation is required before
the step will be removed from the program listing.

When a step is deleted from the program listing all of the
steps following the deleted step are shifted up one step in
the program listing

8 To run the current program, press the RUN soft key. The program

will be executed from the current step that is highlighted.

I - 5 Programming 300S

300S 73

I - 6 Executing a Program

To run a program, use the UP/DOWN arrow keys, or use numeric keys
to select the program step to begin running. Press RUN. The
distance-to-go view is displayed, and the soft keys VIEW, PREVIOUS
STEP, NEXT STEP, and END, are shown. The number of the current
step being executed is also displayed on the status bar.

Run Soft Keys

Function Soft key

Press to see the graphical view of the circle or
linear pattern that is being executed.

Press to go to previous step in program

I - 6 Executing a Program

Press to go to next step in program.

Press to go to next hole in program.

Press to go to previous hole in program

Press to end program execution

Executing Steps

When a TOOL step is executed, the tool number on the status bar
flashes. This indicates that the tool needs to be changed to the tool
number shown on the status bar.

74 I

When a DATUM step is executed, the datum number on the status bar
flashes indicating that the datum is about to be changed and this will
be the datum used for the following program operations.

When a POSITION step is executed, the display show the distance-to­go for the machine and tool axes. Move the axes until the positions
read 0.0, then press NEXT STEP.

When a PRESET step is executed, the display shows the distance-to­go. Move the axes until the positions read 0.0, then press NEXT STEP.

When a CIRCLE PATTERN, or LINEAR PATTERN step is executed, the
display shows the distance-to-go to get to each hole in the pattern.
Move the axes until the positions read 0.0, then press NEXT HOLE.

Once the correct operation is performed, press NEXT STEP to get the
next step in the program and execute it. Pressing the
PREVIOUS STEP will execute the previous step in the program.

If the current step being executed is a circle or linear pattern, the
VIEW, PREVIOUS HOLE, and NEXT HOLE soft keys are shown.
Pressing NEXT HOLE will display the distance-to-go for the next hole
in the pattern. Once all holes in the step have been executed the soft
keys become PREVIOUS STEP, and NEXT STEP. Press the VIEW
soft key to toggle between the distance-to- go view, and the hole
pattern graphic view.

If the current step being executed is for incline milling, or arc milling,
the VIEW, PREVIOUS PASS, and NEXT PASS soft keys are shown.
The screen switches to the DRO (INC) view, and shows the
incremental distance from the start point. After moving to the start
point, Press NEXT PASS the incremental display shows the distance
from the next pass along the line’s (or arc’s) contour. When the last
pass of the milling operation is executed, the NEXT PASS soft key
changes to NEXT STEP.

Pressing END or executing a blank step in the program completes the
run mode operation and returns to the Program Mode.

I - 6 Executing a Program

300S 75

I - 6 Executing a Program

76 I

Technical Information

300S 77

II - 1 Installation Setup

Installation Setup Parameters

To locate the Installation Setup screen from the normal
operating display:

8 Press the RIGHT, or LEFT arrow key until the SETUP soft key

is displayed

8 Press the SETUP soft key.

 The Job Setup screen is now displayed, and the INSTALL. SETUP

soft key is displayed.

8 Press the INSTALL. SETUP soft key, and enter the passcode.

 The Installation Setup screen is now displayed.

II - 1 Installation Setup

Installation Setup parameters are established during the initial
installation, and do not often change. For this reason, the installation
setup parameters are protected by the passcode.

See "Readout Parameter Access Code" on page iii
The Installation Setup Data can be imported, or exported using the

IMPORT/EXPORT soft key

Exporting the current Installation Setup:

8 Press the SETUP soft key.
8 Press the INSTALL SETUP soft key.
8 Press the IMPORT/EXPORT soft key.
8 Press the EXPORT soft key.

Importing a new Tool Table

8 Press the SETUP soft key.
8 Press the INSTALL SETUP soft key.
8 Press the IMPORT/EXPORT soft key.
8 Press the IMPORT soft key.

78 II

Encoder Setup

The ENCODER SETUP is used to set the encoder: resolution, type
(linear, rotary), count direction, and reference mark type.

8 The cursor will default to the ENCODER SETUP field upon opening

Installation Setup. Press ENTER. This opens a list of up to 4 possible
encoders, labeled INPUT X1, X2, X3, and X4.

The THREAD CYCLE setup field will only appear if the
readout is configured for TURN mode.

8 Scroll to the encoder input to be added, or changed, and press

ENTER.

8 The ENCODER SIGNAL field will automatically be determined.
8 Cursor will be in the ENCODER TYPE field, select the encoder type

by pressing the LINEAR/ROTARY soft key.

In TURN mode, the THREAD CYCLE feature requires that
the third axes be setup for the lead screw using a rotary
encoder.

8 Arrow down to the RESOLUTION field.
8 Press COARSER, or FINER soft keys when using linear encoders to

select the encoder’s resolution in µm (10, 5, 2, 1, 0.5). The exact
resolution can also be typed in using the numeric key pad.

 Rotary encoders require the number of counts per revolution to

be entered using the numeric key pad.

8 Arrow down to the REFERENCE MARK field.
8 Toggle the REF MARK soft key.

 Select NONE for no reference signal, SINGLE for single reference

mark, or POSITION TRAC for an encoder with the Position­Trac™ feature.

II - 1 Installation Setup

Select NONE for the third axes if it is being setup for the
THREAD CYCLE feature.

300S 79

8 Arrow down to the COUNT DIRECTION field.
8 In the COUNT DIRECTION field, select the count direction by

pressing the POSITIVE/NEGATIVE soft key.

 When the encoder’s count direction matches the operators count

direction, select positive. When they do not match,
select negative.

The encoder resolution and count direction can also be
established by just moving each axis.

8 Arrow down to the ERROR MONITOR field.
8 In the ERROR MONITOR field, select whether the system will

monitor, and display encoder errors by selecting ON, or OFF. ON
allows the DRO to monitor Counting errors. The types of Counting

II - 1 Installation Setup

errors are contamination errors (when the signal to the encoder falls
below a set limit), and frequency error (when the signal frequency
exceeds the set limit).

 When an error message occurs, press the C key to remove it.

8 Press ENTER to save the settings entered, and move to the next

encoder setup, or press the C key to remove them.

8 To exit, and save settings, press ENTER then JOB SETUP.

Thread Cycle Setup:

To use the Thread Cycle feature, data now needs to be entered into
the Thread Cycle form.

8 High light Thread Cycle, and press ENTER.
8 Enter the axis for the lead screw by either toggling the THREAD

AXIS soft key, or using the numeric key pad. This will be the same
axis as the rotary encoder axis).

8 Enter the threads per inch of the lead screw. The Thread Cycle input

data is now complete. Press ENTER to exist the form, and save.

8 Press ENTER to save the settings entered, and move to the next

encoder setup, or press the C key to remove them.

8 To exit and save setting, press ENTER, then JOB SETUP.

80 II

Display Configuration

The Display Configuration form is where which axes can be selected
for display, and in what order. The following additional setups are
also available.

8 Scroll to the desired display, and press ENTER.
8 Press the ON/OFF soft key to turn the display on, or off. Press the

LEFT, or RIGHT arrow key to select the axis label.

8 Scroll to the Input field. Press the numeric key associated with the

encoder input on the back of the unit.

8 Press the + or - soft keys to couple a second input with the first. The

input numbers are displayed next to the axis label indicating that the
position is a coupled position (i.e. “2 + 3”).

8 Scroll to the Display Resolution field. Press the COARSER, or FINER

soft keys to select the display resolution.

8 Scroll to the Angle Display field if the encoder type is set to Rotary.

Press the ANGLE soft key to display the position as 0° - 360°, ±
180°, ± infinity, or RPM.

Error Compensation

The distance a cutting tool travels, measured by an encoder, can in
certain cases, differ from the actual tool travel. This error can occur
due to ball screw pitch error, or deflection and tilting of axes. This
error can either be linear,or non-linear. You can determine these errors
with a reference measurement system, such as gauge blocks, laser,
etc. From an analysis of the error, it can be determined which form of
compensation is required, linear, or non-linear error.

The 300S provides the opportunity to compensate for these errors,
and each axis can be programmed separately with the
appropriate compensation.

II - 1 Installation Setup

Error compensation is only available when using
linear encoders.

300S 81

Linear Error Compensation

Linear error compensation can be applied, if the results of the
comparison with a reference standard show a linear deviation over the
whole measuring length. In this case the error can be compensated
by the calculation of a single correction factor.

To calculate the linear error compensation use this formula:
Correction factor LEC = ((S – M) / M) x 10

6

ppm with:

S measured length with reference standard
M measured length with device at axis

Example:

If the length of the standard you used is 500 mm, and the measured
length along the X-axis is 499.95, then the LEC for the X-axis is
100 parts per million (ppm).

II - 1 Installation Setup

LEC = ((500 – 499.95) / 499.95) x 10

6

ppm = 100 ppm (rounded to

the nearest whole number).

8 Once determined, the encoder’s error information is entered

directly. Press the TYPE soft key to select LINEAR compensation.

8 Enter the compensation factor in parts per million (ppm), and press

the ENTER key.

Automatic Linear error compensation

The correction factor may be calculated automatically using a standard
gauge block. Press the AUTO CALC soft key. In the Standard Field,
enter the length of the standard plus any tool offset (tool, or edge
finder diameter), which is not required when measuring from the
same direction.

To measure the standard using an edge finder, touch one end of the
block. The Measured Field shows 0. Move to the second edge, and
touch the other end of the gauge block. The measured size, plus any
tool offset appears in the field.

To measure the standard using a tool, touch one end of the block, and
press TEACH. The Measured Field shows 0. Move to the second
edge, and touch the other end of the gauge block. Press TEACH. The
measured size, plus any tool offset appears in the field.

82 II

The Factor Field shows the calculated correction factor based on the
measured and standard value.

Press the ENTER key to exit the form and transfer the calculated factor
to the error compensation form, or C to exit without transferring
the factor.

Non-Linear Error Compensation

Non-linear error compensation should be applied if the results of the
comparison with a reference standard show an alternating, or
oscillating deviation. The required correction values are calculated,
and entered in a table. The 300S supports up to 200 points per axis.
The error value between two entered adjacent correction points is
calculated with linear interpolation.

Non-linear error compensation is only available on scales
with reference marks. If non-linear error compensation has
been defined, no error compensation will be applied until
the reference marks have been crossed.

Setup procedure for Non-linear Error

 The encoder has an inherent count direction. This may not reflect

the user defined count direction, and is only required for
determining the non-linear error compensation.

To establish the inherent count direction for any installed encoder on
a given axis, complete the following:

8 Open the Encoder Setup form, and select the encoder on the axis

that is to be addressed.

8 Arrow down to high light the count direction.
8 Use the POSITIVE/NEGATIVE soft key and select Positive. Press

enter.

8 Using the C key, return to the main display
8 Move the axis that the encoder is mounted on, and note the

direction of movement required for the positive direction.

 The encoder’s inherent count direction is now established.

II - 1 Installation Setup

Single reference mark encoders must cross the same
reference mark each time the DRO is powered on.

300S 83

Starting a Non-Linear Error Compensation Table

8 Select Non-linear by pressing the TYPE soft key.
8 To start a new error compensation table, first press the EDIT TABLE

soft key.

8 All correction points (up to 200) are equally spaced from the start

point. Enter the distance between each of the correction points.
Press the DOWN arrow key.

8 Enter the table’s start point. The start point is measured from the

scale’s reference point. If this distance is not known, you can move
to the location of the start point, and press TEACH POSITION.
Press ENTER.

Pressing ENTER will save the spacing, and start
point information.

II - 1 Installation Setup

84 II

Configuring the Compensation Table

8 Press the EDIT TABLE soft key to view the table entries.
8 Use the UP, or DOWN arrow keys, or the numeric keys to move the

cursor to the correction point to be added or changed.
Press ENTER.

8 Enter the known error which exists at this point. Press ENTER.
8 When completed, press C key to exit the table and return to the

Error Compensation form.

Reading the Graph

The error compensation table may be viewed in table or graphical
formats. The graph shows a plot of a translation error vs. measured
value. The graph has a fixed scale. As the cursor is moved through the
form, the location of the point on the graph is indicated with a
vertical line.

Viewing the Compesation Table

8 Press the EDIT TABLE soft key.
8 To switch between the table and graph views, press the VIEW

soft key.

8 Press the UP, or DOWN arrow keys or the numeric keys to move

the cursor within the table.

The error compensation table data may be saved to or loaded from a
PC via the Serial port.

Automatic Non Linear error compensation

The correction factor may be calculated automatically using a standard
gauge block. To select automatic calculation, move the cursor to
Spacing, and press ENTER. Press the MANUAL/AUTOMATIC soft
key to select automatic which is now displayed in the Spacing Field.
Move the cursor to any entry within the table (000-199), and
press ENTER.

In the Standard Field, enter the length of the standard plus any tool
offset (tool or edge finder diameter), which is not required when
measuring from the same direction.

II - 1 Installation Setup

300S 85

To measure the standard using an edge finder, touch one end of the
block. The Measured Field shows 0. Move to the second edge, and
touch the other end of the gauge block. The measured size, plus any
tool offset appears in the field.

To measure the standard using a tool, touch one end of the block, and
press teach. The Measured Field shows 0. Move to the second edge,
and touch the other end of the gauge block. Press TEACH. The
measured size, plus any tool offset appears in the field.

The Factor Field shows the calculated correction factor based on the
measured and standard value.

Press the ENTER key to exit the form and update the table with
information on the new interval, or C to exit without transferring
the factor. A compensation table may also be imported, or the new
table can be exported.

Exporting the current Compensation Table

II - 1 Installation Setup

8 Press the IMPORT/EXPORT soft key.
8 Press the EXPORT soft key.

Importing a new Tool Table

8 Press the IMPORT/EXPORT soft key.
8 Press the IMPORT soft key.

86 II