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What is NTP? Network Time Protocol (NTP) is an internet protocol used to synchronize with computer clock time sources in a network. All Calmotion devices use NTP to set system time. The USB only products do not keep time. To set the current time on any of the network products, the time can only set using the standard network time protocol. NTP is either built into the network router, otherwise the a NTP server on the internet will need to be used. The time will be set when the product is turned on. So the network has to be active when the Calmotion is turned on. The IP addresses are in the LANCNC.INI or the 527F.INI file on the SD card root directory.  They will look like this for example: IP address=192.168.1.112 IP mask=255.255.252.0 IP gateway=192.168.0.1 IP dns=0.0.0.0 IP ntp=132.163.96.2 TIME ADJUST=-7 To use time typically the two IP values that need to be set are the IP ntp and possibly the IP gateway. The Gateway is the address of your router.  The NTP server is either a local one on the router or are public IP addresses.  The 132.163.96.2 I used above is run by the NIST government agency in Colorado, but any NTP server can be used. Depending on which NTP is used will determine the time returned. If the time is off, it is because the server is in another time zone or is using global time, you will need to adjust the time using the TIME ADJUST=? as in the above example... Remember to keep the formatting the same. The IP is in capitals, the "address" , "ntp" etc.  are lower case.

The installation of the 527F or 527FX into a Fadal is very easy. But moving too quickly and not reading the instructions or missing steps can lead to frustrations. This post is not to replace the instructions. But it is an encouragement to read the instructions to save time later. Common mistakes: 1. Not reading the instructions. 2. Not taking enough pictures and videos of the machine before starting. For example pictures of all the parameters, SV, BL, and other screens. Take abundant pictures of each of the cabinets. 3. If installing an optional pendant upgrade, not waiting until the 527F control cards are fully functioning before starting pendant install. 4. Assuming that parameters values transfer exactly to the new control. The SETP parameters are close but not exactly the same, so some of the values will be different. Like most of the "FACTOR" values will be different. Systematically, review each parameter one by one to verify each function of the machine works correctly. 5. There are new parameters, so if it looks different or is new, refer to the instructions for explanations of the changes. 6. If you previously were using a Calmotion USB device, this will not be needed anymore. The 527F control has built in USB and Ethernet and replaces Calmotion memory products. 7. Assuming the amplifiers do not need balancing and signal gain adjustments. Use the provided program in the SERVICE PROGRAMS directory O5811(BALANCE FOLLOWING ERROR XYZ. Read the comments in program 5811 and set accordingly. 8. Not moving the 3 pin Feed rate % cable to the 527F cards. Reminders and Tips 1. It doesn't take much time to put the Fadal control cards back into the machine if you forgot to write something down or need some information or to check something. 2. The 527F control video uses HDMI. Temporarily use a computer monitor at the machine to get control working before removing OEM monitors that are going to be eventually be replaced. 3. Use the SERVICE PROGRAMS directory that are included on the 527F, use the DIR command (note only a few programs pertain to installation). Switch to the the SERVICE PROGRAMS directory. Great programs to use would be the O5805(WORK TOOL CHANGER, O5810(ORIENTATION, and the O6000(RIGID TAP FORMAT 1 program to set up the rigid tapping SETP parameters. 4. Use the DI then the AC command, this will show the current configuration of each axis. Make sure the settings and IPM and DPM are all correct.

For any of the Calmotion products, if the G-code programs are setup correctly and the correct steps are used, the Calmotion will continuously and automatically repeat a program during DNC. The CNC program needs to end with the correct end of program M2 or M30. These codes will end the program and put the CNC back into "WAITING" mode. Next make sure the DNC mode of the Calmotion unit is used. The DNC mode will automatically send the same program file over and over again. But the end of program G-code must be in the program file so that the CNC stops at the end of the program. Otherwise, the program will run over and over again. Note: On the Fadal products, there is an option to only disable the automatic repeating of the same file. This is only for very specific instances. Do not use the DNC=ONE TIME feature unless there is a reason to do so.