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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

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…

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 featur…

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 featur…

A "SPINDLE OREINTATION FAILURE" errors can happen if orientating speed is not set correctly for the gear range the failure occurs. Here is a check list for what could be wrong:

1. Check Air (air pressure is required to lock the spindle during orientation)

2. Check that RPM of spindle is same for both M3 and M4

3. Check ORIENTATION FACTOR parameter

4. Check SPINDLE RPM OFFSET parameter

5. Test orientation in all ranges.

We had an issue where by our monitor stopped working

Once fixed we now have an issue where when turning the spindle speed pot down it gets to a point where the spindle stops and runs in opposite direction

We also cannot perform a tool change as the spindle will not stop to allow locking

We have had the machine since 2011 and other than a few valves and belts we have had a great run

Any help would be greatly appreciated

Kind regards

The 527F requires the rigid tapping software to be installed, see OPTIONS command to display status.

Next the machine must support rigid tapping see this post to help determine if machine supports rigid tapping:

Basically the setup is 99% the same as the Fadal, the RAMP and GAIN numbers will be typically be a bit different compared to what the CNC88 would end with. Use the instructions attached. You auto tune the drive. Using the Fadal service tool thread you adjust the GAIN and RAMP for the Rigid tapping in SETP:

If you just got your machine and it came with a Calmotion USBCNC-FAD or a LANCNC product, but the original owner gave you no instructions how to use the unit?

Search Youtube for "Calmotion USB" there are several videos including diagnosis problems to be found there.

First you will need to determine what baud rate the Calmotion is set up for. This depends on what the original owner set it to. Typically the Calmotion default is to use CD,10 but this doesn't guarantee what the previous owner changed. Here are the steps to get your Calmotion working:

1. Make sure the unit is powered, look for the LEDs on the board or connectors.

2. Depending on the unit, when the USB disk is inserted, another LED should light, but this varies with which product is installed

3. Find the baud rate currently set by entering every possible CD,# until the unit responds with…

Here are some issues that can happen Fadal machines and some tips to solve your issues. Typically this happens on early Fadal machines that the control cards were updated, but did not receive all the wiring upgrades found on newer Fadal cabinets.

Issue:

1. is running in Auto, and the machine will randomly go into SLIDE HOLD

2. A keypress will be missed. When typing X10.222 but the zero is skipped

3. Jog wheel loses pulses when turning the MPG