Fanuc 6MB II adjust Z offsets

[Camfather]

I guess this control does not have a shift key to access U and W (I tried using inc/abs) so can I add or subtract from Tool length values at the control? or do I have to keep my calculator handy and input a new whole number each time. Thanks for any tips.

[fordav11]

generally on 6-series if the U/W is on the panel it should be accessible.
but you can't use it to incrementally change the offset. you have to type the compete number and press INPUT.
some machine models may have had the possibility to incrementally add or subtract an amount from the offset but normally it's not possible on 6-series

[Camfather]

Ok thanks, Not a big deal but would have been nice to inc adjust the values.

As far as keyboard buttons not being able to be used (ie shift) to get U or W, any idea what would be preventing this from happening. I have fanuc 6 keyboard, no shift key, inc/abs doesn't "shift" and I check parm 318. I think? from another thread on this site.
If it just can't do it, then I'll stop wrecking my mind trying, however if I can add hardware to make it work, that would be awesome as well.
Thanks for your help.

Brian

[fordav11]

hmmm. if the U and W are smaller and lower down on the key it is not available without a shift key. not all 6's had a shift key. the other lower-key letters could be enabled usually for an option like macro.

[Camfather]

hmmm. if the U and W are smaller and lower down on the key it is not available without a shift key. not all 6's had a shift key. the other lower-key letters could be enabled usually for an option like macro.

All my lower case letters (except H/D) are not usable, perhaps this machine doesn't have shift or macro capability's.

So I can't use # or even SP

i found it odd that the machine has no 4th axis unit on it, however the 4th axis switch is worn and loose as if the machine used to have one and it was used alot and the A key is a lower case. I wonder how they used to run it in mdi...

oh well, I guess this old gal just doesn't have the guts for all the features.

Thanks again

[Camfather]

While Im at it, on TL offsets I can move the tool to Z height and pust Z then Input and record the value, is there a trick to do this with XYZ on the Work offset (G54, etc) page? or am I stuck writing those values down then typing them in and press input.

[fordav11]

maybe it had other options and someone disabled them or removed the extra axis hardware and turned off the parameters so it doesn't alarm out.
if your machine doesn't have an A axis now that's probably what happened.

[Camfather]

maybe it had other options and someone disabled them or removed the extra axis hardware and turned off the parameters so it doesn't alarm out.
if your machine doesn't have an A axis now that's probably what happened.

This makes sense, thanks

[fordav11]

While Im at it, on TL offsets I can move the tool to Z height and pust Z then Input and record the value, is there a trick to do this with XYZ on the Work offset (G54, etc) page? or am I stuck writing those values down then typing them in and press input.

that trick works for Z tool length but for workshifts you have to type the numbers in manually. On newer machines you can use MEASUR key but 6-series doesn't have that.
6-series normally doesn't even have multiple workshifts (normally have to use G92 X Y Z in program) so you are very lucky to at least have G54-G59

[Camfather]

woohoo, I feel like I'm winning now! :-) Thanks, note to self - get next used machine with 10m or newer control if affordable. Another newbie ?

Can I buy cards to add macro programming to this machine or was that fate set in stone at the MFG when she was built?

Also do you know anything about an updated 6m firmware that allows direct DNC via the stock rs232 port with no btr, just a rom swap? (my repair guy is trying to sell me on this option but I can find no info of it anywhere.)

[fordav11]

things like macro are options. In general options on 6M require additional EPROMs fitted into the ROM board and some secret 300-range parameters changing.
When set up properly DNC should work as-is without anything extra. Just select TAPE mode. There are a few posts about that on this Forum.... do a search

[Camfather]

things like macro are options. In general options on 6M require additional EPROMs fitted into the ROM board and some secret 300-range parameters changing.
When set up properly DNC should work as-is without anything extra. Just select TAPE mode. There are a few posts about that on this Forum.... do a search

I searched high and low about dnc (I meant Drip feeding) and all info points me to the fact that the 6M can not drip feed via the stock rs232 port without a BTR installed, or as my repair guy mentioned or updated set of roms and a firmware upgrade.