Need Help!- How do I read the value of an F-type parameter into a macro variable?

[Jan d.]

On the Mazatrol Matrix, I want to read the value of an F-type parameter into a macro variable.

I know how to change the value using G10L50, but I want to know what the value is before I change it.

Any ideas???


Thanks, Jan.

[jimiscnc]

by "F type variable" do you mean F parameter?

The EIA programming manual is good for user macro info.

The G10 L50 stuff is in the MAZATROL programming manuals in the "3 digit g code" section. 3 digit g code is a form of ascii text man readable mazatrol. the 3 digit g code gives you the means to read and write parameters on the fly, but theres a lot more science than that!

-jim

[Jan d.]

Originally Posted by jimiscnc by "F type variable" do you mean F parameter? -jim

Sorry, yes, it is a parameter as I state in the heading. I corrected it. Thanks, Jan.

[jimiscnc]

try this

go to DATA I/O

go to machine parameters. or user parameters.

switch TEXT OUTPUT softkey on. and commence to offload the selected files in TXT OUTPUT format.

this will output the selected parameters in man readable format, so you can see how it should be programmed.

i dont think theres a way to pull parameters out via system registers. the eia book in the macro section discusses all things that are in system registers.

mazak user macro formats are very similar to fanuc.

jim

[Jan d.]

Originally Posted by jimiscnc try this go to DATA I/O go to machine parameters. or user parameters. switch TEXT OUTPUT softkey on. and commence to offload the selected files in TXT OUTPUT format. jim

That is exactly how I figured out how to write them. And that works great. I do it every day.

However, in my G-code program, I load a fixed number to this parameter, 84 in my case. Or 212 to set bit 7 to 1. If someone were to set bit 0 to 1, I need to load 85 and 213. But right now, 84 and 212 are hard coded, so my programs will always set this parameter back to the old numbers.

What I want to do is the following:
1: read the parameter into macro variable.
2: if less then 128, add 128 and re-write.
3: else do nothing.

This would make sure that only bit 7 is changed form 0 to 1.

To flip ibit 7 back to 0, I would do the following:
4: read the parameter into macro variable.
5: if less then 128, do nothing.
6: else subtract 128 and re-write.

The missing link is that I can't figure out how to read the parameter!


Jan.

[Jan d.]

Apparently peek and poke are not available on most new controls anymore.

Mazak all but told me that you just can't read parameters like the F-type ones.

WTF?

You can easily change them, but you can't read them? Like going down the highway at 100mph without being able to see the road ahead.

[MrMazak]

There is a reason you can't change them, it's dangerous! If you need to change a parameter temporarily use Mazatrol TPC and convert to 3 digit g-code. The TPC setting will convert to code for you and you wont need macro programs to do it. G422-G423 (I have never tried this so be careful!) It may be an option if you can't use the macro variables. If you have a sample of what you want to do post it and I may have addition places I can search for ideas.

[Jan d.]

Originally Posted by MrMazak There is a reason you can't change them,

That is not the issue. It is real EASY to change them using G10L50. And I know it is dangerous. But changing is NOT the issue.

I just can't read them. I can not do something like #555=#88006092. It seems as if parameters are not linked to #-variables. You can't get to them.

In my case I need to read an F parameter. I need to change bit 7. I want to read the parameter into a #-variable (which I can not figure out how to do) and add 128 to it (which is easy) and write it back (which is easy).

Why can't I read the value of a parameter under G-code control?

I can understand to "write protect" these parameters. But it is so super simple to write to them under G-code control, why can I not read them???? What's the harm in reading them???????



Jan.

[MrMazak]

Maybe try Mazak KY tech support for macro and parameter issues. There may be an R register bit that will let you see F parameters somewhere. Local tech center help doesn't deal with issues like macros often. Try MMS forum "ask an expert" maybe Mike Lynch has some ideas, he has helped me out with macro issues before. Good luck.

[psychomill]

PEEK/POKE macros aren't available. Actually, the old strings don't work because the Matrix layout is different from the previous versions. I think PEEK/POKE will work once the strings are figured out or published.

Which F parameter are you trying to read? You can probably 'backdoor' this if you know where the data comes from that you're trying to read.

[Jan d.]

Originally Posted by psychomill PEEK/POKE macros aren't available. Actually, the old strings don't work because the Matrix layout is different from the previous versions. I think PEEK/POKE will work once the strings are figured out or published. Which F parameter are you trying to read? You can probably 'backdoor' this if you know where the data comes from that you're trying to read.

I am looking for F94. I need to change bit 7 on the fly.

[MrMazak]

F94 will only update at power on, so unless you can reboot the control on the fly your out of luck. There must be some other way around whatever you are doing besides this method.