4-axis mill post and a-axis datum setting

Hi all,

I'm setting up a 4-axis mill post processor, and I'm stuck on the datum setting bit.

I need a line at the start of the program to define my datum, which I do when I program manually, with a line like this:

G10 G90 L2 P1 X661.55 Y-403.58 Z-418.58 A-36.437 (CPL NAME)

which is fine.

However, I can't work out how to get edgecam code wizard to output the A-axis position, so I can only get:

G10 G90 L2 P1 X661.55 Y-403.58 Z-418.58 (CPL NAME)

There are no tokens for the A axis?

In my code constructor for 'set work datums' I've got this:

[DELETE][BLKNUM] G10 G90 L2[WORKREGISTER][XABSORIGIN][YABSORIGIN][ZABSORIGIN] ([CPLNAME])

and I'm assuming I need something like a [AABSORIGIN] token. But there isn't one? How do I define the A axis position?

Hope someone can help!

J

Hi J,
The token you want for rotary A is [PRIMARY ROT]
If you don't see the token - the post is not set up with a 4th axis.

I have a 'multi-axis (rotary)' heading in my post, so I assume I've a 4th axis post.

I have no [primary rot] token at all under 'set work datums', but I do have it available in other parts of the code generator. I can index the table for example. A bit odd.

Assuming this is a 3-axis post, how do I add a 4th axis to it?
Let me guess - 'you can't?' :-)

Hi,
Is this an OLD post you're working with,
Look under Constructors - Miscellaneous
Is there a "Customization Whiteboard"
If NOT - you should start from scratch with a "adaptive" template.

How to get output when the TOKEN is not available
all tokens have an internal system variable
put the value of the system variable you want
into a user variable - then output the [USER] token
#ROT1 will return a number without the A prefix
you may have to format the USER-4 token for decimal places etc.

;CODE:#USER4=#ROT1

[DELETE][BLKNUM] A[USER-4]

I'm using an adaptive 4axis post for heidenhain and there i get the cpl setup in one place, but the A angle is not part of the setup, i get the A output under "first rotary axis" tab where the mashine codes are output for doing the actual move.

The heidenhain template is a different animal altogether.

ah ha, mr treanor thankyou very much, the ;code method worked a treat!