Calypso allows parts to run with Locked Rotary table, causing collisions

[[Ju...]]

Prismo Navigator – Vast Head - Integrated Ø400mm Rotary Table - Calypso 5.4.12 (12.12.2012)

So we have quite heavy parts, so we lock the Rotary table before loading components onto the fixtures.
However sometimes the operator forgets to unlock the table before running the CMM Program.
So imagine a square Cylinder block, with the Rotary Table at 0° it will do the Start & Base alignments on the far face approaching in MC -Y, (using Stylus System Probe Pos 4), it will then retract to a safe CP+Y using the clearance plane of the part.
Now imagine that its next feature(s) to measure is on the opposite (near) face.
With the table un-locked it would rotate 180° then safely measure the feature(s).
However, if the table is still locked, it will try to go through the part as the table does not rotate, usually ending up with broken styli(s).
We have spoken with Zeiss, they say that there is a solution that would require using PCM code, unfortunately no-one here has the training on PCM, and I think Zeiss will want to charge us for the service, and we all know how expensive Zeiss can be.
Has anyone else had this issue, & would be kind enough to send us the PCM Code to solve this issue.
Ideally some PCM code that would automatically unlock the table at the start of a run.

It is annoying that the software allows this to happen in the first place, surely if you are about to run a part the software should automatically unlock the table or the very least, a warning box should appear stating “Warning RT Locked, do you want to continue” or a “Warning RT Locked, do you want to Unlock it” allowing you to continue from there.
I’m aware that this may be an old problem that Zeiss may have solved in later versions, but as we have been quoted 80K to upgrade our machines, I don’t think that is an option.

Thanks

[[Ma...]]

You can always show prompt with question if you have unlocked table. But PCM is out of my knowledge

[[Ow...]]

I've never used a built in rotary table, how are you locking the rotary, with the joystick lock?
Do you lock it just so the table doesn't error out if moved?
I believe there has always been an option (even in version 5.4) in the Rotary table command window that lets you select the checkbox to rotate the table to zero before starting the program.

I don't have access to PCM in this facility and can't find anything on locking the RT(plenty of code for moving it) in my notes but, I'm sure somebody here will come-up with something.

[[Ri...]]

I'm trying to understand why you would ever lock the RT.

[[Ow...]]

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Yeah me too.
I've always used the movable RT, which is slightly limited on weight and loaded some heavy parts (with a hoist) and never had to lock the RT.

[[Me...]]

Not sure if these functions are available in your software version, but it's worth a try.

lowerableRT("UP") // Raise table
lowerableRT("DOWN") // Lower table
lowerableRT("STATUS") // Returns "UP" or "DOWN"

Possible solution placed into the presettings of program...

if lowerableRT("STATUS") == "DOWN"
	lowerableRT("UP")
endif

[[Ch...]]

lowerableRT("UP") // Raise table
lowerableRT("DOWN") // Lower table
lowerableRT("STATUS") // Returns "UP" or "DOWN"


These only work on 6.8 and newer. I understand that his table is built in; However, do we know that this is an AB?

I have 3 rotary tables. An RT1 and two AB's. I don't think i've ever locked the table. I've raised and lowered it but never locked it.

[[Ch...]]

And while i'm ranting. Why can't Zeiss put a 10 cent LED on the RT_AB Rotary Tables to let you know if they are up or down?

[[Da...]]

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Because then they would have to charge an extra $1,000. 🤣

[[Me...]]

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I assumed that the table was an “AB” since I’ve heard people describe the loading mode as being “locked” in place. For what it’s worth, the commands I suggested work in v6.6 and were documented in the PCM manual back in v5.6.

[[Ju...]]

Yes, the reason we lock the table, is because if you say hit one of the fixture points with the part whilst loading, it will move the table & lose its Rotary Table Axis qualification & tell you that you must run the RT Axis qualification program.
This means removing the fixture and running the RT Axis program.
The AB table doesn't lift & lower, like many of you have described on the movable tables, so I guess PCM code will be similar to the code recommended.

[[Ri...]]

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The AB Rotary is the one that lifts, and lowers. The RT1 & RT2 don't do that.

I've never heard of a rotary losing its qualification from the table just moving. Typically it will only lose its qualification if the controller is rebooted - same as it loses its reference sphere position.

[[Ch...]]

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I've always thought the term "raise" and "lower were a bit deceiving and ripe for cross cultural misinterpretation. You don't actually see anything move up or down. I would choose engaged and disengaged. And while I'm talking about it, the term "portable rotary table" is also a little misleading. It is more like "Slightly movable with enough effort."


But back to the OP's question. I've never had any of my tables loose it axis alignment from bumping or moving the table. Like most others on here, I only loose my RT Axis Alignment when the controller is rebooted. The OP said the parts are heavy. Maybe his definition of a bump is a little more robust than the average person.

[[Ri...]]

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I don't know about the RT AB, but with the RT1 & RT2 you can twist the plate, and it will just kick the drives off - you can turn the drives back on , and rehome the RT.

[[Ju...]]

I have found some info in the Prismo Navigator user manual.
To clarify the table.
The table is an integrated AB type with a 400mm diameter, the manual describes it as an AB 300-P rotary table, however on each CMM PC there is a pdf drawing of the Ø400mm table with the title RT AB 400 Faceplate, so I would say it is a AB 300-P with a 400mm faceplate.

In this manual, there is a section 5-12 - Loading the rotary table.
It states,

The rotary table must be loaded carefully. Strong impacts can damage the air bearings. Therefore, the loading mode must be activated before loading.

Loading mode, what I have referred as Locked.
Measure mode, what I would call un-locked.

I believe these are the correct terms (Loading, Measure mode), I may have confused some of you with my locked/unlocked definitions.

Also Chad Watton’s point was relevant, in my interpretation of “raise & “lower”
“I've always thought the term "raise" and "lower were a bit deceiving and ripe for cross cultural misinterpretation. You don't actually see anything move up or down. I would choose engaged and disengaged.”

So now I am clear that the “DOWN “ & “UP” PCM commands suggested by Phillip Keller are relevant to my RT table type, I tried the suggestion.

Paste into Pre-settings
if lowerableRT("STATUS") == "DOWN"
lowerableRT("UP")
endif

Unfortunately, this did not work, when Run with either the table in Load Mode or Measure Mode, the outcome was the same.

After clicking on Run.

PCM Warning
Function:LowerableRT not defined
Click on OK

PCM Warning
Error in if condition
PCM condition LowerableRT(“STATUS”) ==”DOWN”
Does not supply a Boolean value
Click on OK

Green light goes off

[[Ch...]]

I use

if getRTData("lowerableRT")== true then
	lowerableRT("DOWN")
endif

[[Er...]]

If you have an "older" version of Calypso, you might get away with using this:

if baseSystem().machine.isRTAB_TestMode == true
	if baseSystem().machine.my_Machine.isRTDownSettable == true
		if baseSystem().machine.machineClampingStateOfRTAB == true
			baseSystem().machine.my_Machine.liftUpRTAB
		endif
	endif
endif

But I haven't tested it.

[[Ju...]]

Update.
Both examples given by Chad Watton & Eric Moberg unfortunately did not work.
Since early December Zeiss have been involved and have basically gave up, suggesting it cannot be done in our version - Calypso 5.4.12 (12.12.2012).
They also came up with some PCM Code similar to other posters (see below)

if getRTData("rtAvailable")==true
if getRTData("lowerableRT")==true
// lowerableRT(['UP'] ['DOWN'] ['STATUS'])
// lowerableRT("STATUS")
lowerableRT("UP")
endif
endif

Possible alternative option
I had noticed that one some of our jobs where the fixture is not a 0°, that are required to rotate to get the part square, if you forget to release the table, the drives will go off and a box appears telling you that you must now run the RT Axis program.
So if someone would be kind enough to give me some PCM code that for example rotated the table 15° then back to 0° this should either continue to run if in Measure mode or alarm out if in Load mode.
Still not ideal, but would hopefully stop the breakages of the Styli/extensions.