Keyboard instead of handbox

[[Ja...]]

We have 2 conturas that run a single program repeatedly 24 hours a day.
They are trying to come up with ways to speed up the process. Currently, they are using the mouse to hit run each time.
I know they can use the Lower Return to start the program also. My issue with them pressing the lower return on the handbox is they will be pushing it roughly 400-450 times a shift, so 1200-1350 times a day and I am concerned about wearing out the button and having to replace the handbox. Is there any way to get another button to do this like possibly the enter key on the keyboard?
Does anyone have any thoughts?

As a side note, if one of the changes we are working goes through those numbers will double so I would much rather replace keyboards instead of handboxes.

[[Ro...]]

So with autorun you can setup a pallet, and if you set your pallet offsets to say .0001" in any direction it would essentially go to the same place over and over.
Now..... say you have a pallet thats 10x10 so 100 parts when you hit start itll just want to run those parts over & over without stopping, BUT if you had a program stop prior to the first feature then with autorun the program would run, then return to a park position then print the report for the part just ran, then itll hang up waiting for an operator to do something, then the cmm should run the part again, print a report, then hang up again at the program stop. and it'll do that 100 times.

It should work, but if you have a loop in your alignment you will need to use pcm in your presettings instead of a program stop.

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[[To...]]

Similar to Roberto's post. In the program, with no characteristics selected, right-click at the bottom of the characteristics list and select Loop. Enter 100 in the End column and click OK. Add the programmable stop, like in Roberto's example. This keeps it simple and in Calypso.

You could also add a 2nd keyboard and have it sitting on the granite or the Y axis cover. I know a customer who set up a 2nd monitor, keyboard and mouse on a stand just to the right of the machine so they could operate Calypso while standing at the machine.

[[Ia...]]

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Does this method do anything different to the incremental part number? Reports are still the same?

[[Ja...]]

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You won't be able to add anything after you hit start but it will count up after each loop if that is what you are asking.

So, for example, you set it to "this program"
Hit start
First one will be "this program"
the second one will be "this program1"
Next will be "this program2"
etc.

[[To...]]

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Jason is correct but if you want to put specific numbers in, you can go to Resources > Printout Header Data and tick the Force Input at Start, you will be prompted at the beginning of the run.

[[Ia...]]

Does it spit out a report after every loop? Or just after the final one?

I would test this, but I can't currently.

[[Ja...]]

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It will print after every loop if you set it to print.

[[Ke...]]

"We have 2 conturas that run a single program repeatedly 24 hours a day."

Are they looking into a 3rd CMM?
Downtime (planned or unplanned) won't be fun for anyone, and running 24hrs typically leads to extra maintenance.

[[Ja...]]

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No, they are actively trying to figure out how to not use them 24/7.
We bought these CMMs in an oh crap moment to sort parts because the part we are making is overly toleranced and we don't have a stable enough of a process to meet the tolerances. We are trying to hold true positions of 50 microns with a locating datum that is less than 180° of a circle and perpendicularity of 35 microns. So we sort......

Not only do we sort on two conturas but we are now using our Micura to help sort parts................... 😡 😡 😡

[[Ja...]]

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So my fear has come true. They have caused the upper return button to stick and will auto start the program while the operator is changing out the parts. This has led to crashes. I am quoting a new handbox.

With the part sorting program not having an alignment as it is pulling the fixture alignment I am unable to put the program stop in the alignment. I tried to put it in the first feature measured but I can't get it to work properly. We don't have PCM so I am unable to do any of that either.

You would think there would be a way to get the Enter on the keyboard to act the same as the upper return on the handbox.

[[Da...]]

We use touch screens on all are CMM most people like that better.

[[Da...]]

I have plugged keyboards in the C-99 controller and I have Screens hooked to them but I have never tried using the keyboard to start a program. It could work I will need to test it to find out.

[[Ja...]]

So I figured out a way to do this.

Microsoft has an accessibility setting to use the keyboard for the mouse. It is called Mouse Keys.

If you set it up, you can set it so when the number lock is off you can use the keypad on a keyboard for the mouse movement and selections. When the number lock is on you can use the keypad for the calculator or data entry.
Even when it is on you can still use the mouse to move the mouse so you aren't just stuck using the keypad.

So now I just have to make sure the mouse is over the run button and hit 5.
I have to figure out a way to keep the mouse from moving off the run button but it is a huge starting point. (We may just get the mouse where we need it and hang the mouse off the desk so it can't move.)

[[Am...]]

If its a wireless mouse that uses that same dongle as the keyboard maybe cover the laser with something like a sticker or flip it upside down?

[[Am...]]

Or take the batteries out.