Calypso and PLC

[[Hu...]]

Hello everyone,

I'm currently working on a project at my company where we're automating our measurements. We’re using a cobot in combination with a PLC and Zeiss Basic Automation. The challenge we’re facing involves flipping the product during the measurement process. The cobot cannot flip the product without a signal from Basic Automation, but Basic Automation is unable to send a signal while the measurement program is running.

To work around this, we've split the Calypso program into two parts, generating two separate reports which we then combine. However, this approach has introduced issues, such as problems with merging the reports and broken macros. Unfortunately, we cannot modify the report format without customer approval, so changing the reporting structure is not an option.

I’ve been exploring PCM and found some promising commands like systemCallForResultAccess(), which can launch external applications and programs. However, I’m unsure whether PCM can communicate directly with a PLC, or what kind of intermediary application would be best suited for this task. I also came across the WaitForFile() command, which might be a viable alternative if the system call approach doesn’t work.

Has anyone here had experience with enabling communication between Calypso (while it's running a program) and another machine, such as a PLC? Any insights or suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Best regards,
Hussein

[[Ch...]]

with PCM you can call and ping ports and send information. I am also programming for automation but have not reached this point yet.

Have you reached out to Zeiss they should be able to help, but will likely try to sell you something.

 We managed to fixture so flipping is not required in automation.

you may want to review the Bitfrost application here : http://mimir-project.asuscomm.com/

If it works I would suggest donating, he is a great developer.

 

[[Hu...]]

Hi

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Thank you for your input! It's good to hear that you're also working on automation with the Zeiss CMM's!

I have reached out to Zeiss, but it is now almost a month before I had a real response from them. My internship ends in three weeks, so I don't have time to sit and wait for them.

Your mention that PCM can ping and call ports. I'm currently looking into how to achieve that using PCM. Based on what I’ve researched so far, it seems that I might need to create a Python script using the S7 protocol, since the PCM alone doesn’t appear to be capable of sending the correct signal to the PLC. Unfortunately, I also need approval from our IT department before I can install or run any new applications on the PC, which adds an extra layer of complexity.

One more thing I’m curious about:
Is it perhaps possible to send a digital signal to Zeiss Basic Automation from the PCM (or Calypso) and wait for a return signal in the measurement plan? That would be an ideal solution for synchronizing with the Cobot mid-program.

I appreciate your thoughts!

Best regards,
Hussein

[[Ch...]]

I hear there may also be a new program designed especially for this for automation from Zeiss - I heard from a colleague who went to training for it.

 

 

[[Hu...]]

Aah amazing, thank you! Do you perhaps know what the new program is called? Then I will contact Zeiss for more information.

[[Ch...]]

I do not, I suggest reaching out though.

[[Hu...]]

Alright, I will. Thank You!