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Software

Q: What is the error correction for error 179?

A: From an FCS Command line, type NT.  This will delete all calibrated tips.

Q: Why won't the computer and software communicate with the CMM/MP?

A: Check the cable connecting computer to MP (note which COM port it's plugged into), then check the settings in the software for proper COM Port and BAUD RATE settings.

Q: Why can't I get a Display and/or Printout of the Inspection results?

A: Check the Settings "Report Monitor" screen to make sure that you have the proper settings for output.

Q: Why is MeasureMax running very slowly?

A: Check for Temp files, Re-Cycle Bin files, Printer Queue busy, Memory is sufficient and good, Logging Reports directory not too full, graphics monitor turned off, screen saver turned off, computer has been re-booted, and only have MeasureMax running.

Q: Why do I lose Probe Rack calibration when I power down the Measurement Processor?

A: When you power up the MP, be sure to either have the "Power up Enabled" checkbox checked on the Machine Properties screen or execute a "ZZ" command from the "FCS" prompt!  Then you should not have any problem with the Probe Rack.

Q: Why can't I edit my part programs after upgrading the software?

A: If these were MeasureMax V1.XX part programs, then you must first use the Upgrade MeasureMax V1.XX utility found in File "File Maintenance."

Q: Why do I receive a "Method of Object Failed" error when I try to edit migrated part programs?

A: Normally, this indicates that there is a variable(s) needing to be dimensioned and possibly other commands edited that the Migration Utility did not convert.

Q: Why does the system initialize at the end of running a part program in QuickTeach?

A: If you use the Start icon on the left side of the QuickTeach Toolbar or Abort the part program, initialization can occur; however, if you use the Start icon on the Debug Toolbar (located on the right side of the QuickTeach Toolbar), once you have clicked the Step to Start icon once, then Initialize does NOT occur at the end of the part program run!

Q: Why don't the measurement icons appear in QuickTeach when I start QuickTeach?

A: A system file may have been overwritten, possibly due to loading other software onto the system.  Please contact Sheffield's Technical Support for a procedure to fix this problem without needing to re-install the software.

Q: Using MeasureMax V1.03, Error 429 "Unable to initialize agent" when trying to run a part program from the MeasureMax CMM Control Center.

A: 1. If your part program starts with a number, this will cause the error 429.  Open the program in QuickTeach, rename your part program starting with an alpha character (letter) and save the part program.
2. From the CMM Control Center, use File Maintenance; select this part program, and make an executable part program.
3. Now the part program should run without causing the above error.

Hardware: Electrical

Q: Axes will run in only one direction.

A: Move the motor drive pulleys by hand.  If there is only resistance in one direction, replace servo amplifier.  If resistance from the motor is met in both directions, insure that the Zero switches are set and verify that the probe is armed and not deflected.

Q. Model 1808:  Z axis probe shaft will not reset.

A: Press and hold yellow failsafe reset button.  If solenoid engages and releases when the button is released, check air pressure (must be => 60 psi).  Check proper operation of pressure sensor switch on YZ carriage.  Does "Servo Ready" indicator light up when the rest button is pressed?  (Or check DS5 on SCU board).  When 110vac is present at the failsafe solenoid, the "Servo Ready" (or DS4) indicator should light.  Check for 110vac at the solenoid terminals on the YZ carriage.  If the 110vac is present when the reset button is pressed, replace the solenoid.  (DC resistance checks to the failsafe solenoid ALWAYS read high resistance; greater than 1 megohm does not mean solenoid is bad).  Press red button on solenoid.  If solenoid engages and stays on (clicks) check reset button circuit.  ***If voltage to the solenoid is too low or not present, check fuses on failsafe power supply in MP35.  If fuses are good and no error is present (error 36) on MP, replace failsafe power supply.

Q: How often should I turn the CMM off?

A: For 15 minutes every 24 hours or at least once a week.

Q: Why does the CMM crash when we make a photo copy of the copier?

A: The CMM is connected to the same circuit as the copier machine and when a photo copy is made, the CMM is starved of current.  The CMM requires an independent circuit.

Q: Why do I get an error "points do not define feature" error?

A: One cause is that one or more of your axes are not counting.  This could be due to a faulty read head, lamp, ampcheck board in MP, etc.

Q: Why does the probe calibration keep looping and asking me to repeat taking points?

A: One or more of the axes is not counting and needs to be corrected.

Q: Using MeasureMax V6.02 on a MEA CMM, Error 178, 180, 181 appearing on the bottom of the XYZ Display Monitor.

A: The CMM's Measurement Processor has lost its configuration data from its memory and must be re-installed.

Hardware: Mechanical

Q: What is too much vibration and how can it be easily measured?

A: Place a cup of coffee on the CMM table.  Turn off the servos and disconnect the air from the machine.  If there are visible rings in the coffee cup, there is too much vibration.  Note:  The air to the air bearings should be off so that plant conditions can be checked.  If there are no rings visually in the coffee cup, reconnect the air to the CMM.  If rings are now visible, there is a good chance an air bearing is not properly set and is hammering.

Q: Intermittent high pitch buzz on Z axis (Apollo).  Servo amp is setup correctly, there is no slippage of belts or pulleys, belt tensions are correct.

A: Corrective action:  If the top Z axis drive timing belt assembly has loosened (two bolts), a high pitch ringing or buzz can occur.

Q: Before I shut my Discovery MP off, I raise the Z axis all the way up or almost all the way up.  Then I kill the power and Z comes down on its own, sometimes as much as 6 inches.

A: More than likely you have a PH-9 installed.  The counterbalance was set for a smaller regular probe type.  The Sales Rep. or the Customer installed the PH-9 as an upgrade when the CMM was originally purchased.

Solution:  Adjust the counterbalance so that the Z axis does not move up or down while unlocked.  Then raise the Z axis all the way up and then TURN SERVOS OFF.  If the Z axis comes down again, adjust some more,and test again.  Repeat until the Z axis stays where it is when you Turn Servos Off or Power Off MP.

Q: The axis appears to be moving in a jerky manner.

A: Check the collars on the pulleys.  If they are loose, then the shaft will grab, slip, grab, etc.  Use a "Sharpie" marker and make an ink mark line on the axle and pulley.  If the marks move away from each other, then the pulley is slipping.  Also, squeeze the timing belt teeth together so that the belt cannot move.  Then with the other hand, try and rotate the pulley.  If it rotates, then the shaft is slipping.  Also, look at the mark you made to see if they moved away from each other.

Q: When 1808 is powered down (the MP), it has an air leak in Z axis.  What causes this?

A: Possible solution(s):  The o-ring in the Z axis failsafe solenoid is bad.  Replace the Z axis failsafe solenoid.

Q: I had a machine that I kept getting an error 35 on.  I checked the signal and it appeared to be ok.  I cleaned the read head lens and the scale, but the machine kept getting an error 35.

A: Possible Solution(s):  The air bearings on that particular axis were bad enough (pores were clogged) that the machine would actually bind or the bearings would catch and release causing the air gap to fluctuate giving an error 35.  Replace air bearings.

Q: Why does my CMM keep stopping during acceleration?

A: Your probe tension is insufficient and is triggering a touch.

Q: Why does my RS-150 top cover bang when the Y Axis accelerates or stops?

A: The grommet on the top of the Z axis is worn or missing.

 
Sheffield Measurement
a brand of Hexagon Metrology, Inc.
P.O. Box 1658
660 South Military Road
Fond du Lac, Wisconsin 54935

Toll Free Phone: 800.535.1236
Phone: 920.906.7700
Fax: 920.906.7701
info@SheffieldMeasurement.com
 
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