Getting Started with MC-Basic and ControlStudio

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Overview

This tutorial is a quick introduction to help you begin operating the softMC using the MC-Basic language and ControlStudio software.

MC-Basic (Motion Control BASIC) is a proprietary programming language developed by Servotronix for use with the softMC. It is based on standard BASIC programming language, with extensive enhancements for multi-tasking and motion control functionalities. The Terminal pane in ControlStudio gives you access to the MC Basic environment.

ControlStudio is a PC-based graphical user interface for developing, running, and testing motion applications that will be controlled and/or coordinated by the softMC. ControlStudio contains a programming editor, data recorder, debugger and monitoring tools. Once the application programs are completed, the PC can be removed and the softMC controller can operate standalone or within a network.

For downloads and more information about the softMC hardware and software systems, use the resources available on the Servotronix website.

Three files are used in the procedures in this training manual. They should be supplied in a compressed file, and extracted to a folder on the user’s PC.

  • CONFIG.PRG
  • MOVE_2AX.PRG
  • MAS_SLAV.PRG


MC-Basic Fundamentals

Using MC-Basic you can issue commands to the softMC and retrieve data from it. These operations can be executed from a program that is loaded and run in the softMC, or by entering commands directly to the softMC by means of the Terminal pane in ControlStudio.

General Purpose Tasks (*.prg)

  • User program.
  • Defines the work to be performed by the motion controller.
  • Runs simultaneously with, and independently of, other tasks.

General Purpose Libraries (*.lib)

  • User (shared) libraries.
  • Collection of frequently used subroutines and functions in MC-Basic.
  • Subroutines and function in libraries can be called by tasks and other libraries.
  • Libraries are global if loaded from config.prg or by command loadglobal;
  • libraries are local if loaded by command load.
  • Public functions in global libraries can be called from anywhere , without explicit import;
  • Public functions in local libraries can be called from other libraries and programs, but require command import (see wiki: MC-Basic:IMPORT).

Configuration (config.prg) Refer to the section Loading Config.prg.

  • Used primarily to declare global objects and load all global libraries.
  • Automatically loads and runs once at power up if variable system.dipswitch.6 = 1. (see wiki: MC-Basic:SYSTEM.DIPSWITCH).
  • Runs whenever command reset all is executed.

Autoexecute (autoexec.prg)

  • Used to start the application tasks.
  • Loads and runs automatically once at power up if variable system.dipswitch.6 = 1. (see wiki: MC-Basic:SYSTEM.DIPSWITCH).

Reset all

The command reset all clears all tasks and variables from system memory, and loads and runs CONFIG.PRG.
After powering up the softMC, you must execute reset all from the terminal in order to load the configuration file for the first time.

Queries

Queries are prefixed with the character ?.
Following are a few examples of queries and the responses they produce.
?<axis>.En
?<axis>.Enable 		Possible responses:
0 = drive disabled
1 = drive enabled
?<axis>.PCMD
?<axis>.PositionCommand 		Returns the position command
?<axis>.PFB
?<axis>.PositionFeedback 		Returns the actual position of the motor


==

 ?<axis>.En

 ?<axis>.Enable

Possible responses:
0 = drive disabled
1 = drive enabled

 ?<axis>.PCMD

 ?<axis>.PositionCommand

Returns the position command

 ?<axis>.PFB

 ?<axis>.PositionFeedback

Returns the actual position of the motor

 ?<axis>.VCMD

 ?<axis>.VelocityCommand

Returns the velocity command

 ?<axis>.VFB

 ?<axis>.VelocityFeedback

Returns the actual velocity of the axis

 ?<axis>.IsMoving

Possible responses:
0 = not moving
1 = accelerating
2 = cruise velocity
3 = decelerating

 ?axislist

Displays the names of the existing axes in the system.

 ?tasklist

Displays a list of the current tasks in the system and their status.

 ?system.information

Displays basic information about the system.

===

Loading Config.prg

A sample CONFIG.PRG file is shown here. It contains a minimal configuration, which defines the number and name of four axes in a system.

  1. In ControlStudio, select File > Open to open the Config.prg file provided for this training.
    Its contents are displayed in the Program Editor pane at the bottom of the screen. Refer to Figure 1.
  2. Click the Load button in the toolbar.


CS-Load-config.png
Figure 1. Open and Load Config.prg


'***************************  Move 4 Axes Configuration  **********************************
'
' Configure the system to work with 4 axes
'
'******************************************************************************************

' Set 4 axes in the system
System.NumberAxes = 4

'''Program'''

	sys.DoubleFormat=1
	sys.nomotion = 1
	
	' Set axes names
	A1.AxisName = X_AXIS
	A2.AxisName = Y_AXIS

	A3.AxisName = MasterAxis
	A4.AxisName = SlaveAxis
	
	Print "MC Training - 4 Axes system"

'''End program'''
/pre>

<br/>

== Opening, Loading and Running a Task  ==
# In ControlStudio, select File > '''Open'''.
# Select an MC-Basic program, such as '''MOVE_2AX.PRG'''. <br/>Its contents are displayed in the Program Editor pane. Refer to Figure 2.
# Click the '''Load''' button in the toolbar. <br/>The task is now listed in the Task Manager, in the state '''Ready'''.
# Click the '''Run''' button to execute the task.

<br/>
'''Figure 2. 	Load and Run Task File '''
<br/>

== Monitoring Variables ==
ControlStudio provides several methods for monitoring the system and collecting data.

<br/>


==== Terminal ====
Use the '''Terminal''' pane to query one or more parameters using an MC-Basic command; for example:
<pre>
?X_AXIS.EN
?X_AXIS.PFB, Y_AXIS.PFB



Watch Variables

Use the Watch Variables pane.

  1. Select View > Watch.
  2. In the first row, enter the name of a variable in the first row.
    Its value will be continuously updated and displayed.


CS-GS-2.png
Figure 3. Watch Variables pane



Signal Recorder

Use the Signal Recorder.

  1. Select View > Signal Recorder. Refer to Figure 4.
  2. Click in the first row, and use the up/down arrows to define the Number of signals to be recorded.
  3. Click in each Signal number row, and enter the names of the variables to be recorded.
  4. The parameter Data Points determines the length of the recording.
  5. To start recording, click the Play button.
    Note that clicking the Stop button aborts the recording and produces no results.
  6. After the recording is completed, the results are displayed in a new tab in the Editor pane. The tab is named default.rcv.
    Refer to Figure 5 and Figure 6.


CS-GS-3.png
Figure 4. Signal Recorder pane



CS-GS-4.png
Figure 5. Watch Variables and Signal Recorder



CS-GS-5.png
Figure 6. Plot of recording is automatically displayed



Realtime Display

Use the Realtime Display

  1. Select View > Signal Recorder.
  2. Enter the variables you want to monitor, such as the positions of axes.
  3. Click the Play button.

Refer to Figure 7.

CS-GS-6.png

Figure 7. Realtime display of variable values


Debugging

In ControlStudio you can load a program and debug it by setting breakpoints and stepping through code lines. A breakpoint can be set only after a program is loaded and appears in a new tab. Place the blinking cursor in the line at which you want the program to stop. Press the Insert/Remove Breakpoint button on the toolbar. Alternately, press F9 to toggle the breakpoint.

CS-toolbar-breakpoints add-remove.jpg
Figure 8. Insert/Remove Breakpoint button


It is also possible to run the program step-by-step from the first line of the program. After loading the task a yellow arrow points to the first line of the program. To run the program line by line, use the Step Over, Step Into and Step Out buttons on the toolbar. Refer to Figure 9.

CS-GS-7.png

Figure 9. Debugging, breakpoints, stepping buttons

Sample Program: Move 2 Axes

The file MOVE_2AX.PRG consists of a program, a function and a subroutine.

This examples shows how an MC-Basic program cyclically and infinitely moves two axes to three different target position.

Note the “BOOKMARK” comments within the program. These blocks of code are explained in the sections following the program. 

'******************************  Move 2 Axes Program  *************************************
'
' This application will move 2 simulated axes to 3 different positions in an infinite loop
'
'******************************************************************************************


'****************************************************************************
' Program
' Description: This program sets up the axes with motion parameters and sends the axes to
'		 3 different traget position one after another in an infinite loop.
' Author: Nir Geller
'****************************************************************************
Program

    dim retVal as long = 0
	
	
' BOOKMARK: ATTACH
	attach X_AXIS
	attach Y_AXIS

	
' BOOKMARK:	AXESSETUP	
	' Setup Axes motion parameters
	call AxisSetup(X_AXIS)
	call AxisSetup(Y_AXIS)
	
	
' BOOKMARK:	ENABLE
	' Enable Axes
	retVal = Enable_Disable_Drive(X_AXIS, ON)
	if retVal = -1 then
		goto PROGRAM_ERROR
	end if
	
	retVal = Enable_Disable_Drive(Y_AXIS, ON)
	if retVal = -1 then
		goto PROGRAM_ERROR
	end if
		
	while 1

' BOOKMARK:	MOVE	
		' Move axes to first waypoint (2000, 1000)
		Move X_AXIS 2000
		Move Y_AXIS 1000
		
		sleep 5

' BOOKMARK:	ISMOVING
		' Wait for axes to reach first waypoint
		while X_AXIS.IsMoving <> 0
			sleep 5
		end while
		
		while Y_AXIS.IsMoving <> 0
			sleep 5
		end while
		' *****************************************
		
		' Move axes to second waypoint  (-2000, -1000)
		Move X_AXIS -2000
		Move Y_AXIS -1000
		
		sleep 5
		
		' Wait for axes to reach second waypoint
		while X_AXIS.IsMoving <> 0
			sleep 5
		end while
		
		while Y_AXIS.IsMoving <> 0
			sleep 5
		end while
		' *****************************************
		
		' Move axes to third waypoint  (0,0)
		Move X_AXIS 0
		Move Y_AXIS 0
		
		sleep 5
		
		' Wait for axes to reach third waypoint
		while X_AXIS.IsMoving <> 0
			sleep 5
		end while
		
		while Y_AXIS.IsMoving <> 0
			sleep 5
		end while
		' *****************************************
		
	end while  '   an infinite loop
	
	
PROGRAM_ERROR:

	' Disable Axes
	retVal = Enable_Disable_Drive(X_AXIS, OFF)	
	retVal = Enable_Disable_Drive(Y_AXIS, OFF)
	
	detach X_AXIS
	detach Y_AXIS
	
End Program


'****************************************************************************
' Subroutine Name: AxisSetup
' Description: This subroutine sets all the axis parameters according to the desired 
'              motion profile (e.g. Cruise Velocity, Acceleration...)
' Called From: Program
' Author: Nir Geller
' Input Parameters: Name of an axis
' Output Parameters: None
' Return Value: None
'****************************************************************************
Sub AxisSetup(GenAxis as generic axis)

    dim sercos_cycle_time as long = 0.004
    dim ohmega as long = 0
    
	ohmega = 12 '0.899999*pi/(5 * sercos_cycle_time)
	
    with GenAxis

        en = 0
' BOOKMARK:	POSITION FACTOR
        pfac = 30000/100/pi 'mm
        vfac = pfac/1000     'work in mm
        afac = vfac/1e3      'accel in mm per second
        jfac = afac/1e3      'jerk in mm per second squared

        vmax = 3000
        vospd = 1.2 * vmax
        vcruise = 1500

        amax = 200
        dmax = amax
        acc = amax
        
        dec = dmax
        
        decstop = dec

        jmax = ohmega * amax
        smoothfactor = -1

        starttype = GCom
        proceedtype = cmot

        PEDel = 1
        absolute = 1

        pemax=10000

        velocitysafetylimit = 10000
        opmode = positionmode
		
		Simulated = 1 ' Axis is simulated

    end with
    
end Sub

'****************************************************************************
' Function Name: Enable_Disable_Drive
' Description: Enable or disable a drive according to CW bits
' Called From: Program
' Author: Nir Geller
' Input Parameters: generic axis
'                    Enable/Disable flag
' Output Parameters: None
' Return Value: 0 on success, -1 if failed
' Algorithm: 
' Global Variables Used:
' Revisions:
'****************************************************************************
Function Enable_Disable_Drive(ax as generic axis, byval EnDes as long) as long

    dim counter as long = 0
    
    Enable_Disable_Drive = 0
    
    ax.en = EnDes
    counter = 0
    
    while EnDes <> ax.en AND counter < 10
        sleep 1
        counter = counter + 1
    end while
    
    if ax.en <> EnDes then
        'throw ec_slave_home_err_enable 'failed to enable axis
        Enable_Disable_Drive = -1
    end if
    
End Function



Attach

The task must be attached to an axis in order to control the axis. This is performed by means of the command ATTACH. (BOOKMARK: ATTACH).


Axes Setup Subroutine

Once the task is attached to the axes, the task sets the parameters for axis motion according to a particular motion profile. This is performed by means of the subroutine AXESSETUP (Axis Name).

(BOOKMARK: AXESSETUP).


Position Factor

(BOOKMARK: POSITION FACTOR).

The position factor specifies the conversion factor between the user’s position units and the internal units (encoder counts).

In this example, 30000 counts per one encoder cycle are converted into one cycle of an axis whose diameter is 100 mm; this results in position units in millimeters. For example, when a Move command to target position 1000 is issued, the motor will turn the exact number of times to yield a tangential movement of 1000 mm.


Velocity, Acceleration and Jerk Factors

VMax – The maximum allowed axis velocity. Since some commands, such as velocity override, may accelerate the axis beyond its cruise velocity, VMax sets a maximum value can never be exceeded.

VOspd – Velocity overspeed. If a command is issued to the axis to move at a speed that exceeds Vospd, an error is generated and the axis is brought to an immediate stop.

VCruise – The cruise velocity of a normal Move or Jog command.

Acc, Dec – The acceleration and deceleration of the axis.

Amax, DMax – The maximum allowed values for acceleration and deceleration.

DecStop – The deceleration value that will be used when a Stop command is issued to the axis.

JMax – The maximum allowed value of Jerk.


Positioning

Absolute – Defines whether a Move command’s target position is absolute, or relative to the current position of the axis.

PEMax – The maximum allowed error between the PCMD and the PFB. If the error exceeds this value, an error is generated and the axis is brought to an immediate stop.


Operation Mode

OpMode – The operation mode of the axis: position, velocity or torque.


Simulation or Actual Axes

Simulated - Defines whether the axis is simulated or real.


Enable Axes

After the axes’ properties are defined, both axes must be enabled to allow motion.

This is done by invoking the function Enable_Disable_Drive (ax as generic axis, byval EnDes as long) as long.

(BOOKMARK: ENABLE).


Move Command

A simple Move command includes an axis name and a target position as arguments. It may be more complex.

The infinite while loop issues Move commands to the axes, and waits for them to settle before issuing a new command to move to different target positions.

The parameter IsMoving indicates whether an axis is moving or stopped, so that the next Move command can be issued.

(BOOKMARK: MOVE).

(BOOKMARK: ISMOVING).


Sample Program: Master Slave

The file MAS_SLAV.PRG is similar to the previous file, MOVE_2AX.PRG. It has an additional subroutine, which sets one axis as a slave of the other axis’ position command (PCMD). Move commands are issued to the master axis only, and the slave axis follows without an explicit command.

Since the two axes must have identical motion profiles, the axis setup is the same for both axes.

After the axes’ properties are defined, the subroutine SetMasterSlave (GenMaster as generic axis, GenSlave as generic axis) is invoked, and sets SlaveAxis as slave of the PCMD of MasterAxis.

The rest of the program is the same. 

'******************************  Mater Slave Program  *************************************
'
' This application will set one axis as a master, and another axis as a slave of the
' position command of the first axis.
'
'******************************************************************************************




'****************************************************************************
' Program
' Description: This program sets up the axes with motion parameters and sends the axes to
'		 3 different traget position one after another in an infinite loop.
' Author: Nir Geller
'****************************************************************************
Program

    dim retVal as long = 0
	
	attach MasterAxis
	attach SlaveAxis

	' Setup Axes motion parameters
	call AxisSetup(MasterAxis)
	call AxisSetup(SlaveAxis)
	
	' Set master-slave relations
	call SetMasterSlave(MasterAxis, SlaveAxis)
	
	' Enable Axes
	retVal = Enable_Disable_Drive(MasterAxis, ON)
	if retVal = -1 then
		goto PROGRAM_ERROR
	end if
	
	retVal = Enable_Disable_Drive(SlaveAxis, ON)
	if retVal = -1 then
		goto PROGRAM_ERROR
	end if
	
	while 1
	
		' Move axes to first waypoint (5000)
		Move MasterAxis 5000
		
		sleep 5
		
		' Wait for axes to reach first waypoint
		while MasterAxis.IsMoving <> 0
			sleep 5
		end while
		' *****************************************
		
		
		' Move axes to second waypoint  (-4000)
		Move MasterAxis -4000
		
		sleep 5
		
		' Wait for axes to reach first waypoint
		while MasterAxis.IsMoving <> 0
			sleep 5
		end while
		' *****************************************
		
		
		
		' Move axes to third waypoint  (0)
		Move MasterAxis 0
		
		sleep 5
		
		' Wait for axes to reach first waypoint
		while MasterAxis.IsMoving <> 0
			sleep 5
		end while
		' *****************************************
		
	end while  '   an infinite loop
	
PROGRAM_ERROR:

	' Disable Axes
	retVal = Enable_Disable_Drive(MasterAxis, OFF)	
	retVal = Enable_Disable_Drive(SlaveAxis, OFF)
	
	detach MasterAxis
	detach SlaveAxis
	
End Program

'****************************************************************************
' Subroutine Name: AxisSetup
' Description: This subroutine sets all the axis parameters according to the desired 
'              motion profile (e.g. Cruise Velocity, Acceleration...)
' Called From: Program
' Author: Nir Geller
' Input Parameters: Name of an axis
' Output Parameters: None
' Return Value: None
'****************************************************************************
Sub AxisSetup(GenAxis as generic axis)

    dim sercos_cycle_time as long = 0.004
    dim ohmega as long = 0
    
	ohmega = 12 '0.899999*pi/(5 * sercos_cycle_time)
	
    with GenAxis

        en = 0
        pfac = 30000/100/pi 'mm
        vfac = pfac/1000     'work in mm
        afac = vfac/1e3      'accel in mm per second
        jfac = afac/1e3      'jerk in mm per second squared

        vmax = 3000
        vospd = 1.2 * vmax
        vcruise = 1500

        amax = 200
        dmax = amax
        acc = amax
        
        dec = dmax
        
        decstop = dec

        jmax = ohmega * amax
        smoothfactor = -1

        starttype = GCom
        proceedtype = cmot

        PEDel = 1
        absolute = 1

        pemax=10000

        velocitysafetylimit = 10000
        opmode = positionmode
		
		Simulated = 1 ' Axis is simulated

    end with
    
end Sub

'****************************************************************************
' Function Name: Enable_Disable_Drive
' Description: Enable or disable a drive according to CW bits
' Called From: Program
' Author: Nir Geller
' Input Parameters: generic axis
'                    Enable/Disable flag
' Output Parameters: None
' Return Value: 0 on success, -1 if failed
' Algorithm: 
' Global Variables Used:
' Revisions:
'****************************************************************************

Function Enable_Disable_Drive(ax as generic axis, byval EnDes as long) as long

    dim counter as long = 0
    
    Enable_Disable_Drive = 0
    
    ax.en = EnDes
    counter = 0
    
    while EnDes <> ax.en AND counter < 10
        sleep 1
        counter = counter + 1
    end while
    
    if ax.en <> EnDes then
        'throw ec_slave_home_err_enable 'failed to enable axis
        Enable_Disable_Drive = -1
    end if
    
End Function

'****************************************************************************
' Function Name: SetMasterSlave
' Description: Set GenSlave as a slave of the PCMD of GenMaster
' Called From: Program
' Author: Nir Geller
' Input Parameters: Slave axis, Master axis
' Output Parameters: None
' Return Value: None
'****************************************************************************
sub SetMasterSlave(GenMaster as generic axis, GenSlave as generic axis)

	GenSlave.MasterSource = GenMaster.Pcmd
	GenSlave.slave = GEAR

end sub


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