The program that gives the panel its operational characteristics is part of the ssROUTER firmware stored in the ss4544 system.  The standard version is suitable for a wide variety of machines, but  is customizable for OEM's.  There is also a standard version available for control of Laser Engraver/Cutting machines.  Click on ssLASER if you want to look at that specification.   It is possible to have a dual functiion mechanical/laser cutting/engraving machine, and switch back and forth between the two applications.

     The handheld controller is contained in a rugged high impact strength plastic case.  The keyboard and display overlays are easily customizable for OEM's .  The panel mount version is meant to mount behind a metal panel on standoffs with punch outs over each key and indicator.  The metal panel would be laminated with the OEM's custom overlay with logos and kepad and indicator  markings.  We can also repackage and do customization for OEM's.   We have some standard layouts and overlays for those who are doing one of a kind machines in order to minimize engineering costs.
 
 

TABLE OF CONTENTS
   1.0 PANEL OPERATION
      1.1 OPERATIONAL   CONTROL
      1.2 BUFFER MANAGEMENT
      1.3 PARAMETER ADJUSTMENT
        1.3.1 JOG
           1.3.2  FEEDRATE
           1.3.3  PLUNGE RATE
           1.3.4  SPINDLE SPEED
        1.4 WORK SURFACE
2.0 MENU SYSTEM AND MAIN MENU
      2.1   OPERATION DISPLAY
      2.2   MACHINE SETTINGS
       2.3  TOOL TABLE
       2.4  BUFFER   CONTROL
          2.4.1  INSERT END OF FILE
          2.4.2  DELETE THE FILE
      2.5  SETUP
         2.5.1 ROTARY SETUP
         2.5.2  CONFIGURATION
           2.5.2.1 PORTS
             2.5.2.2 LOAD DEFAULTS
           2.5.3 DIAGNOSTICS
             2.5.3.1  MEMORY TEST
              2.5.3.2  MOTION TEST
            2.5.4 RETAIN  SETTINGS
1.0 PANEL OPERATION
       After the system is powered up, the panel will come up in  the Operation Display with the ssROUTER in a state ready to accept files  from a computer over the RS232 interface.  The state of readiness is  indicated by the green Ready lamp on the panel.     There are three tasks going on at the same time that are under control of  the panel, Operational, Buffer Management, and Parameter adjustments.   Overviews of these tasks are described in the following sections.
      Since the system multitasks, even while the Router is in  operation, you can still move around the Menu System and execute certain functions.  Generally while engraving you would remain in the Operational Display.  You may switch between  the Operatinal Display and the Menu System by hitting the ESC button.
1.1 OPERATIONAL CONTROL
     Operational Control is accomplished  using the control button functions on the panel with a Blue background, and  the ADJUST knob or alternatively the UP and DOWN buttons.  These are RUN, HOLD, STOP, FEED, PLUNGE, SPEED, ENTER and the ADJUST knob..  The green indicator READY and the red indicator SPINDLE along  with the display and the audio BEEPER   give operator  feedback.  Normally  the display will be left in the Operation Display mode while running the system. The buttons function  as follows:
1.1.1 RUN BUTTON
     When this button is pushed while in the Operational Control Menu, the currently selected  file will be output to the Router if the system is currently idle, and all safety Interlocks are closed.  If the system is currently paused, the job will continue from it's interruption. If the conditions were true and the output to the Router is started, the READY   display will turn on solid.  A job may be started, even though the file has not been completely received from the connected computer system.  There will be an asterick (*) in front of the file name while the job is downloading.
1.1.2 INTERLOCK
     The Safety interlock is a protection  circuit which  when broken disarms the Router so as to avoid operator injury. Any time the interlock is broken the motion system is also disabled, and an alarm is indicated by the red Spindle indicator, the green Ready, and the Beeper firing rapidly six times.  If the interlock is broken or the panel Emergency Stop Button is pushed while a  Job is running an emergency stop will be created , causing the Spindle to be powered off and the motion system to stop as rapidly as possible, and then turn off all of the axes motors.  The SPINDLE  indicator will then blink about 2 times per second, with an accompanying  green Ready indicator and beeper repeating once every 4 seconds.  An error message will also replace the current display.   Any keypush will clear the error message  Pushing the Stop button while in this state will terminate the job and will cause the motors to be turned back on, and the system to be homed.  If the interlock break has been fixed the audio and visual alarm will quit firing.
1.1.3 GREEN READY INDICATOR
       The green Ready indicator is lit continually when the ssROUTER system  is executing a job file. It can be put in this mode by pushing the RUN button after a file has begun to be received.  If the indicator is blinking it means  the routerr system's currently selected job is running but paused or about to pause.   The green Ready indicator will be extinguished if during the idle or paused state when the indicator is blinking, the Stop button is pressed causing the currently selected job to be terminated.  The Ready indicator will also blink three timees at the end of a job along with the red SPINDLE indicator and the BEEPER firing.  The Ready indicator will also blink during various other states such as Interlock and emergency stop conditions.
1.1.4 RED SPINDLE INDICATOR
       The Spindle indicator is lit solidly while a job is running.  It will blink about 2 times per second any time the Interlock is broken..  Any time the Interlock is broken, the  Spindle is powered down, and the indicator will continuously blink at two times per second and the beeper will click.  It will continue in this mode even if the interlock is restored, until the STOP button is pressed  causing the currently selected job to be terminated and the system to be homed again.  This indicator will also blink three times at the completion of a job along with the Ready indicator and the Beeper.  The spindle may also be turned on or off manully at certain times from the control panel by using the I-O Control function after hitting the ENTER button.
1.1.5 HOLD BUTTON
       If a job is currently running, and the HOLD button is hit the READY indicator will change to a blinking state.  The job will then be interrupted as soon as the current motion vector in progress is completed.  The the Spindle carriage will remain at that point with the Spindle remaining ON.  If the HOLD button is pushed again at this point, the Spindle will retract, turn OFF, and move to the VIEW position.  If while the job is paused, each time the Pause button is hit, the spindle carriage will be moved either to the tool change position or back to the paused position with the Spindle remaining OFF. If the job is currently paused and you are in the Operating menu and the RUN button is hit the spindle will start up and move away from its current position, continuing the job from where it was interrupted and the READY  indicator will turn back on solid.
      If there is no job running, clicking the HOLD button will cause the spindle assembly to be moved alternately between the tool change position and the current work zero positiion with the spindle off and the z axis retracted..
1.1.6 STOP BUTTON
     If a job is currently running the STOP button will have no effect.
     If a job is currently paused, hitting the STOP  button will terminate the job. It will not affect the buffer contents.  The READY indicator will be turned off.
     If no job is running or paused, hitting the STOP button will home the system.  It will not affect the buffer contents.
1.1.7 ADJUSTMENT KNOB
      The adjustment knob is multi-purpose and in most cases may be used in place of the UP and DOWN buttons.  Turning it clockwise is  equivalent to the UP key repeatedly pushed.  Turning it counter clockwise is equivalent to the DOWN key repeatedly being pushed.
1.1.8 BEEPER
       The Beeper is a 4 kHz piezoelectric audio transducer.    At the completion of a job,  the spindle carriage assembly is returned  to the  Tool Change position, and the Beeper is sounded with a group three of beeps.  It is also used to indicate other alarm situations when faults occur..
1.1.9  ENTER KEY AND OUTPUT INDICATORS AND CONTROL
      Outputs to control the SPINDLE, EXHAUST (VENT),COOLANT, and VACUUM holddown may be shown on the display of either panel.  The Handpanel has LED indicators to show the state of these signals.  While in the Operation Display mode, manual output control and display on the LCD screen may be accessed by momentairly hitting the ENTER key.
The bottom line of the display will be replaced temporairly with indicators for these four outputs.  A plus or minus sign will preceed the indicator to tell if it is on or off.  While the indicator are displayed, each may be toggled on/off by hitting the key associated with the particular output.
1.1.9.1 SPINDLE
    The Spindle state is the first indicator and is represented by the abbreviation +Spn on the display when the spindle is turned on.  This is also indicated with the Red LED Spindle Indicator on either panel. Hitting the button marked X on the panel while the indicator is shown on the display, will toggle the spindle on or off under certain conditions, the Job must be paused or stopped.  The spindle state is also automatically controlled by the job being run.
1.1.9.2 EXHAUST
    The Exhaust state is the second indicator and is represented by the abbreviation +Vnt on the display when the exhaust vent is turned on.  On the Handheld panel this is also indicated with a Yellow LED marked Exhaust.   Hitting the button marked Y on the panel while the indicator is shown on the display, will toggle the exhaust  on or off.  This may be done at any time and will override the automatic control.
   The EXHAUST signal from the panel  may be used to turn on an exhaust dust collection system for the ROUTER.  Whenever a job is started the EXHAUST signal turns on, and 10 seconds after the job is finished, the EXHAUST signal is turned off, giving enough time to evacuate residual chips and dust left in the exhaust system at the completion of the job.
1.1.9.3 COOLANT
    The Coolant state is the third indicator and is represented by the abbreviation +Cool on the display when the coolant has been turned on.  On the Handheld panel this is also indicated with a Yellow LED marked Coolant.  Hitting the button marked Z on the panel while the indicator is shown on the display, will toggle the coolant on or off.  The coolant state is controlled by Tool Settings.  If enabled for a particular tool, the coolant will automatically turn on and off with the spindle.
1.1.9.4 VACUUM
     The Vacuum (AUX) state is the fourth indicator and is represented by the abbreviation +VAC on the display when the vacuum holddown has been turned on.  On the Handheld panel this is also indicated with a Yellow LED marked Vacuum.  Hitting the button marked R on the panel while the indicator is shown on the display, will toggle the vacuum on or off.  The vacuum state may be turned on and off automatically with the job,  manually on and automatically off, or just manually.
1.1.10 ESC BUTTON
     The Escape button, when pushed momentairly will switch from the Operations Display, to the Main Menu.  Hitting the Escape button while in the main menu will return you to the Operations Display.
1.1.10.1 DISPLAY CONTRAST ADJUSTMENT
    If the ESC button is held down without releasing, you may adjust the contrast of your LCD display with the adjustment knob.  Clockwise for darker, and counterclockwise for lighter.  After releasing the ESC button, it will continue to behave normally.
1.2 BUFFER MANAGEMENT
      The Buffer memory is used to buffer incoming plot data while the Router is running or not, as long as it is online. The first job received  is given the number 1 as its job number.  Each subsequent job received will be assigned the next number in sequence. Once the job been received completely and stored in the buffer, it may be selected to run later any number of times.  Since there is only so much memory available, at some point you will have a decision as to delete a job or jobs to make room for another job.  A deleted job's number will disappear from the Job list.  New jobs downloaded will keep getting higher numbers.  You can delete a job that is selected by holding down the ENTER key for a few seconds while in the Operational mode, or in the Buffer Control menu..  This will not work on a job that is still being received or being run by the router.  If the job is fully received, or transmission has terminated for several seconds, then it may be deleted.   While a job is being downloaded, or a job that did not have a normal end of file termination, the display for that job name will be prefixed with an asterick (*).
    To manage the buffer, select Buffer Control  from the main menu.
1.3 PARAMETER ADJUSTMENT
     Certain parameter may be adjusted directly by pushing dedicated buttons on the control panel.  Other parameters to be adjusted must be accessed through the menu system.
1.3.1 JOG BUTTON
      Hitting the JOG button will only have an effect if the Router  operation is Paused or Stopped.  It will switch the system into Jog mode and bring up the Jog Menu. While in the Jog Menu you  are able to move the Spindle carriage around the router table, and set new work zero points for the Job being run.  While in the Jog mode, all of the operational control functions are no longer in effect (blue background).

The buttons along  the right side of the panel, or along the top row of the handheld, marked X,Y and Z  may be used to select which  Axis is to be jogged, and what jog increment is to be used.  Z is a special case for the ssROUTER application which will bring up the Work Surface Menu.  When for example the X button is hit, a blinking cursor will appear over the inches digit of the X position display.  Once the X position has been selected, repeated hitting of  the X Jog Button will move the cursor through the tenths digit, hundredths digit, then the thousandths digit,  then back to the inches digit.  While one of these digits is highlighted by the blinking cursor, the UP and DOWN keys may be used smoothly position the carriage or the ADJUSTMENT  Knob may be turned clockwise or counter clockwise to incrementally adjust.  Turning clockwise or hitting the UP key will increment the position by the significance of the selected digit, and counter clockwise or the DOWN key will decrement the position.  The standard adjustment knob has 32 pulses per revolution.  Any of the system axes may be adjusted in the same manner.  If either the UP or DOWN key is held down more than 0.5 second, the key push will automatically put the jog into continuous path motion at a smooth jog rate.  Hitting either the ESC or ENTER key  will turn off  the jog function and move the cursor over to the SET selection in the Jog menu.
    While in the JOG mode, the HOLD key is still active.  You can use it to rapidly move between the WORK ZERO position, or the VIEW position.   The STOP key is also active.  You can use it to HOME the system with a single keypush.  It may also be used for a quick way to set work zero on systems that the spindle xy position may be easily positioned with the motors off, such as a gantry system with rack and pinion drive.  If the STOP key is held down for a couple of seconds, the X and Y motors will be temporairly turned off.  The spindle may then be manually moved  to the work zero positiion.  Click the ENTER key while the cursor is at the SET position in the JOG menu.  The system will then be homed, but it will remember the position that you manually set the carriage to and load that into the WORK ZERO POSITION.
    After making adjustments to the motion system position using  the Jog function, the resulting position may be used to set a new zero reference point for the Jobs being run using the SET selections.  The selection  is made using the panel UP key or DOWN key to move the blinking cursor to one of the four selections.  If the ENTER key is then hit, the selected  function is executed.  If the ESC key is hit the jog menu is exited without any effect on work zeros.
1.3.1.1  ORG
    For most applications data is output in a standard cartesian coordinate system, with the LowerLeft corner being x0,y0 and positive x increasing to the right and positive y increasing to the top of the drawing.  Drawings are normally done within a work frame, with the lower left corner being x0,y0.  The piece you are going to route may be fixtured on the table at a different position.  Jogging the machine spindle to that point and selecting SET will set this point as the new work zero. This is the normal and most common use of the JOG function.
    The Orgin function allows you to select either the LL lower left which is normal, UL which is common for many windows graphical programs such as Corel Draw, or one of two presets Preset1 or Preset2.  The presets may be set by the user for standard fixture locations, or perhaps one for the center of the machine work area.  The preset settings are stored internally in Flash memory.  When you set or clear the presets, an Are-You-Sure menu pops up which you must respond to in order to change these values to avoid accidental settings.
    Each time click on ENTER while the cursor is positioned in front of ORG, you will step to the next possible origin setting.
As a convenience, any time a new job is loaded, it will initialize its job zero setting to be the same as the currently selected job.
If the work zero is subsequently changed, it is saved with the job file so the job may be run again later without reseting the work zero.
1.3.1.2 SET  WORK ZERO POSITION
     If you click on this menu item, the current xy position of the Spindles assembly is set as the x0,y0 reference point for your job.
1.3.1.3 CLR WORK ZERO POSITION
     If you click on this menu item, the current work zero selection is cleared to it's default position..
1.3.1.4 ROT SET ROTARY SPINDLE ALIGNMENT
   This allows you to position your Spindle over the centerline of your rotary axis and save its position, so that when a rotary job is done, the spindle will automatically align over the rotary fixture..
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1.3.2 FEED BUTTON
   Pushing the FEED button will cause the Operation Display menu to be selected and the cursor to be moved to the feed rate setting F on the bottom line.  The feedrate may be adjusted using the UP and DOWN keys or using the ADJUST knob.  The feedrate setting may be adjusted at any time, even while a job is running.  The feedrate change will not apply to the currently running vector if the Job is running.   If the feedrate has been originally set by software override from the ssROUTER windows driver or the TestraMW CAD/CAM system, the adjustment of the feedrate while the job is running will also be stored in the job file in the buffer, so if the job is repeated it will use your adjusted feedrate.
1.3.3 SPEED BUTTON
    Pushing the SPEED button will cause the Operation Display menu to be selected and the cursor to be moved to the spindle speed setting S on the bottom line.  The speed may be adjusted using the UP and DOWN keys or using the ADJUST knob.  The speed setting may be adjusted at any time, even while a job is running.. Speed changes will have an immediate effect if the spindle is turned on, and it is software controllable.  The adjustment of the speed while the job is running will also be stored in the job file in the buffer at the last speed command, so if the job is repeated it will use your adjusted speed  levels.
1.3.4 PLUNGE BUTTON
    Pushing the PLUNGE button will cause the Operation Display menu to be selected and the cursor to be moved to the plunge feed rate setting P on the bottom line.  The plunge feedrate may be adjusted using the UP and DOWN keys or using the ADJUST knob.  The plunge feedrate setting may be adjusted at any time, even while a job is running.  The plunge feedrate change will not apply to the currently running plunge vector. If the plunge feedrate has been originally set by software override from the ssROUTER windows driver or the TestraMW CAD/CAM system, the adjustment of the feedrate while the job is running will also be stored in the job file in the buffer at the last plunge setting, so if the job is repeated it will use your adjusted plunge feedrate.
1.4 WORK SURFACE
This menu may only be  entered while in the Jog mode by hitting the Z button on the panel.  When this menu is first entered, the cursor will be at the tenths digit of the Z Axis position on the first line of the display which shows the current Z-axis position..  Jogging control works the same as any of the other axes. If the surface, which is the work z0 position, is to be set manually by jogging, then position the the spindle over a place where you can touch the tip of the tool to the work piece.   You can move between which axis you wish to adjust by hitting the appropriate axis letter X,Y,Z or R.  Once you have finished  making the adjustment, hit the ESC key.  The Cursor will move in front of SET Surface.  The number to the right on this line is the the current surface setting.
1.4.1 AUTOSET SURFACE
    This feature will only work if it is enabled in the AUTOSET parameters menu and the thickness parameter for the TouchTop plate set properly.  You also need your TouchTop plate properly connected to the ss4544 motion control system.   Set your TouchTop plate on the work surface. It must be flat for this to work properly.  Jog the spindle so that the cutting tool is over the TouchTop plate, then hit ESC.  The cursor will automatically jump in front of AutoSET Surface, then hit the ENTER key.  The Z-axis will then move down at its slow start speed until it hits the TouchTop plate at which time it will stop..  The measured surface position will then be automatically entered at the SET Surface position of the display, and the Z-axis will retract back to the home position.
    A home check will be done to check that the Z-axis was not crashed during the proceedure.  If  correctly set one of two events will take place.
    1) If this is the first time the Job has been run, i.e. you are starting a new job, and the AutoSET Tool Length feature has been enabled then the spindle will move to the toolchange position and the AutoSET Tool Length will be executed.
    2) If the AutoSET Tool Length feature has not been enabled, then the menu will automatically change back to the Operation Display.
    If the surface was not correctly set, the cursor will move back to the Z Axis Pos at the tenths digit and be returned to the Jog mode.
1.4.2 AUTOSET TOOL LENGTH OFSET
    This feature is available only if enabled in the Auto Tool Settings  menu and the appropriate position constant has been set.in that menu. When executed the spindle will be moved to the tool change position if not already there.  The Z-axis travel limit will be increased to the Z-axis maximum travel.  The Z-axis will then be moved down at its slow start speed until the current tool touches the Tool Touch Pad, or until the maximum travel is reached.  If the maximum travel is reached this would be an error condition, i.e. no tool or hardware malfunction. After a touch occurs the system now knows the Z-axis travel distance from the home position to the Tool Touch Pad.  This distance is added to the Touch Pad Offset to set the maximum Z travel distance.  The purpose for this is to avoid cutting into your table's work surface should something be wrong with your job file or job setup.  Next, depending on the state of your job, one of two things will occur:
    1) If this is the first time this feature has been used after powering up the ss4544 system, then no other action will be taken.
    2) In all other cases the difference in length between this tool and the last installed tool will be subtracted from the work surface.  This allows the operator to set a work surface with the first tool when the job is started, and after that the operator only has to change the tool when a tool change is called for.

2.0 MENU SYSTEM AND MAIN MENU
    The menu system is controlled by the four buttons on the panel highlighted in blue/green, UP, DOWN, ENTER, and ESC.  The ESC key is used to escape or back out of a menu or variable adjustment.  If the ESC key is hit repeatedly, you will eventually get to the top or Main menu then toggle betweenthe Operations Display and the Main menu.  The UP and DOWN keys are used to move the menu selection  cursor around the menu, and adjust variables up or down.  The ADJUSTMENT  knob may also be used interchangeably with the UP and DOWN keys.  The  ENTER key is used to select and cause execution  of the menu item indicated by the highlight or cursor.

    In the case of an adjustment of a number, pushing the ENTER key will move the blinking cursor to the next digit to the right until the least significant is reached, at which time the cursor will move to the most significant digit.  The ESC key will cause the adjustment to terminate, leaving the edited number.
    The Main Menu can be  reached from any menu by continually hitting the ESC key, which backs you  up one menu level for each push of the ESC key.  From the Main Menu you can go to one of the following menus:
MACHINE SETTINGS
TOOL SETTINGS
BUFFER CONTROL
SETUP

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2.1 OPERATION DISPLAY
The OPERATION   menu is  automatically selected on power up initialization of the system.     Otherwise it is accessed through the menu system from the MAIN menu. Repeatedly   hitting ESC will  always back you up through the menu tree and you will eventually  end up at the MAIN menu.  When a job is running or paused and   the operation display has been selected, the display will  be basically as  shown here.   If the system is idle, the cursor will be in the upper left corner of the display on the first line which is the file selection.    When in this state, you may select a different file with the ADJUSTMENT knob or use the UP or DOWN keys .  The number on the line is the file number  in the local buffer memory.  The name following is the job file descriptor.  The jobfile descriptor will only be there if the job file was created according to the Testra HPGL interface specifications.
      The next line shows the number of Copies run of the current   job followed by a time descriptor.  The first time a file is run, the   time descriptor shows the current elapsed time of the job as it is being  run.  During any repeat of the job, the time descriptor will be counting  down, showing how much time remains to finish the job.
    The final two lines of the display show the current tool selection information.   The third line shows the tool number and its description. This tool descriptor will only appear if the job file was created according to the Testra HPGL interface specification. The bottom line has first the current FEEDRATE which is indicated by the letter F followed by the feedrate in inches per minute.  The second parameter is the spindle speed indicated by the letter S followed by the speed in revolutions per minute. The last item is the PLUNGE RATE which is indicated by the letter P followed by the feedrate in inches per minute.
   The FEEDRATE may be adjusted at any time by hitting the FEED button.  This will cause a blinking cursor to appear at the F on the display.  The feedrate may then be adjusted with the ADJUST knob, or with the UP or DOWN keys.  Hitting any other keys will take you out of that function.  In the same manner you may adjust the spindle speed by hitting the SPEED button, or the plunge feedrate by hitting the PLUNGE button.
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2.2 MACHINE SETTINGS
This menu allow you to setup and adjust  machine features that may be user preferences, or particular to how the user has configured and fixtured his machine.
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2.2.1 BACKLASH SETTINGS
Here you may enter backlash measurements for your specific machine.  They will only be used if backlash compensation is turned ON.

2.2.2 AUTO TOOL SETTINGS
This menu is used to set up automatic tool length compensation and work surface detection features.
2.2.2.1 Auto Surface
    This feature may be toggled ON or OFF.
2.2.2.2 Surface Ofset
    This parameter must be set to the measured thickness in inches of the TouchTOP pad used to detect the work surface.
2.2.2.3 Auto Tool Length
    This feature may be toggled ON or OFF
2.2.2.4 Auto Tool Touch Pad Position
    This parameter must be set to the measured distance in inches between the top of the Tool Touch Pad and the work surface of your machine or an imaginary plane slightly above the machine work surface.  The intent is to limit the possible travel of the tool tip so that you cannot accidentally cut into your machine.  The pad is mounted directly below the tool change position on the machine.  If the pad is below the machine work surface plane, the number should be negative.

2.2.3 CONTROL SETTINGS
This menu is used to select various output control options.
2.2.3.1 Auto Vent
    Clicking on this selection will toggle the Auto Vent option ON/OFF.  When set ON, the VENT (Exhaust) output will switch to +5V HIGH as soon as a Job is started, and will remain on until 10 seconds after the Job is completed.
2.2.3.2 Auto Vacuum
    Clicking on this selection will toggle the Auto Vacuum holddown option ON/OFF.  When set to ON the VACUUM (Gas) output will be set to +5V HIGH as soon as a Job is started, and will immediately turn off after the Job is completed.  If the VACUUM has already been manuall set ON, it will remain on until the Job is completed.

2.2.4 BACKLASH COMPENSATION
    This menu selection allows you to toggle ON/OFF backlash compensation.  When backlash compensation is ON, whenever an axis is going to reverse directions, the backlash amount for that axis is either added in or taken out by adding a small motion vector.  The disadvantage of having the correction is that the job may take additional time to run, particulairly on the Z axis when operating in 3D.  The advantage is improved accuracy.
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2.3 TOOL SETTINGS
     If you select  Setting and hit ENTER, the cursor will move over to just past the tool number where you can select one of the nine tool settings or the SW (SoftWare) tool setting which is the default..  For each selected tool you may adjust any of it's parameters.  On this menu you may only adjust Feedrate or Plunge for the pen.  To adjust any other parameters you will have to Click on MORE which will bring up another continuation menu.
    The SW setting is the default for job files without any pen commands or speed and feed commands.  With a file created according to the Testra HPGL specification,  tool setting information is contained within the file and will be continually changing this parameter.  Manual changes from the panel will be reflected back into the file.  You can think of the SW settings as being temporary.
    The numberd settings correspond to HPGL SPn; commands where n is the setting or tool number.  If these are in the job file, the settings that you have saved here will be used for the job.
 

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2.3.1 MORE
This menu allows you to change the other tool parameters.  The SPINDLE parameter controls the spindle speed of programable spindles.   The COOLANT parameter controls the output signal on the panel or Automation interface which may be used to turn on a valve for gas or other coolant to cool the cutting tool.
 

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2.4 BUFFER CONTROL
  The Buffer control menu is used to manage the job data stored in the large  memory buffer.  The last line of this menu shows the amount of buffer  space remaining for jobs.  The cursor starts out on the first line which  shows the currently selected job in the buffer by its number and description  from the job file.  If this is selected by pushing the ENTER key, the UP and DOWN keys or ADJUST knob  may be used to scroll through the buffer to see what is in it.  Once the  correct file has been located, hit the ESC key to get back to the menu selections.   To delete the job file, move the cursor to Delete the File and press the ENTER key.  This will take you to another Delete the File  menu that asks if you are sure giving you another chance if pushing the button was a mistake.  Once a file is deleted, you will have to reload it again from your computer if you want to re-run the job.  Also since the buffer memory is volatile if power is turned off, all of the files will be lost.
    You can also delete all of the files by clearing the buffer by moving the cursor to the line Buffer Space and hitting the ENTER key.  You will be taken to a Delete All Files  menu.
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2.4.1 INSERT END OF FILE
Used to manually insert an EOF mark in the buffer. This feature is necessary for files that are sent to the ssROUTER application in the ss4544 that come from programs not compatible with the ssROUTER printer driver or TestraMW CAD/CAM software.
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2.4.2 DELETE THE FILE
Used to delete a job in the buffer.
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2.4.3 DELETE ALL FILES
This menus is used to confirm deletion of all of the current job files.  This will also reset the job numbers back to starting at one.
 
 
 

2.5 SETUP
The SETUP menu is used  to access primarily maintenance functions and would not normally be accessed by a machine operator.  These functions include the following menu items:
ROTARY SETUP
CONFIGURATION
DIAGNOSTICS
RETAIN SETTINGS
 

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2.5.1 ROTARY SETUP
Adjustments for a Rotary axis fixturing. This feature is not currently implemented in the ssROUTER menusystem as of 1/15/3.
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2.5.2 CONFIGURATION
Load Defaults restores initial setting parameters which weresetup in your motion parameter set (MPM) when the machine was defined.  This includes initial backlash settings, baud rate etc.
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2.5.2.1 PORT SETTINGS
Here you can change the Baud rate for communications between your PC which is sending job files.  Note that if you change here, you will also have to set the baud rate for the port you are using in your PC to match.
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2.5.2.3 DEFAULTS
Used to reload default parameter settings.
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2.5.3 DIAGNOSTICS

   The Diagnostics menu allows you to test the buffer memory in the ss4544 system that is used to buffer jobs downloaded from your PC application or from the TestraMW CAD/CAM front end.  The size of the memory installed is shown in the bottom left corner of the menu.
      To run the memory diagnostics, you will first have to either  terminate or let finish any job that is running.  The running of the  memory test will destroy any jobs you have downloaded, so they will have to be reloaded after the memory test is run.  With the cursor on line one in front of Memory Test push the ENTER key.  This will bring up the MEMORY  test menu.
   To run the Motion Test you will also have to terminate or let finish any job that is running.  Then move the cursor down in front of the Motion test selection and press ENTER
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2.5.3.1 MEMORY TEST
     The memory test may be Canceled at any time by hitting the ENTER key while the cursor is positioned in front of Cancel.  Otherwise position the cursor in front of Yes and hit the ENTER key.  This will start up the memory test.  The memory test will run continuously until you terminate the test by doing a Cancel.  At that point you can leave this menu by hitting ESC.
    The memory is broken up into pages of 65535 bytes.  As each page is tested the page number displayed will be updated.  Any failures encountered will be added to the Fails counter.

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2.5.3.2 MOTION  TEST
     The motion tests may be controlled like any other job.  The random tests will run forever unless you pause by hitting the HOLD button, then terminate by hitting the STOP button.  This feature is not currently implemented as of 1/15/3.
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2.5.4 RETAIN SETTINGS
You may either cancel or accept the settings.  By accepting the settings, any changes you may have made to machine parameters controlled by this application will be saved to non volitile Flash memory.  When the system is powered down, and back up again the saved settings will be automatically restored.