Difference between revisions of "VTube Communication for BLM VGP3D"

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(THE IMPORTANCE OF NOT RENAMING THE BLM FILE)
(BEND the Corrected Part)
 
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[[image:blm_logo.png|150px]]
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[[image:vtl2blm.png|300px]] [[image:blm_elect80.png|300px]]
[[image:blm_elect80.png]]
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[[image:VTL Computer with Full FARO EDGE.png|400px]]
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<br><br>
 
<br><br>
  
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<tr valign=top>
 
<tr valign=top>
 
<td width=500>
 
<td width=500>
This page describes the setup and use of the VTube to BLM communications.<br><br>
+
This page describes the setup and use of the recommended BLM communications protocol for VTube.<br><br>
 
</td>
 
</td>
 
<td width=500>
 
<td width=500>
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__TOC__
 
__TOC__
  
==How It Works==
+
=PROTOCOL 1: BLM SVNET PROTOCOL (SW0453)=
 
<table width=1000>
 
<table width=1000>
 
<tr valign=top>
 
<tr valign=top>
 
<td width=500>
 
<td width=500>
* VTube-LASER RECALLS, MODIFIES, and SAVES data directly in ".BLM" files. A communications link can be setup through a standard Windows network connection.<br><br>
+
<br><br>
 
+
* The BLM SVNET protocol is the PREFERRED PROTOCOL for CORRECTING the BLM.<br><br>
* The communication is bi-directional to and from the bender. It is possible to RECALL data from the BLM using the .BLM file format.<br><br>  
+
* This protocol uses standard Windows networking.<br><br>
 
+
* Typically, there is a charge from BLM for this protocol to be switched on. The BLM catalog number is "SW0453".  Contact BLM for the price and how to have it switched on in the bender. A BLM technician will work with your IT department to install and enable the protocol if you purchase it.<br><br>
* The data that is included in the BLM file that the AMOB can read is the '''BENDER data (Xc axis, Yc Axis, Zc Axis)'''. The data also includes the '''diameter''' and the '''cut length'''.<br><br>
+
* This protocol can send and receive corrected bender XcYcZc, part number, diameter, wall thickness, cut length, and radii values.<br><br>
 
+
* The communication is bi-directional to and from the bender. It is possible for VTube-LASER to SEND and RECALL XcYcZc bender data to/from the BLM control.<br><br>
* The protocol does not send the RADIUS data. Sending radius data causes the VGP-3D to reset the tools and rebuild all custom commands - so VTube-LASER avoids sending this data.
+
 
</td>
 
</td>
 
<td width=500>
 
<td width=500>
[[image:BLM control.png|500px]]<br><br>
+
[[image:ethernet cable orange.png|200px]]
[[image:blm_vgp3d_screen.png|500px]]
+
[[image:BLM control.png|300px]]<br><br>
 
</td>
 
</td>
 
</tr>
 
</tr>
 +
 
</table>
 
</table>
 
<br><br>
 
<br><br>
  
==Communications Setup at the BLM Bender==
+
==Setup the BLM SVNET Protocol in VTube-LASER==
<table>
+
<tr valign=top>
+
<td width=500>
+
 
+
* Connect the BLM bender to the network.<br><br>
+
* Connect the VTube-LASER computer to the network.<br><br>
+
* Setup a shared network location either in the BLM windows control or in a network path on your network.<br><br>
+
* If you share a folder on the BLM control, then create a user with a username and password that can be used to login to the computer from the VTube-LASER computer.<br><br>
+
 
+
</td>
+
<td width=300>
+
[[image:ethernet cable orange.png|400px]]
+
</td>
+
</tr>
+
</table>
+
  
==Setup Benderlink at VTube-STEP or VTube-LASER==
 
  
===Entering Benderlink Setup===
+
===Entering VTube-LASER Benderlink Setup===
 
<table>
 
<table>
 
<tr valign=top>
 
<tr valign=top>
 
<td width=300>
 
<td width=300>
 
#Enter the VTube System Options menu.<br><br>
 
#Enter the VTube System Options menu.<br><br>
#Enter the Measure 2 tab menu.<br><br>
+
#Enter the Global List tab menu.<br><br>
 
#Enter the Setup Benderlink Network menu.<br><br>
 
#Enter the Setup Benderlink Network menu.<br><br>
 
</td>
 
</td>
 
<td width=300>
 
<td width=300>
[[image:VTube System Options Benderlink Network Button.png|600px]]
+
[[image:BenderlinkSetupButton.png|600px]]
 
</td>
 
</td>
 
</tr>
 
</tr>
 
</table>
 
</table>
  
===Setup the Benderlink Network Grid for the BLM Bender===
+
===Setup the Benderlink Network Grid for the BLM SVNET Protocol===
 
<table cellpadding=10>
 
<table cellpadding=10>
 
<tr valign=top>
 
<tr valign=top>
Line 77: Line 59:
 
#Choose an unused row in the grid for a new BLM bender setup. (Click on the image at the right to see a zoomed image.)<br><br>
 
#Choose an unused row in the grid for a new BLM bender setup. (Click on the image at the right to see a zoomed image.)<br><br>
 
#Assign a bender name that will help operators identify what this bender is.  This text will be displayed at the top of the Bender Setup menu.<br><br>
 
#Assign a bender name that will help operators identify what this bender is.  This text will be displayed at the top of the Bender Setup menu.<br><br>
#Set the protocol to BLM Data.<br><br>
+
#Set the protocol to BLM SVNET.<br><br>
 
#Enter the path to the shared drive or folder in the NetPath field. Use the same location as the BLM setup. VTube accepts UNC names as well as regular paths with drive letters.<br><br>
 
#Enter the path to the shared drive or folder in the NetPath field. Use the same location as the BLM setup. VTube accepts UNC names as well as regular paths with drive letters.<br><br>
 
#Enter the IP address in the PING IP ADDRESS field if it is a fixed field. (This is not required. It allows VTube to ping the address to see if the network location is active before trying to open communications.)<br><br>
 
#Enter the IP address in the PING IP ADDRESS field if it is a fixed field. (This is not required. It allows VTube to ping the address to see if the network location is active before trying to open communications.)<br><br>
#Most BLM benders handle Positive rotations as Clockwise, so you will probably need to enter "YES" for this option (so that the rotations are not corrected in the wrong direction).<br><br>
+
#Most BLM benders handle Positive rotations as a Clockwise motion, so you will probably need to enter "YES" for these options (so that the rotations are not corrected in the wrong direction).<br><br>
#Press Close to save the settings.  VTube will save these values to a persistent configuration file that will not change unless you change them in this grid.
+
#Press Close to save the settings.  VTube will save these values to a global configuration file that will not change unless you change them in this grid.
  
 
</td>
 
</td>
 
<td width=300>
 
<td width=300>
[[image:vtube-laser_benderlink_blm_setup.png|600px]]
+
[[image:vtube-laser_benderlink_blmsvnet_pulldown_setup.png|600px]]<br><br>
 +
[[image:vtube-laser_benderlink_blmsvnet_pulldown_closeup_setup.png|600px]]<br><br>
 
</td>
 
</td>
 
</tr>
 
</tr>
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</table>
 
</table>
  
==How to SEND CORRECTION Data to the BLM Control from VTube-LASER==
+
<br><br>
 +
 
 +
==How to SEND a CORRECTION to the BLM Control from VTube-LASER==
 +
 
 +
<table cellpadding=10>
 +
<tr valign=top>
 +
<td width=300>
 +
 
 +
===Bend the Part on the BLM then Open Measuring Center Communications in VGP3D===
 +
Click on the measuring center image to the right of the part number.
 +
<br><br>
 +
This will display a small communications window on top of the VGP3D user interface.<br><br>
 +
The window will allow the BLM to respond to requests for communication from VTube-LASER.<br><br>
 +
</td>
 +
<td width=400>
 +
[[image:blm_measuringcentericon.png|600px]]<br><br>
 +
</td>
 +
</tr>
 +
</table>
  
===After Bending the Tube===
 
Bend a tube then measure it with VTube-LASER.<br><br>
 
  
 
<table cellpadding=10>
 
<table cellpadding=10>
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<td width=300>
 
<td width=300>
  
The first time in this window for a new part will require these steps before you can correct the BLM bender. These steps assume that you have programmed a part in the bender, and that you have measured and aligned a part.<br><br>
+
These steps assume that you have programmed a part into the bender and that you have measured and aligned a part.<br><br>
  
STEP 1 - Set the correct bender number at the top of the window. The BLM bender should display if you have already setup the bender protocol in the Benderlink grid.
+
STEP 1 - Set the correct bender number at the top of the window. The BLM SVNET bender icon should display if you have already set up the bender protocol in the Benderlink grid.
  
  
STEP 2 - Click on the "Bidirectional Communication" button.
+
STEP 2 - Click on the "RECALL LRA from BENDER" button.
  
 
STEP 3 - Click on the "RECALL LRA from BENDER" button.
 
 
 
STEP 4 - Select the BLM file to open.
 
  
 
</td>
 
</td>
 
<td width=400>
 
<td width=400>
[[image:VTL Initial RECALL from BLM.png|600px]]<br>
+
[[image:VTL RECALL from BLM SVNET.png|600px]]<br>
[[image:VTL Initial Recall from BLM with open dialog.png|600px]]
+
[[image:VTL RECALL in progress from BLM SVNET.png|600px]]<br>
 
</td>
 
</td>
 
</tr>
 
</tr>
 
</table>
 
</table>
 
  
 
===RECALL Warning Boxes===
 
===RECALL Warning Boxes===
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</td>
 
</td>
 
<td width=400>
 
<td width=400>
[[image:VTL BLM RECALL increase Bend Count.png|600px]]<br><br>
+
[[image:VTL BLM SVNET RECALL use incoming part number.png|600px]]<br><br>
[[image:VTL BLM RECALL use incoming part number.png|600px]]<br><br>
+
 
</td>
 
</td>
 
</tr>
 
</tr>
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</td>
 
</td>
 
<td width=400>
 
<td width=400>
[[image:VTL BLM RECALL Complete.png|600px]]<br><br>
+
[[image:VTL BLM SVNET RECALL Complete.png|600px]]<br><br>
 
</td>
 
</td>
 
</tr>
 
</tr>
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<br><br>
 
<br><br>
  
===MERGE THE CORRECTIONS INTO THE BLM FILE===
+
===SEND THE CORRECTIONS TO THE BLM FILE===
 
<table cellpadding=10>
 
<table cellpadding=10>
 
<tr valign=top>
 
<tr valign=top>
 
<td width=300>
 
<td width=300>
  
MERGE and SAVE the Correction data to the file for the BLM to import by pressing AUTO SEND BENDER CORRECTIONS.
+
SAVE the Correction data to the file for the BLM by pressing AUTO SEND BENDER CORRECTIONS.
 
<br><br>
 
<br><br>
 
STEP 1 - Click on Bidirectional Communication<br><br>
 
STEP 1 - Click on Bidirectional Communication<br><br>
 
STEP 2 - Click on AUTO SEND BENDER CORRECTIONS.<br><br>
 
STEP 2 - Click on AUTO SEND BENDER CORRECTIONS.<br><br>
 
<br><br>
 
<br><br>
This will change the contents of the BLM file to the values in the ORANGE cells.<br><br>
+
This will change the contents of the BLM XYZ to the values from the VTube ORANGE cells.<br><br>
VTube also makes a backup of the current setup to a .blm$ file in case you want to undo that last correction.
+
 
</td>
 
</td>
 
<td width=400>
 
<td width=400>
[[image:VTL BLM Send Send Correction.png|600px]]<br><br>
+
[[image:VTL BLM SVNET Send Send Correction.png|600px]]<br><br>
 
</td>
 
</td>
 
</tr>
 
</tr>
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<br><br>
 
<br><br>
  
===THESE ARE THE DIALOGS INSIDE THE AUTO SEND FEATURE===
+
===AT THE BLM, Close the Communications Window===
 
<table cellpadding=10>
 
<table cellpadding=10>
 
<tr valign=top>
 
<tr valign=top>
 
<td width=300>
 
<td width=300>
DIALOG 1 - The first dialog explains how communications works. This is for any user that needs to be reminded of how the merge process works.<br><br>
+
If you sent the correction data (the orange columns of data) from VTube-LASER to the BLM, then you can close the BLM communications window at the BLM and then check the new XYZc bender values.  Be sure that they match the data in the orange cells in VTube.<br><br>
DIALOG 2 - In the SAVE dialog, select the BLM file to merge data into, then press Save.<br><br>
+
DIALOG 3 - VTube will show a timed message about the data merge.
+
 
+
 
</td>
 
</td>
 
<td width=400>
 
<td width=400>
[[image:VTL BLM Send Correction Explanation Dialog.png|600px]]<br><br>
 
[[image:VTL BLM Send Correction with Open Dialog.png|600px]]<br><br>
 
[[image:VTL BLM Send Correction with Timed Message.png|600px]]<br><br>
 
 
</td>
 
</td>
 
</tr>
 
</tr>
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<br><br>
 
<br><br>
  
===AFTER CORRECTION - LOAD THE NEW BLM FILE INTO THE VGP-3D SOFTWARE AT THE BLM CONTROL===
+
===BEND the Corrected Part===
 
<table cellpadding=10>
 
<table cellpadding=10>
 
<tr valign=top>
 
<tr valign=top>
 
<td width=300>
 
<td width=300>
  
Load the BLM data VTube just saved into the VGP-3D software.
 
<br><br>
 
[[image:BLM control.png|300px]]
 
</td>
 
<td width=400>
 
[[image:VTL BLM VGP-3D XYZc Screen.png|500px]]<br><br>
 
</td>
 
</tr>
 
</table>
 
  
===CRITICAL STEP: Recalculate the BLM Memory Following These Easy Steps===
+
* The XYZc data will be updated. Run the simulator with the new data.<br><br>
<table cellpadding=10>
+
* Bend the corrected part.<br><br>
<tr valign=top>
+
* In the VGP3D software, press the measuring center icon again to be ready for communications from VTube-LASER in case another correction is needed.<br><br>
<td width=300>
+
* Take the part back to VTube-LASER to measure it again for qualification. (Repeat the process from [[#Measure the tube with VTube-LASER|"Measure the tube with VTube-LASER"]] above.)
  
This next step is CRITICAL for proper operation of the BLM software.  Without it, the new data will not be sent to the PLC.<br><br>
 
* Touch any value on the XYZc grid.<br><br>
 
* Without changing the value, press the Enter button (the pen button).<br><br>
 
This will recalculate the internal BLM data.<br><br>
 
'''IF YOU DO NOT TAKE THIS STEP, THEN THE XYZc VALUES ON THE SCREEN WILL NOT BE THE VALUES IN MEMORY.'''
 
  
</td>
 
<td width=400>
 
[[image:VTL BLM VGP-3D XYZc Screen Touch to Edit.png|500px]]<br><br>
 
[[image:VTL BLM VGP-3D XYZc Screen Touch Enter.png|500px]]<br><br>
 
</td>
 
</tr>
 
</table>
 
  
===SIMULATE and RUN===
 
<table cellpadding=10>
 
<tr valign=top>
 
<td width=300>
 
 
 
* Send the new data to the bender.<br><br>
 
* In the BLM, you can run the simulator with the new data.<br><br>
 
* Bend the corrected part.<br><br>
 
* Take the part back to VTube-LASER to measure it again for qualification.
 
  
 
</td>
 
</td>
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</table>
 
</table>
  
 
+
===IMPORTANT RULES for CORRECTIONS LOOPS===
 
+
===THE IMPORTANCE OF NOT RENAMING THE BLM FILE DURING CORRECTIONS===
+
 
<table cellpadding=10>
 
<table cellpadding=10>
 
<tr valign=top>
 
<tr valign=top>
 
<td width=300>
 
<td width=300>
'''In order to retain the .OUT file with custom moves, it is important that you DO NOT CHANGE the .BLM filename during corrections.'''<br><br><br>
+
 
This is an explanation of why this is important:<br><br>
+
* A RECALL from the BLM must be performed first so that VTube learns the data that is currently used to bend the part that you just measured.<br><br>
The .BLM file that VTube-LASER modifies is accompanied by a point table file with the same filename but with a different filename extension of .OUT.<br><br>
+
* The number of bends must match in both VTube-LASER and BLM.<br><br>
For example, on the BLM control, if there is a file "12345678.BLM" and you have bent the part, then there is a file "12345678.OUT" which represents the point table.<br><br>
+
 
The .OUT file can contain custom lines that an operator programmed into the BLM for avoidance moves. If the .OUT file exists, then the SIMULATION CONTROL buttons (shown on the right) will be colored blue or green. If the .OUT file does not exist, then they will be grey - and the point table will need to be rebuilt. <br><br>
+
<br><br>
  
 
</td>
 
</td>
 
<td width=400>
 
<td width=400>
[[image:vgp3d_simulation controls.png]]<br><br>
+
[[image:BLM control.png|300px]]
 
</td>
 
</td>
 
</tr>
 
</tr>
 
</table>
 
</table>
 +
<br><br>
  
==Other Pages==
+
=Other Pages=
 +
* See also [[VTube Communication for BLM VGP3D - Alternative Protocols]]
 
* See [[VTube-LASER]]
 
* See [[VTube-LASER]]
* See [[VGP]]
+
* See [[VGP3D]]
 
* See [[BLM]] for information about BLM Group
 
* See [[BLM]] for information about BLM Group

Latest revision as of 14:37, 14 July 2022

Vtl2blm.png Blm elect80.png

About this Page

This page describes the setup and use of the recommended BLM communications protocol for VTube.

Contents


PROTOCOL 1: BLM SVNET PROTOCOL (SW0453)



  • The BLM SVNET protocol is the PREFERRED PROTOCOL for CORRECTING the BLM.

  • This protocol uses standard Windows networking.

  • Typically, there is a charge from BLM for this protocol to be switched on. The BLM catalog number is "SW0453". Contact BLM for the price and how to have it switched on in the bender. A BLM technician will work with your IT department to install and enable the protocol if you purchase it.

  • This protocol can send and receive corrected bender XcYcZc, part number, diameter, wall thickness, cut length, and radii values.

  • The communication is bi-directional to and from the bender. It is possible for VTube-LASER to SEND and RECALL XcYcZc bender data to/from the BLM control.

Ethernet cable orange.png BLM control.png



Setup the BLM SVNET Protocol in VTube-LASER

Entering VTube-LASER Benderlink Setup

  1. Enter the VTube System Options menu.

  2. Enter the Global List tab menu.

  3. Enter the Setup Benderlink Network menu.

BenderlinkSetupButton.png

Setup the Benderlink Network Grid for the BLM SVNET Protocol

  1. Choose an unused row in the grid for a new BLM bender setup. (Click on the image at the right to see a zoomed image.)

  2. Assign a bender name that will help operators identify what this bender is. This text will be displayed at the top of the Bender Setup menu.

  3. Set the protocol to BLM SVNET.

  4. Enter the path to the shared drive or folder in the NetPath field. Use the same location as the BLM setup. VTube accepts UNC names as well as regular paths with drive letters.

  5. Enter the IP address in the PING IP ADDRESS field if it is a fixed field. (This is not required. It allows VTube to ping the address to see if the network location is active before trying to open communications.)

  6. Most BLM benders handle Positive rotations as a Clockwise motion, so you will probably need to enter "YES" for these options (so that the rotations are not corrected in the wrong direction).

  7. Press Close to save the settings. VTube will save these values to a global configuration file that will not change unless you change them in this grid.

Vtube-laser benderlink blmsvnet pulldown setup.png

Vtube-laser benderlink blmsvnet pulldown closeup setup.png



How to SEND a CORRECTION to the BLM Control from VTube-LASER

Bend the Part on the BLM then Open Measuring Center Communications in VGP3D

Click on the measuring center image to the right of the part number.

This will display a small communications window on top of the VGP3D user interface.

The window will allow the BLM to respond to requests for communication from VTube-LASER.

Blm measuringcentericon.png


Measure the tube with VTube-LASER

Measure and align the tube to determine if it qualifies by falling within the envelope tolerance for the tube shape.

In the VTube-LASER screen shot, you see the actual result of the first tube not qualifying in shape. The red cells in the tangent point grid on the lower left show that the measured tube centerline is out-of-tolerance.

Vtube-laser v2.7 soco part measure.png

Vtube-laser v2.7 soco out of tolerance.png


Correct the BLM with VTube-LASER - Enter BENDER SETUP

Follow these steps in the VTube-LASER:

Press the "BENDER SETUP button in the Navigation Pane.

Vtube-laser 2.7 bendersetup button navigationpane.png

INITIAL RECALL Setup of Bender Setup Window

These steps assume that you have programmed a part into the bender and that you have measured and aligned a part.

STEP 1 - Set the correct bender number at the top of the window. The BLM SVNET bender icon should display if you have already set up the bender protocol in the Benderlink grid.


STEP 2 - Click on the "RECALL LRA from BENDER" button.


VTL RECALL from BLM SVNET.png
VTL RECALL in progress from BLM SVNET.png

RECALL Warning Boxes

VTube-LASER will probably warn you that the incoming data count and part number does not match what is in VTube-LASER.

  • It is very important that you allow the incoming bender data to increase the bend count to whatever is at the bender.

  • If you want the Part Number at the bender to be left untouched, then just accept the incoming part number and use it for transfer from this point forward.

VTL BLM SVNET RECALL use incoming part number.png



THE BLUE COLUMNS SHOULD MATCH THE BLM XYZc DATA AFTER THE RECALL

After the RECALL, the blue columns should show the data that is programmed in the BLM control.

This ensures that corrections are being made to the correct foundational data. If the blue column data does not match the bender at correction time, then it is probable that the bender will not be corrected properly.

VTL BLM SVNET RECALL Complete.png



SEND THE CORRECTIONS TO THE BLM FILE

SAVE the Correction data to the file for the BLM by pressing AUTO SEND BENDER CORRECTIONS.

STEP 1 - Click on Bidirectional Communication

STEP 2 - Click on AUTO SEND BENDER CORRECTIONS.



This will change the contents of the BLM XYZ to the values from the VTube ORANGE cells.

VTL BLM SVNET Send Send Correction.png



AT THE BLM, Close the Communications Window

If you sent the correction data (the orange columns of data) from VTube-LASER to the BLM, then you can close the BLM communications window at the BLM and then check the new XYZc bender values. Be sure that they match the data in the orange cells in VTube.



BEND the Corrected Part


  • The XYZc data will be updated. Run the simulator with the new data.

  • Bend the corrected part.

  • In the VGP3D software, press the measuring center icon again to be ready for communications from VTube-LASER in case another correction is needed.

  • Take the part back to VTube-LASER to measure it again for qualification. (Repeat the process from "Measure the tube with VTube-LASER" above.)



Blm elect80.png

IMPORTANT RULES for CORRECTIONS LOOPS

  • A RECALL from the BLM must be performed first so that VTube learns the data that is currently used to bend the part that you just measured.

  • The number of bends must match in both VTube-LASER and BLM.



BLM control.png



Other Pages