Optional stop

[Tommy Wieler]

Just noticed that there is now a menu item called Optional Stop (F11) in the Maintenance>Run menu. Can anyone clarify what this is used for? Can't find any reference to it in the help file, nor do I remember seeing it before.

[Clint Buechlein]

Tommy,

Optional stop functions the same as M00(program stop), but is conditional. Meaning it only functions if
the operator tells it to. When the control encounters an M01 it looks to see if optional stop is enabled. If
it is, then program execution stops. Operator must then invoke a function to continue the program the
same as they would if an M00 was encountered. If optional stop is not enabled, then program execution
continues as normal.

There are two ways optional stop can be enabled. If the control is fitted with a physical switch,
then simply turning the switch to ENABLE will enable optional stop. If a switch is not present then pressing
F11 on the keyboard will toggle the status of optional stop. When optional stop is enabled a red M01
will be displayed in the active codes display. When disabled, the M01 will not be displayed.
Note: If the machine has a physical switch, the F11 toggle will not be available. The switch would be the
only source for enabling, disabling optional stop.

-Clint-

[Will Williamson]

Under what circumstances, would you use this optional Stop function ?

[Clint Buechlein]

Will,

Usually customers that use fixtures will use it to proof out a program. It will be either inserted between tool calls or between operations. With optional stop you can have the program stop without needing to be there to block stop at right point or insert an M00. They can then check if everything is in the correct position or heights before continuing. If the program runs good, the next times it is ran optional stop is turned off and the program continues without stopping.

-Clint-