CAMWorks post processor - DSPINDLE=SUB_SPINDLE not working?

[Ryan at Sparrow]

I'm trying to get something to post "P12" if the operation is on the sub spindle. Using IF DSPINDLE=MAIN_SPINDLE will post "P11" like I want, but my sub spindle side also posts P11. Is there a setting somewhere specific in CAMWorks that I need to check in order for the post to know that we are on the sub spindle side now? My feature was made with the sub spindle dropdown option selected, the machine has "use sub spindle" selected, and the setup looks good on the CAMWorks side of things. Does anyone have logic like this in their post?

I know its a specific question but I'm sure someone out here has messed with CAMWorks posts before. I'm using Solidworks 2022 with CAMWorks 2022. Thanks

 

[Freds]

Ryan,

It has been ages since I dealt with CAMworks but do remember that the post editing environment was called the Universal Post Generator (UPG) and it was usually included with any CW installation. I also remember (though it may no longer be true) that every post involved three separate files all tied to the same machine. The fact that you are getting a P11 posted when you indicate you are using the sub spindle may mean that there is an error in the post and you just need to find the logic dealing with it and 'fix it' by changing the assigned text 'P11' to 'P12'.

There are a couple of Youtube videos on dealing with the UPG including one from Hawk Ridge Systems (who have good support reputation). I know you would prefer a simpler answer (like a setting in the cam system itself) but should that elude you this might be the route to take.

Fred

 

[Ryan at Sparrow]

Ryan,

It has been ages since I dealt with CAMworks but do remember that the post editing environment was called the Universal Post Generator (UPG) and it was usually included with any CW installation. I also remember (though it may no longer be true) that every post involved three separate files all tied to the same machine. The fact that you are getting a P11 posted when you indicate you are using the sub spindle may mean that there is an error in the post and you just need to find the logic dealing with it and 'fix it' by changing the assigned text 'P11' to 'P12'.

There are a couple of Youtube videos on dealing with the UPG including one from Hawk Ridge Systems (who have good support reputation). I know you would prefer a simpler answer (like a setting in the cam system itself) but should that elude you this might be the route to take.

Fred

You are right, it is UPG as well as many files needed to compile a post for CAMWorks. I actually figured it out and tried to delete the thread but I guess you can't on this website.

I actually had the logic correct in the .src file but I had my actual "turn setup" set up wrong on the CAMWorks side of things. Somehow I have been doing sub spindle work using CAMWorks main spindle operations this entire time... oh well.

Anyways, just in case someone stumbles upon this thread in the future looking for something similar, the code I used in my .SRC file was :
:T:IF DSPINDLE=MAIN_SPINDLE THEN P11<EOL>ENDIF
:T:IF DSPINDLE=2 THEN P12<EOL>ENDIF
in the INIT_TOOL_CHANGE_LATHE and SUB_TOOL_CHANGE_LATHE sections.

Basically when you change a tool in a turn setup post P11 if you're on the main side, post P12 if you're on the sub side. Going to use this logic for a lot of stuff, maybe one day someone else can find it useful.