Initializing the AutoComp System

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Initializing AutoComp: Introduction

There are several steps in preparing the system to receive gage data and send CNC offsets. First the system must be initialized, as described in this chapter. After initializing the system, global parameters can be set and routines can be created.

To initialize the system, complete the following steps in order:

1. Install AutoComp.
2. Activate AutoComp licensing.
3. Configure the CNC interface by specifying the compensation source machine.
4. Configure gage converter(s) to process the gage data files for the system ( a new gage converter may be configured if necessary).

After Initializing the system, ensure that the system global parameters are set properly.

Installing AutoComp

Double click on the setup.exe file in the AutoComp folder to begin the setup process.

End User License Agreement

Upon the first launch of AutoComp, the End User License Agreement opens. After reading and understanding the end user license agreement, press Accept. If you have questions about the EULA please contact CEI support. If the EULA is declined, the software will not move on to the licensing process.

AutoComp EULA

Activating AutoComp Licensing

Before using AutoComp for the first time, activate it using a key provided by Caron Engineering.

1. When the Verify System License screen appears, follow the instructions you received via email to log into your account and obtain a product license.
2. Enter the activation key provided and press Apply to begin the initialization process.
3. There is a field to enter a Serial number for tracking. Leaving this field blank will set the serial number to 00-0000. When entering a serial number it must be in the form of XX-YYYY. The serial number is displayed in the About screen, with the AutoComp version number. The about screen has a button to 'Update serial number' that can be used if the correct number is not known at the time of licensing.

Verify System License Window

Note: An activation key is not necessary to use the TestCNC Interface. Just enter the AutoComp Demonstration license: -98765.

After entering a valid AutoComp license, the CNC interface can be configured

CNC Interace Configuration: Overview

In initializing the system, configure the CNC interface. Depending on the control, this may entail specifying the type of CNC interface the system uses and specifying the CNC’s IP address and other parameters. With some controls (for example Brother, Mazak, Okuma, and Siemens) a server must be installed in addition to the CNC interface.

Gage Converter Configuration: Overview

Gage converter configuration consists of defining how gage data files will be parsed to obtain the actual measurement data. Each gage converter is configured to allow AutoComp to monitor folders (networked or local) for gage data files. When a gage writes a data file to the assigned folder on the PC, AutoComp reads and processes the data, and then deletes the data file from the folder.

There are the following three options for gage converters:

• Use the default gage converters
• Edit existing gage converters
• Create new gage converters

Check System Global Parameters

Before loading the first routine or processing the first gage measurement file, ensure that the system global parameters are set properly for the compensation requirements. Check the default system global parameters, and change them if desired in the System Configuration window.