FADAL Emulator Instructional Handout

By John C. Bollinger


This handout is being provided to list the basic steps in starting as well as using the FADAL Emulator. For a complete description of the Fadal commands and steps in the use of the Fadal emulator please read the computer file; Emulator.txt which can be found in the Fadal directory or go and read it from this page using the link that is provided at the end of this document.
You can also download a copy of the FADAL Emulator using the link provided at the bottom of this page.

General Overview:
The FADAL Emulator may be used to debug or check machine programs. The Emulator is designed to simulate the machine control. It may also be used to back plot an NC program. This function allows the user to graphically display the machine tool path. The Emulator, like the machine, may be operated in either the Command Mode or the Command Menu Mode. The selection is made in the parameter settings (SETP).

Notice:
ESCAPE button = MANUAL button
The FADAL EMULATOR looks just like the screen on the CNC portion of the machine, blue with white lettering. Since the Emulator is a look-a-like, it will prompt the user to press the 'MANUAL' button on certain operations. THIS IS REPLACED IN THE EMULATOR BY PRESSING THE 'ESC' (ESCAPE) BUTTON.

Mouse: The MS-Mouse may be utilized with the CNC Emulator. The mouse may be used with the Draw, Read Disk, and Save Disk commands.
When using the Draw command move the mouse to highlight the menu selection desired. This is indicated by the selection changing to the color red. After highlighting the desired menu selection, click either mouse button to execute the selection.
Move the arrow to the desired location and click either mouse button to perform the desired operation.

Quick Reference Menu

1.   Starting the Fadal Emulator
2.  The "PR" Command, Program Library
3.  The "RI" Command, Reinitialize Emulator
4.  The "PA" Command, Page Editor
5.  The  "I" Insert  Command, Inserts a line of code
6.  Changing Existing Code
7.  Deleting Code
8.  The "S" - Search Command
9.  The "R" - Replace Command
10. Del - Delete Command, a line, or lines of code
11. The "N" Command - Line Number
12. The "O" Command - Copy Command
13. The Menu Command
14. The "RD" Command, Retrieve Program from Disk
15. The "SD" Command, Save Program to Disk
16. The "DT" Command, display Tools Command, used to enter, or change tool data
17. The "SU" Command, Sum Program, acts as type of "Spell Check"
18. The Graphic Package
19. Leaving the Emulator

Starting the Emulator
1. To start the Fadal Emulator you must double click the left mouse button on the Emulator Icon that is located on your computer Desktop.  If you are using a memory stick make sure it is connected to the computer before you start the emulator.  Make sure that you only start one copy of the Emulator, if you have multiple copies open, it may cause problems.  To Change the Size of the Emulator from window to Full Screen, or Full Screen to Window,  press the Alt key, and the enter key.
Illustration of Desk Top
Starting the Emulator
    2.  When the Emulator Program starts it may appear in less then a full screen mode, to change this to a full screen mode press the Alt and Enter keys on your computer keyboard at the same time. This should change the screen size to full screen. This same command can be used to shift the size of the Fadal emulator between sizes at any time. When the Emulator starts it should appear like the example below.  DO NOT INSERT SPACES WHEN ENTERING COMMANDS, OR CODE INTO THE EMULATOR, THIS WILL CAUSE PROBLEMS.  Spaces can be used in Comment Statements.
Illustration of FADAL Emulator Main Screen
Starting the Emulator
When you are entering information into the emulator you will enter your information to the right of the prompt sign.  The prompt sign looks like this  < .
Starting the Emulator
To start a new program it is best to start by reinitializing the software this is done by using the command RI to the right of the Prompt sign.  This will insure you that all the things you are doing are yours and not left over from someone else's program. Answer yes by typing " Y " to all the choices.
Illustration of the " RI " Command
Starting the Emulator

To start a new program you must enter the command: PR for Program Library, the screen should then look like this.
Illustration of the " PR " Command

In the program library screen you have 6 choices.  You select the choice you want by entering the number to the left of the explanation and then pressing enter.

Choice 1 allows you to switch from one program to another; these programs must be in the controller's memory.

Choice 2 allows you to display the programs that are in the controller's library.

Choice 3 allows you to start a new program, after choosing 3 you will be prompted for the Program Number; this number is the Number behind the O word.  Only input the number you want the program to be named, this is limited to four numbers. Only put in the numbers not the letter O.

Choice 4 allows you to copy an existing program to a new program name.

Choice 5 allows you to remove an existing program from the controller's memory.

Choice 6 allows you to Exit back to the Command Mode; this will not exit the Emulator program.

Explanation of the " PR " Command Choices

In this Illustration we are starting a new program with the name of 1234, notice that the program is listed behind the Current Prog. is:
At this point you would select choice 6 to Exit the Program Library.  This choice will take you back to the Command Mode.

Illustration of the " PR " Command


After returning to the Command mode you should enter the command PA, this will start the Page Editor.  Notice that the Program has the O word and Program number already started.  It has also started the line numbering.
Illustration of the PA Command


By selecting the the Insert command by entering the letter " I" we are ready to start entering our program into the Emulator.  At the end of each line or block of code we will press the enter key to end the current line and start the next line of code.  If you press enter on a blank line of code it will cause the insert command to terminate.
Illustration of the " Insert " Command

Using the page editor it is important to understand the main choices available.
Note:  The cursor must be to the left of the line number we want to edit.

U - Up
This choice moves the Cursor up from the line of code it is currently located at.  Notice in the program example below the cursor is located to the left of Line Number 3.  If I wanted to move above this line I would push the U key on the keyboard to move
the Cursor up to the desired line of code.

Illustration of the " Page Editor " Command

D - Down:
This choice moves the Cursor down from the line of code it is currently located at.  Notice in the program example below the
cursor is located to the left of Line Number 3.  If I wanted to move below this line I would push the D key on the keyboard to move the Cursor down to the desired line of code.
Illustration of the " Page Editor " Command

Enter - Page Down:
This choice moves the Cursor down from one page of code to the another.  Notice in the program example below the
cursor is located to the left of Line Number 3.  If I wanted to move below this line number 21 , I would push the Enter key on
the keyboard to move the Cursor down to the next page of code.
Illustration of the " Page Editor " Command

Backspace - Page Up:
This choice moves the Cursor up from on page of code to the next.  Notice in the program example below the
cursor is located to the left of Line Number 21.  If I wanted to move above this line by an increment of a full page of code I
would press the Backspace key.
Illustration of the " Page Editor " Command

F - Functions:  WE DO NOT ALLOW THIS TO BE USED IN OUR CLASSES
This choice will transfer to a menu system that allow you to use the power of the Emulator software to assist you in the creation of     C.N.C. Programs.  This is not used in the basic operation of the Fadal Emulator.
Illustration of the " Function " Command

G - Graphics:

This menu choice allows you to display a graphic representation of the program on the screen.  This will be covered in greater detail later.

Illustration of the " Page Editor " Command

C - Change:
Changing an Existing Code word

This menu choice allows you to change or delete existing code within a line of program.

To do this you must:
1.    Position the cursor at the line of code that contains the code to be modified.
2.    Press the C key on the keyboard.
3.    Type the new code you want enter. ( the Emulator will find the first command with the same characteristics as you have entered
       and change it to your new selection.)  After typing in the new command as shown below, press the enter key.  This will show you
       a preview of the change you are requesting.  If the previewed change is correct press Enter again and the change will become
       active.  You can always come back and redo any changes by following the same procedure at a later time.
Changes are not saved to any programs you may have on disk until you save the program to disk.

Illustration of the " Page Editor " Command

C - Change:
Adding a New Code word

This menu choice allows you to change, add or delete existing code within a line of program.

To do this you must:
1.    Position the cursor at the line of code that contains the code to be modified.
2.    Press the C key on the keyboard.
3.    Type the new code you want enter. ( the Emulator will find the first command with the same characteristics as you have
       entered and change it to your new selection.)  After typing in the new command as shown below, press the enter key.  This
       will show you a preview of the change you are requesting.  If the previewed change is correct press Enter again and the
       change will become active.  You can always come back and redo any changes by following the same procedure at a later time.

Notice in this case I am trying to add the code word G70 to line number 2.  Because there are many NC words beginning with the letter G, I have to type all the words beginning with G that I do not want to change.  This will add the G70 word to the line without changing the existing program.
Changes are not saved to any programs you may have on disk until you save the program to disk.

Illustration of the " Page Editor " Command

C - Change:
Deleting a Code word  "This is not in any book and is very important"

This menu choice allows you to delete an existing code within a line of program.

To do this you must:

1.    Position the cursor at the line of code that contains the code to be modified.

2.    Press the C key on the keyboard.

3. Type the code that you want to delete follow it with a semicolon ;

After typing in this command as shown below, press the enter key.  This will show you a preview of the change you are requesting.
If the previewed change is correct press Enter again and the change will become active.
Notice in this case I am trying to delete the code word M8 from line number 6.
Changes are not saved to any programs you may have on disk until you save the program to disk.

Illustration of the " Page Editor " Command

S - Search:
This command will allow you to Search through a program to find requested information.
Illustration of the " Page Editor " Command
After pressing the S key you will be asked to enter the information you are searching for.  Enter the information and press the enter key.  The computer will search for the requested information and stop when it finds it.
Illustration of the " Page Editor " Command

R - Replace :
This command will allow you to Search and Replace information through out a program.
Illustration of the " Page Editor " Command

After pressing the R key you will be asked to enter the information you are searching for.
Enter the information and press the enter key.
Next you will be ask to enter the information you want to replace the search results with.
Enter the information and press the enter key.
Next you will be given three choices about your replacement options.

If you choose:

Option 1: In the image below the replacement will take place at this location.
The computer will then continue the search until it finds your search selection again in the program.

Option 2: In the image below the replacement will not take place at this location.
The computer will then continue the search until it finds your search selection again in the program.

Option 3: In the image below the replacement will take place through out the entire program automatically without checking for your input again.  This can save a tremendous amount of time, but be careful that you are sure you want to change all those items you requested the computer to search for.


Del - DELETE
The Delete command is activated by pressing the Delete key on your computer keyboard.
This command is used to delete complete lines of program.
Illustration of the " Page Editor " Command

Del - DELETE  Continued:
After you push the Delete key on you computer keyboard you will be ask if you would like to Delete either the  current line of code or Multiple lines of code.

If you choose:

Option 1:   Current Line  This option will delete the line of code that the cursor is located at.
In this illustration we would be deleting line number 6.

Illustration of the " Page Editor " DELETE Command

Del - DELETE  Continued:
After you push the Delete key on you computer keyboard you will be ask if you would like to Delete either the  current line of code or Multiple lines of code.

If you choose:

Option 2:   Multiple Lines  This option will delete then one line of code.  Only Insert the Line Number, Do Not type in the N Word
This option will prompt you for the first and last line of code to delete.  All lines of code between these line numbers will be deleted from the program.

Illustration of the " Page Editor " DELETE Command

N - Number :
Only Insert the Line Number, Do Not type in the N Word
The number selection allows you to renumber the line numbers in your program.

This is very helpful if you have used:
1.    The insert command to Insert new lines of codes
2.    The Delete command to delete lines of code
3.    The Copy command to copy and insert lines of code from on section of the program to another.

N - Number :   Continued

After pressing the N selection you will be ask the N-WORD INCREMENT. When you enter the increment that you want to change the numbers to and press enter the Emulator will automatically change the program to. Only Insert the Line Number, Do Not type in the N Word

Illustration of the " Page Editor " Number Command

O - COPY:
The COPY selection allows you to existing lines of program from on location in the program to another location in your program.
To activate the copy command you press the O letter on your keyboard, after doing this you will be prompted for the following information.   Only Insert the Line Number, Do Not type in the N Word

1.    First Line Number
2.    Last Line Number
3.    Insert After Line Number
 

Illustration of the " Page Editor " Command
O - COPY:  Continued
First Line Number:
This is asking which is the first line number the of program to copy.
Illustration of the " Page Editor " COPY Command
O - COPY:  Continued
Last Line Number:
This is asking which is the last line number the of program to copy.
Illustration of the " Page Editor " COPY Command
O - COPY:  Continued
Insert After Line Number:
This is asking where you would like to Insert the lines of program you have just copied.

Note:  The actual numbers of the lines of program will be copied with the program codes, it is a good idea to renumber the program after using the COPY command.

Illustration of the " Page Editor " COPY Command
P - Program:
The PROGRAM  selection allows you to change from one active program to another active program.
To activate the copy command you press the P letter on your keyboard, after doing this you will be prompted for the following information.
Illustration of the " Page Editor " Command
P - Program:  Continued
After pressing the P key on the keyboard the emulator will require that you enter the Program number that you want to make active.
NOTE:  This is requesting the Program Number, do not include the O with the number.
This command is would do the same thing as going to the Program Library and switching to another program.
Illustration of the " Page Editor " Program  Command
The Menu Command:  MU
This command is very important to know.  In using this command you will have most of the FADAL commands available to you at any computer that has the emulator software installed in it.

The FADAL Manual is built into the Emulator, to start it you only have to type MU at the Command Prompt.
Example:  To see the G Codes in a list I would enter 10 this would take us to page 10 which is the start of the G Code listing for the FADAL.

Notice that there are further instructions for its use at the bottom of the display.

Illustration of Menu command Main Page

The Menu Command:  MU Continued
This is what would be displayed to me after typing in 10 for page 10 from the Main Menu
page in the above illustration.

Notice that there are further instructions for its use at the bottom of the display.

Illustration of Menu command G Code Listing Page 10

Retrieve Program from Disk:

To Retrieve a program from a disk you start by typing the command RD at the command prompt. this will display the screen below.

Step 1: Use your mouse to select the drive in which you have your program.

Step 2: Select your program by clicking on it with the mouse, it should appear in the upper right window.

Step 3: Press the Enter key to make it active

Step 4: This should take you to the Command Mode screen where you can enter the PA command to start programming.


Save Program to Disk:

Save Disk: SD

The SD command is used to save the current program to a disk file.  It is entered at the Command Mode This command has 4 data options be careful to use the correct option. The most common option for future use in the Emulator is SD,0 . If you are going to load the program into the FADAL it is SD,2.  You must save your work before using the Graphics Package.

The SD,0 option will save the tool information at the bottom of the program. This will work well in the emulator it will automatically load the tool data into the Emulator whenever you load the program into the Emulator. but this will not work in the FADAL, the tooling information at the bottom will have to be removed before you load the program into the FADAL.

Do not use SD,1 as only the tooling data will be saved and your program will not.

Data Options would be entered as>  SD, number of data option

The Data Options are as follows:

0 = Program and Tooling Data, (use this one to save time when working on a program)

1 = Tooling Data Only ( be very careful with this option, you will lose your work, I never use this one)

2 = Program Data Only (use this one before sending program to the CNC Machine)

3 = All Programs In Memory
 

After entering the SD, option command, the same screen as the RD command is displayed. The left side of the screen operates the same. The right side of the screen displays the same data as the RD command, for the program in current memory. The filename to use may be selected from the listing or typed in.

Save the file using the same procedures as the RD command uses to load a file.

To Save a program to a disk you start by typing the command SD, option at the command prompt. this will display the screen below.

Step 1: Use your mouse to select the drive in which you want to save your program.

Step 2: Select your program by clicking on it with the mouse, it should appear in the upper right window. This will overwrite the existing program.

Step 3: Press the Enter key to save the program.


To save the program using a different name:

Step 1: Select the drive designation with your mouse

Step 2: Click on the TYPE choice with your mouse.

Step 3: In the upper right corner of the screen ( it now displays EXAMPLE.NC ) there will be a blinking cursor.

Step 4: Type the name of the program including the extension. FILENAME.NC press the enter key to finish the command.

You Must use the .NC Extension or the Emulator will not work correctly.

The Display Tools command "DT":
This is the Emulators Tool Table it is activated by typing the command DT at the command prompt. It is important to enter the correct information for each tool diameter. You don't have to enter the lengths, if you do all tools have to have the same length or your results will not be accurate. If you don't enter the tool diameter information many cycles in the program will not work. This information will not be automatically be inserted into the graphic package, you will have to transfer this information into the graphic package from the the graphic package module.  If you forget to enter your tool data at the CNC Machine you will Scrap your Part.
The "SU"  Sum Program Command:
By entering in the SU command, the emulator will check that the code has been inserted in the proper format.  The SU command is a type of spell check for the Emulator.  It will only fine errors that are formatted incorrectly, not mistakes in most math calculations, or inproper codes, if they are "spelled" correctly.  It will show arc midifier mistakes, which will save you a great deal of time.
Use this before running the graphics package.  Make sure that you tool data is entered before you use this.
Graphic Package: The graphic display shows the tool motion for the program, we can use this to check for mistakes.  The Emulator will only show obivious mistakes, it will not show all mistakes.  To Save time you should the SU (Sum Command Before using the Graphics option.   You must save your work before using the Graphics Package.

Note: Before using the Graphics option you must save your work to your disc.
The graphics package does not show G0 (Rapid Moves)

This is the main screen of the Emulators Graphic Package, it can be used to graphically view the program.

To start the graphics package from the page editor press the G key.

To start the graphics package from the Command Mode type in the command DR.

Both of these methods will take you to this screen. You must first have a program active in the emulator, and have all the tools defined in the Emulators Tool table.

The mouse should be active and used for selecting the different menu choices by clicking on your choice.

Note: The graphics in the EMULATOR are different than the CNC88 HS graphics.

When the DR command is entered or from the Page Editor the G key is pressed, the graphics screen is displayed. The left side of the
screen displays the options available during the Draw command. During the draw sequence, at the bottom of the screen will be displayed the tool number, diameter number, fixture number, spindle speed, and federate. Errors that occur are displayed at the top of the screen.

The mouse is functional with the menus using the procedures below.

1) Move the mouse until the desired option changes color to RED.

2) Press either mouse button one time to select the option.

Menu options have one letter that is capitalized. The option may also be selected by pressing this letter.

Auto:

This option begins drawing the program tool motion. The drawing continues until an error occurs or another option is selected.
When an error occurs the user is prompted to continue or save the screen. The Auto is stopped by using the Single, or Escape

(Manual) options.

Single:

The Single option operates in the same manner as Single Step on the machine. One line of the program is displayed each time the
option is selected. Press the SPACEBAR to advance one line.

Paint:

The paint option may be selected at any time. The graphics screen is cleared of the tool path drawing. After the screen is cleared,
the Auto option begins drawing from the last position .

Zoom:

This option allows the user to increase or decrease the size of the part drawing. Select the Zoom option to display the Zoom Menu
and screen grid. The current drawing remains in the graphic display area. The mouse MUST be used to increase the size of the drawing, by creating a Zoom box on the drawing. The procedure described below is used to Zoom the drawing.

1) Move the pointing arrow to a position over a corner of the Zoom box.

2) Press and hold the left mouse button down.

3) Drag the pointing arrow to the opposite X and Y corner for the box. The box is displayed as it is drawn. The Zoom box represents the graphic display area. The box is increased to the size of the graphic display area. The entities inside the box are correspondingly increased.

4) Select the Continue option. The graphic display area and main menu are displayed. Drawing resumes if in Auto mode.

Full table (zoom)

The Full table option shows the entire machine table size in the display area. The table size is set with the SETP command.

The Full table display shows a grid pattern with one inch squares. A RED square is displayed on the grid pattern. This red square depicts the area of the table that is depicted on the graphic draw display. The drawing may be zoomed up or down by creating a new Zoom box on this display.

To return to Full table size graphic draw display, select the Full table option then select Continue.

Continue (zoom)

The selection of the Continue option returns to the main graphics menu. Drawing resumes if in Auto mode.

Escape (zoom)

The Escape option returns to the main menu. Drawing resumes if in Auto mode.

speed:

There are three speeds at which the draw will perform. These are slow, medium, and fast. Select the appropriate option for the speed desired. Select the Escape option to return to the drawing. The Slow speed gives you the best look.


Rotate:

This option may be used to display the tool path drawing in different views. The display may be rotated in the 2D or 3D planes. The directions of rotation available are as follows: xy ccw, xy cw, xz ccw, xz cw, yz ccw, and yz cw. While back plotting the tool width is apparent only in 2D. In other view selections the tool center line is depicted by a colored line.


home:

Select the hOme option to return to the XY view without tool width display.


2-D:

The 2-D option returns to the draw sequence. The drawing is finished in the 2D view. The tool diameter is depicted while back plotting in this view.


Continue:

Continue returns to the main graphics menu.


Escape:

This option is used to exit the rotation menu without using any rotation.


save scrn:

The drawing in the graphic display area may be saved to a disk file. Select this option to save a drawing file. The last saved drawing will be overwritten.


redraw:

When this option is selected, the user is prompted for a start string. This string may be any code in the program. To begin drawing at a specific tool, enter the T word for the tool at the prompt. Press ENTER, without entering a string, to begin at the start of the program.

Example:

To begin at tool number three, type T3 at the prompt and press ENTER. The redraW option searches the program for the T3 code.
The drawing begins from the line with the T3 code. The error message CANNOT FIND: is displayed at the bottom of the screen
if the code is not in the program. Enter a correct code and try again.

After entering the start string the software returns to the main menu. Select the Auto or Single option to begin drawing from the
specified start string.


Help:

The Help option displays a basic explanation of each selected option. To view a help screen follow the procedure below.

1) Move the mouse until the desired option changes to the color RED.

2) Press the letter H. The option changes to the color white.

The brief explanation of the option is displayed below the option.

3) Press ENTER to continue and return to the main menu.


Escape:

Select the Escape option or press the ESC key to exit the DR command. This returns the Emulator to the Command mode.


Tooling Page for Graphics:

Once that you are in this menu the first step is to load the tool information into this part of the package by selecting the Tools selection.  This is the tool table in the Emulators Graphic module:

Illustration of Graphic Packages Tool Table
Tools:

This option allows the user to change tool diameters. The display color for each tool is also selectable. This enables the user to identify the tool number by the color displayed while back plotting.  Make sure you have used the DT command first and entered the diameter of your tools in the tool table BEFORE using the Get Table options.

The tool list displayed, when the option is selected, is the current tool table data in the Emulator. This may be edited or deleted. The data may be typed into the tool table or read from the tool table. The data may be read from a disk file or saved to a disk file.

Selecting Data :

Get table: ( use this to bring your tool data from the DT command)

Select this option to input the tool diameter data into the table. The current tool table data is loaded when the DR command is entered. If temporary changes have been made, this option reads the current tool table data.

Put table

This option is used to place the edited data into the current tool table. After editing tool data, use this option to insure the Emulator uses this data.

Load tools:

This option loads tool data from a disk file. These files have been saved using the Save tools option. See the RD command for procedures to load tools.


Save tools: ( This option will over write your program, do not use this)

This option saves the tool data as a disk file. See the SD command for procedures to save tools.


page Up:

Select this option to page through the tool table. The mouse may also be used to select UP on the tool list.


page Down:

This option is used to page down through the tool table. The mouse may also be used to select DOWN on the tool list.


diameter (radius)

This option MUST be selected by the mouse. This option toggles between diameter and radius. When diameter is selected the tool data uses the tool diameter. When radius is selected the tool data uses the tool radius.


Reset:

The Reset option is used to reset all tool data to zero. Use the Put tools option to clear the tool table data.

Continue
 

This option returns to the draw main menu. The drawing is resumed if using the Auto option.


Editing Tool Data and Colors:

Tool data and colors can be changed only by selecting with the mouse. Move the mouse until a box is displayed around either the tool data to edit or the tool color to change, then follow the appropriate procedure below:

Edit Data:

Press either mouse button and the number resets to zero.

Enter the new tool data and press ENTER. Use the Put tools option to replace the value in the tool table.

Edit Colors:

Press either mouse button. Another box is displayed around the same color in the second set of colors. Move the box to the desired new color in the second set of colors. Press either button on the mouse to change to the new color.

Leaving the Emulator:

Make sure to save your program before you exit the Emulator software

To leave the Emulator you must type in the QU command at the Command Mode. This will terminate the emulator process.

You may have to complete the process of exiting the Emulator by following the following steps to completely close the Emulator Window.

Make sure to save your program before you exit the Emulator software !!!!!!!!

Step 1: Using your mouse left click on the MSDOS icon in the upper right corner of the emulator window. When you do this the selection window should drop down.

Step 2: Slide your mouse down the menu until you reach the CLOSE choice, it will be highlighted in blue when it is selected.

Step 3: Click the left mouse button over the close option and the Emulator window should close completely.


To read more about the Emulator and its commands go to this location:  EMULATOR

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For more information about FADAL visit their web page by clicking on the picture below
Download a copy of the FADAL Emulator
E-Mail any comments or Suggestion to me: Jbolling@san.rr.com

Last updated 08/05/99