What causes FANUC alarm 194?

A Cs contour control command (G96 or spindle speed control) was programmed while spindle synchronous mode is still active. A spindle positioning command (M19 or similar orient command) was issued without first canceling spindle synchronous control. A rigid tapping cycle (G84 or G74 with rigid tap parameter) was called while the spindle sync mode was not properly terminated. Missing or incorrect M-code to cancel spindle synchronous control before switching spindle modes in the part program. A subprogram or macro called a spindle command without accounting for the current spindle synchronous state set earlier in the program.

How do I fix FANUC alarm 194?

1. Review the part program around the line where the alarm triggered and identify which spindle command was issued, such as Cs contour, M19, or a rigid tap cycle. 2. Search backward in the program for the M-code that activated spindle synchronous control, typically something like M80 or M81 depending on machine builder configuration, and confirm the matching cancel code was never executed before the conflicting command. 3. Insert the correct spindle synchronous cancel M-code before any Cs contour, spindle positioning, or rigid tapping command in the program, then verify the sequence is logically correct. 4. If the program uses subprograms or macros, check that none of them issue spindle commands while assuming synchronous mode is already off, as the mode state carries over between program calls. 5. After correcting the program, perform a dry run or single-block execution to confirm the spindle mode transitions happen in the correct order without retriggering the alarm. 6. If the cancel M-code is unknown for this specific machine, check the machine builder parameter documentation or ladder diagram to identify which M-code corresponds to spindle synchronous control cancel.

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FANUC Controller

Program/G-code · Intermediate · 20-45 minutes

Alarm 194

Fanuc Alarm 194 - SPINDLE COMMAND IN SYNCHRO-MODE

Fanuc Alarm 194 occurs when the control detects a conflicting spindle mode command. Specifically, the program attempted to activate Cs contour control (G12.1/G13.1), spindle positioning (M19), or rigid tapping (G84/G74) while spindle synchronous control mode is already active. The control cannot execute these mutually exclusive spindle functions simultaneously.

FANUCProgram/G-codeIntermediate20-45 minutes

194

Fanuc Alarm 194 - SPINDLE COMMAND IN SYNCHRO-MODE

External Alarm Signal

Root Cause Summary

Fanuc Alarm 194 occurs when the control detects a conflicting spindle mode command. Specifically, the program attempted to activate Cs contour control (G12.1/G13.1), spindle positioning (M19), or rigid tapping (G84/G74) while spindle synchronous control mode is already active. The control cannot execute these mutually exclusive spindle functions simultaneously.

Safety

May indicate safety issue
⚠️ SAFETY ALERT: May indicate critical safety system activation - do not bypass safety devices
This alarm may indicate a safety issue. Investigate the cause thoroughly before attempting to restart the machine.
Electrical hazards exist. Disconnect power to the machine before working on electrical components. Follow proper lockout/tagout procedures.
Mechanical hazards exist. Moving parts may cause injury. Ensure all safety guards are in place and functioning properly.
Hydraulic and pneumatic systems may contain pressurized fluids. Relieve pressure before disconnecting any lines or components.
Be aware of potential pinch points and crush hazards when working around moving machinery.
Consult the machine's safety documentation for specific safety precautions.
This may indicate a serious safety issue; always assess for hazards before troubleshooting
Do not proceed if there's a risk of injury; follow all safety protocols

Causes and Fixes

1
Review the NC program at the line where alarm 194 triggered. Look for G12.1, G13.1 (Cs contour), M19 (spindle orientation), G84, or G74 (rigid tapping) commands.
2
Trace backward in the program to identify active spindle synchronous commands (typically G114 for synchronous tapping or custom M-codes). Verify synchronous mode was not properly canceled with G113 or equivalent cancel code.
3
Insert proper mode cancellation command (G113 or appropriate M-code) before the conflicting spindle command. Ensure adequate dwell time (G04 P1000) between mode changes if required by machine specifications.
4
Verify parameter 4600#0 (Cs contour enable) and parameter 4620#4 (rigid tapping enable) settings match the intended spindle functions. Navigate to SYSTEM > PARAM and check these parameter settings.

DIY Feasiblehigh confidence

Call a technician if:

·Parameter corruption suspected
·Hardware synchronous control failure
·Spindle encoder issues affecting sync operation

Prevention

Always cancel synchronous mode with M23 before spindle positioning or tapping operations
Use proper program structure with mode cancellation commands
Regularly verify synchronous control parameter settings

Common Mistakes

Forgetting M23 cancel command before M19
Insufficient dwell time between mode transitions
Attempting multiple spindle control modes simultaneously

Related Alarms

195 196 410 411

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