230-01C2

Access Manual Operation mode

Press the MANUAL OPERATION softkey and select the spindle tab to access spindle control functions.

Check the spindle status display - unreferenced spindles show a question mark symbol

Execute spindle reference run

Press REF softkey, then select the specific spindle and press START to begin the reference cycle. Monitor the spindle encoder feedback during homing.

Ensure spindle area is clear and chuck/toolholder is properly secured before referencing

Verify reference completion

Confirm the spindle position display shows actual values instead of question marks, and the REF LED indicator is active for the spindle.

The spindle reference position is typically stored in machine parameter MP7440 (spindle reference position)

Access machine parameters

Enter MOD function, select machine parameters, and navigate to spindle parameters MP7400-MP7499 range.

Parameter changes require machine manufacturer authorization and may affect machine safety

Check MP7420 setting

Verify MP7420 (Spindle reference required) is set to 1 for the affected spindle. This parameter must be active for proper synchronous operation.

MP7420.x where x represents the spindle number (0=main spindle, 1=second spindle, etc.)

Validate spindle encoder parameters

Check MP7430 (spindle encoder resolution) and MP7435 (reference mark evaluation) are correctly configured for your spindle encoder type.

Incorrect encoder parameters can cause reference failures even when MP7420 is properly set

Check encoder signal quality

Access the position monitoring screen (POS MON) and observe spindle encoder signals during manual rotation. Look for consistent A/B quadrature signals.

Use the encoder test function in service mode to verify signal integrity and reference mark detection

Inspect encoder connections

Verify all encoder cable connections at both the encoder and TNC control end. Check for loose connections, damaged cables, or contamination.

Power down the machine before inspecting encoder connections to prevent damage

Test reference mark detection

Manually rotate the spindle slowly while monitoring the reference mark signal in the diagnostic screen. The reference pulse should appear once per revolution.

If reference mark is intermittent, check encoder mounting and shaft coupling for mechanical issues

Review NC program sequence

Check the NC program for M19 (spindle orientation) or SYNCHRO SPINDLE commands that occur before proper spindle referencing is completed.

SYNCHRO SPINDLE ON command should only appear after all spindles have been referenced and positioned

Verify spindle preparation sequence

Ensure the program includes proper spindle reference calls or that manual referencing is completed before synchronous operations begin.

Never bypass spindle referencing requirements as this can cause synchronization errors and potential crashes

Check machine cycle requirements

Review machine manufacturer specifications for proper spindle preparation sequence before enabling synchronous operations in your specific application.

Some machines require specific M-codes or cycle calls to properly prepare spindles for synchronous operation

Check all spindle reference status

Access the spindle overview screen and verify the reference status of all spindles involved in the synchronous operation. Note any spindles showing unreferenced status.

Use the spindle status display to quickly identify which specific spindle(s) need referencing

Reference all unreferenced spindles

Perform reference cycles on any spindles showing unreferenced status, ensuring all spindles in the synchronous group are properly homed.

Reference spindles individually to avoid conflicts, and ensure proper chuck/workpiece clearance

Verify synchronous group configuration

Check machine parameters MP7450-MP7459 for proper synchronous spindle group definitions and ensure all required spindles are included.

Synchronous spindle groups must be properly defined in machine parameters before operation