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Locate the monitoring configuration

Navigate to TNC:\system\AFC\ for Adaptive Feed Control or TNC:\system\TPM\ for Tool Process Monitoring. Identify the active .CFG or monitoring configuration file being used.

The active configuration filename is typically displayed in the monitoring task setup menu under MOD > Monitoring functions.

Open configuration in text editor

Use the TNC's built-in editor (Programming and Editing operating mode, select file type TXT/CFG) to open the configuration file. Look for sections defining graphical parameters like GRAPH_TYPE, DISPLAY_MODE, or CHART_CONFIG.

Create a backup copy of the configuration file before making any changes.

Validate graphical parameters

Check that all graphical parameter values are within valid ranges per Heidenhain documentation. Common errors include invalid color codes, out-of-range axis scaling values, or missing closing brackets in parameter blocks.

Compare with a working default configuration file from another machine or from the control's backup directory TNC:\system\backup\.

Reset to default visualization

Comment out or remove complex graphical parameters and use only basic visualization settings. Reload the monitoring task and verify if the alarm clears. Gradually re-enable graphical features to isolate the problematic parameter.

Check system resource usage

Access MOD function (select 'MOD' key), navigate to System Information > Memory Usage. Review available RAM and check if memory utilization exceeds 85%. Also check CPU load percentages.

On TNC 640 and later, use the System Monitor utility to see real-time resource consumption including graphics memory.

Identify resource-intensive processes

In MOD > System Information > Task Overview, identify any monitoring tasks or background processes consuming excessive resources. Note any tasks with abnormally high CPU or memory percentages.

Do not terminate system-critical tasks marked as 'System' priority without Heidenhain support guidance.

Reduce graphical complexity

In the monitoring task configuration, reduce graphical update rates (increase UPDATE_INTERVAL value from default 100ms to 500ms or higher), decrease chart history buffer size (HISTORY_SIZE parameter), or switch from 3D to 2D visualization modes.

Setting UPDATE_INTERVAL to 500-1000ms significantly reduces processor load while maintaining useful monitoring feedback.

Disable unnecessary monitoring tasks

In MOD > Monitoring Functions, temporarily disable any non-essential monitoring tasks to free system resources. Restart the critical monitoring task to verify if alarm clears with reduced system load.

Verify software versions

Access MOD > System Information > Software Versions. Document the NC Software version, PLC version, and specifically check the Process Monitoring or AFC option version number. Compare against Heidenhain compatibility matrix.

The monitoring option version must match the major NC software version (e.g., monitoring option 340.5xx for NC software 340.5xx-xx).

Check for available updates

Contact Heidenhain or check the Heidenhain customer portal for software patches addressing visualization issues. Look specifically for service packs mentioning 'monitoring' or 'graphical display' fixes for your NC software version.

Always backup machine parameters (MOD > Data Backup) and PLC program before performing software updates.

Update to latest patch level

If available, install the latest service pack or patch release for your control model. Follow Heidenhain's update procedure: load update file to TNC:\, execute MOD > Software Update, select update file, and follow prompts.

Many graphical visualization bugs were resolved in later patch releases - prioritize updating to the highest patch level within your major version.

Reinitialize monitoring option

After software update, access MOD > Monitoring Functions > Configuration, and select 'Restore Defaults' for the monitoring option. This reinitializes the monitoring templates and graphical components to match the updated software version.