What causes Siemens SINUMERIK alarm 16690?

Part program contains an illegal or unsupported command for the current machine configuration. Channel or axis configuration does not support the programmed function. Required machine option not enabled for the commanded function. Axis assignment or transformation configuration error. Program execution sequence error.

How do I fix Siemens SINUMERIK alarm 16690?

1. Identify the program block that triggered the alarm — note the channel and block number. 2. Review the commanded function against the SINUMERIK programming manual. 3. Check if the required machine option is enabled for this function. 4. Verify axis assignments and transformation settings are correct for the application. 5. Consult the Siemens SINUMERIK alarm manual for alarm 16690 specific remedy.

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Siemens SINUMERIK Controller

Spindle · Intermediate · 30-120 minutes

Alarm 16690

Siemens 840D 16690 - Channel block following axis/spindle changing the reference

ALARM 16690 fires when an NC program attempts to change the spindle reference system (via G10, SPOS, or similar reference offset commands) while a generic spindle-to-axis coupling (MD35100 SPIND_ASSIGN_TO_AXIS or MD35110 SPIND_COUPLE_TYPE) is actively engaged. The SINUMERIK control prevents reference system modification during coupling to maintain synchronization integrity between the spindle and coupled axis.

Siemens SINUMERIKSpindleIntermediate30-120 minutes

16690

Siemens 840D 16690 - Channel block following axis/spindle changing the reference

Channel block following axis/spindle changing the reference

Root Cause Summary

ALARM 16690 fires when an NC program attempts to change the spindle reference system (via G10, SPOS, or similar reference offset commands) while a generic spindle-to-axis coupling (MD35100 SPIND_ASSIGN_TO_AXIS or MD35110 SPIND_COUPLE_TYPE) is actively engaged. The SINUMERIK control prevents reference system modification during coupling to maintain synchronization integrity between the spindle and coupled axis.

Safety

Refer to Siemens documentation
Ensure qualified technician performs repairs

Causes and Fixes

1
In MDI mode, examine MD35100 SPIND_ASSIGN_TO_AXIS and MD35110 SPIND_COUPLE_TYPE values using Siemens HMI or NCK parameters menu to confirm coupling is configured.
2
Review the NC program block %2 listed in the alarm. Identify any G10, SPOS, MODAXVAL, or SETACTPOS commands that attempt to modify spindle reference.
Reference offset commands are typically used for tool offset or machine re-zeroing and must be executed with coupling disabled.
3
Deactivate spindle coupling before issuing reference change: insert COUPLE(OFF) or COUPLE(0) command in NC program before the G10/SPOS block, or manually decouple via HMI Spindle/Axis Coupling menu.
4
Re-execute the reference offset command after coupling is disabled. Re-enable coupling with COUPLE(ON) or COUPLE(1) after reference change is complete.

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