The Registration Controller Program has a name; it is called nc_regis.
Unless we note otherwise, the later Program Versions retain all of the changes we made to the earlier versions.
1. Do a 30 second time-out on the SPEEDO, to work as follows: Give the Operator a 30 second time-out when he starts the SPEEDO. If he moves the wheel (adjusting the correction speed), then give him another 30 seconds before timing out. That way he gets plenty of time for actual adjustment, time for a half revolution of a 24 inch Repeat Roll before needing to move the wheel to get another 30 seconds.
Why:
Fear on our part that the Operator might leave the SPEEDO enabled during the actual Production Print Run. If that were to happen, that Station's Registration would be at best turned off, and at worst crept through the Print Image, ruining your whole day.
Explanation:
30 seconds after the Operator forgets about having the SPEEDO set up, it's canceled. That should be a short enough time so that the SPEEDO doesn't interfere with Print Production.
How to use it:
To keep the SPEEDO alive, be sure to adjust the Operator Wheel at least once every 30 seconds.
2. Give a visual indication that SPEEDO is running: Make a flashing dash on the Operator Display in the place where the "Register in Auto" symbol appears, regardless of whether the Registration System's in AUTO or MANUAL.
Why:
Explanation:
This feature gives the Operator a Positive Indication that SPEEDO is active. If the Top Bar
How to use it:
Use Mark I Human Eyeball on Operator Display. If the Top Bar where the "Auto/Manual" symbol should be is flashing, then SPEEDO is active.
3. Ensure that all Operator Keyboard Key Presses end up at a defined state, namely selecting the Linear Register. Fix false alternate key sequences that might let SPEEDO start.
Why:
Explanation:
Prior to this release, some Operator Keyboard Key Press sequences would end up in an indeterminate state. Setting the Dead Zone, Error Zone, linear/Axial/CEC averaging didn't return to "Select Linear Adjust." Also, selecting CEC for display select ought to "Select Linear Adjust", instead of nothing at all. Furthermore, we found that SPEEDO could be turned on after pressing the Pre-Reg key, and also during the "NEXT MARK" sequence &mdash very bad, and embarrassing for us.
How to use it:
Correctly, I hope.
4. Implemented Direct Page Addressing for most Static Program Variables.
Why:
Our internal programming needs.
Explanation:
No customer action needed, except to note that this was a fairly big programming change. If you see any program wierdness, let us know.
How to use it:
n/a
1. Added an Operator settable Error Zone Minimum Speed Value, to not ever sound the gong (Error Alarms) if the Press Speed (in Feet per Minute) is less than this value.
Why:
Customer Request.
Explanation:
Using this feature the Operator can set the Error Zone Minimum Speed Value to say, 100fpm, and work in peace while he's setting the Press up at 50fmp, regardless of whether stations are in Auto or Manual. Only when the Press Speed is at or exceeds 100fpm, could the Alarms gong.
The Error Zone Minimum Speed Value is set to zero out of the Factory, so, unless the Operator changed the value, the controllers with this enhancement would act just like previous versions, and hence this is not a special, and no need for a special part number. Just a version enhancement.
How to use it:
The Operator sets the Minimum Speed Value by:
Detail to be expanded, time willing.
Detail to be expanded, time willing.
Detail to be expanded, time willing.
Detail to be expanded, time willing.
Detail to be expanded, time willing.
Detail to be expanded, time willing.
Detail to be expanded, time willing.
Detail to be expanded, time willing.
Detail to be expanded, time willing.
1. Added an Operator Option to use 5 fpm instead of 25 fpm as the minimum press speed:
Why:
Customer Request.
Explanation:
nc_regis uses a Minimum Press Speed for many things. For instance, it will not ring the Error Gong, or calculate a Registration Error when it thinks the Press is not moving, and it will do a Pre-Registration Roll move only when it thinks the web is still. nc_regis believes that the web is still at 25 fpm and slower.
However, some COMCO customers have purchased presses with idle speeds well under 25 fpm. This option allows the Auto Register to be active at these low idle speeds.
How to use it:
Please see "How to set up the `Set Operating Parameters' feature", "use 5 fpm min speed, not 25 fpm, for WebStill" on line 6 in Operational Modes Preferences.
2. Corrected a corner case of incorrectly computing the AXIAL motor movement:
Why:
Programming Error.
Explanation:
If the GAIN times a negative axial error equals zero, then we were setting a zero motor movement, but _also_ setting the negative bit. This commanded the negative max motor movement, thus throwing the axial motor erroneously and wildly to the negative, until caught on the next mark.
Corrective Action:
Set the negative bit to the result of the final two's complement operation, rather than assuming the original negative sign.
3. This release marks the End of Life for both the MLRSE Version 2c controller (as of 30 April 2008), and the nc_regis Version 1.7 series.
Why:
Integrated Circuit obsolescence.
Explanation:
In 2006, we introduced the rse-2d controller to replace the rse-2c, upgrading it in 2007. The rse-2d controller we use for nc_regis uses a modern Freescale microprocessor, MC9S12XD64 by name, which has vastly more memory and speed than the MC68HC11 processor used on the -2c. Additionally, it has a RISC co-processor, is easier to program, and is less expensive.
'Nuff said?
Benefits to you:
The additional capabilities of the rse-2c will ensure continued enhancements to the the nc_regis program in Versions 1.8 and beyond. Additionally, we can re-program your controllers to upgrade them much faster and more easily.
M. L. Riechers Systems Engineering Voice: +1-513-844-2220 530 Main Street Fax: +1-513-889-0488 Hamilton, Ohio 45013-3222, USA mlr(at)rse(dot)com
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