ChorusNT and PC-DMIS are different measuring systems, and some intrinsic characteristics need to be carefully considered. The following list contains some tips and suggestions:
Automatic Measuring Cycle
The DMIS Standard states that in a MODE/AUTO section the features are measured with the automatic cycle, ignoring any eventually present PTMEAS.
Since ChorusNT supplies automatic cycle for POINT, CIRCLE, SPHERE and SLOT (CPARLN), all these cases are translated into the corresponding AUTO feature. However, due to the intrinsic differences between Chorus and PC-DMIS, you should carefully verify their execution.
In SLOT (round slot) automatic cycle, ChorusNT takes first two points on one of the straight sides. PC-DMIS however, takes the points on the rounded ends of the slot.
STAR TIP Probes
PC-DMIS recognizes the ChorusNT SNSDEF extension that defines a star probe. Be careful that the PC-DMIS setup for the Probe Head orientation corresponds to ChorusNT SNSMNT specification.
CW43, CW43L, and IW42 Wrist Mounting conventions
ChorusNT and PC-DMIS conventions for the roll angle are different. While PC-DMIS can correctly adjust it during the import of a Chorus DMIS routine, to be safe, be careful the first time you execute the imported routine.
Theoretical values in FEAT statements
PC-DMIS always uses both Theo and Actual values, which should be correct (not too much off a deviation from actual values). If the deviation is great, you may have problems, especially with features used in alignments. This is because PC-DMIS defines two matrices for each alignment:
First, the CADTOPART matrix. Based on the theoretical values, this convert THEO values in features.
Second, the MACHINETOPART matrix. Based on actual measured values, this converts actual measured values in features.
Since ChorusNT doesn't have the CADTOPART matrix, it always uses the actual measured values. If you have the wrong nominal values, you only become aware of them if you execute an OUTPUT statement on that feature. To verify correctness, you should add them into the original DMIS routine OUTPUT statements for your features, especially for the alignment features.
FILNAM
FILNAM in ChorusNT specifies the name of the output file when using the DISPLY/STOR command. PC-DMIS recognizes it but this command must appear after the DISPLY in the DMIS routine. Consult your DMIS manual for more information.
VFORM
The ChorusNT vendor format statement is V(label)=VFORM/ALL. It translates into a PC-DMIS FORMAT/TEXT command that has the following information:
MEASURED
NOMINAL
DEVIATION
UP_TOL
LO_TOL
CRIT/OOT
The final PC-DMIS FORMAT command will look like this:
FORMAT/TEXT,OPTIONS,ID,HEADINGS,SYMBOLS,SD;MEAS,NOM,DEV,TOL,OUTTOL, ,
DEFGRF
DEFGRF statement is a Chorus extension that lets you define dialog boxes with buttons and input fields. PC-DMIS imports this command and creates a script using the BASIC language (Cypress Enable). Due to different screen resolutions, it’s possible that the resulting dialog box may need some adjustment. You can modify the Basic Script file using PC-DMIS's Basic Script Editor.
FROM and GOHOME
ChorusNT's conventions move the head center not the tip's ball center. While the PC-DMIS import can make the necessary offsets, you should use a low feed the first time you execute the imported ChorusNT routine inside PC-DMIS.
MRRPCS
In ChorusNT this command defines the reference system to be used in a routine created with ChorusNT's MIRROR Utility. PC-DMIS does not support the import of Chorus mirrored routine. You should instead use PC-DMIS's more powerful and complete mirror utility on a .prg file created by importing the "left side" Chorus routine.
GAUGE
In ChorusNT this statement defines and measures a sphere gauge, specifying the name: G(label), the diameter, and the stem direction. It also optionally specifies the center position, the incidence angle, and the number of points used to measure it.
GAUGE/SPHERE,G(label), diam, i, j, k, [angle, x, y, z, npoints]
Because of the different parameters, PC-DMIS translates this into two commands. The AUTO/SPHERE and the CALIBRATE ACTIVE:
F(label)= AUTO/SPHERE
The AUTO/SPHERE command uses the same name, diameter, and direction as the GAUGE statement. If the center position was not specified and during execution you manually select the first point on the top of the pole, then init=1 and perm=1, otherwise init=0 and perm=0.
PC-DMIS can also adjust the orientation, angle_vec, and normal_vec values accordingly.
CALIBRATE ACTIVE TIP WITH FEAT_ID=F(label), QUALTOOL_ID=label, MOVED=YES
CALIB
In ChorusNT this statement calibrates the specified probe using the specified sphere gauge G(label)
CALIB/SENS, S(probe),G(label), [angle]
PC-DMIS translates this statement into these three commands:
TIP/ T1A..B..
The tip command will have the same AB angles as the S(probe) ) statement.
F(label) =AUTO/SPHERE
CALIBRATE ACTIVE TIP WITH FEAT_ID=F(label), QUALTOOL_ID=label, MOVED=NO