Job Server is a PC based software package created specifically to make machines based on our motion controllers much easier to use, and makes the manager's and operator's jobs simpler. When using Job Server, the operator does not need to be at the PC to run the machine. Jobs and commands can be accessed and executed from the pendant (keypad and display). The major components of Job Server are described below:
DNC is a powerful tool that allows the machine to be controlled from the pendant. The operator of the machine has the ability to select any executable job file to be sent to the machine. From the PC, the manager or operator can setup where jobs files are stored, see what data the pendant would display, and the status of the machine. Multiple machines can get jobs from one PC. The ability to log job activity is also included. This is useful for maintaining a history of usage, time in service, and verification of work performed. Logged job history can be accessed with Job Reporter. to provide professionally formatted and printed reports.
The file and directory structure residing on the PC is fully accessible from the pendant/keypad. Messages on the pendant display keep the operator informed on the status of the connection to the host PC and the state and progress of job operations. When the operator selects the DNC button on the pendant, a listing of available files and/or directories appears. The arrow keys and the ENTER key are used to select a file. Pressing "start" on the pendant will execute a file.
To summarize, DNC has the following key points of interest:
The machine operator can browse a list of files stored on the host PC and select which file to download and execute.
Job activity can be logged on the host PC (job name, start time, completion time, etc).
More than one machine tool may execute motion files from the same host PC.
The operator can run any number of different job files.
The Hot Watch component of Job Server provides the capability to automatically run job files. It uses an INBOX and OUTBOX system for sequencing jobs. Simply save job files to the INBOX directory and the machine will begin executing the job files. When a job is finished, the file will leave the INBOX and move to the OUTBOX directory. The INBOX and OUTBOX directories do not have to reside on a particular PC. They could be on any PC accessible from the local network or wide area network. Hot Watch runs job files one right after the other and shows which jobs have been run (they show up in the OUTBOX). Jobs can be replayed repeatedly, run consecutively in series, and organized to be played in a particular order. Job files are played in the order that they arrive at the INBOX). Additional information on Hot Watch is available in the windows help files that come with the software.
To summarize, Hot Watch has the following points of interest:
Enables remote and/or automatic transmission of job files from any accessible PC.
Allows the user to keep track of which job files are completed or yet to be run.
Plays job files in systematic order (first in...first out).
The Job Queue component of Job Server is a powerful tool that executes custom combinations of jobs. Suppose special sequences of job files need to be replayed over and over but there are additional job files that only need to be run just once or a few times. With Job Queue, jobs "A, B, C & D" could be run 10 times as a group, then job "B" once, and then job "A" again. Job Queue can organize job execution sequences to fit any application. The time saving advantages of batch processing can be exploited. Batch files of jobs can be created that are easily edited by adding or subtracting job files. Large jobs can be divided into series of smaller reuseable job files to create flexible customized combinations. Additional information on Job Queue can be obtained from the windows help files that accompany the software.
To summarize, Job Queue has the following points of interest:
Allows the user to create and name sequences of events (batch files) and control their execution.
Replay one or more files any number of times in a straight forward, easy to understand manner.
Organize job files into groups with names allowing the machine operator to perform tasks with limited supervision.
The Digitize component of Job Server allows the machine operator to jog the machine (move the head) around and "trace" a pattern. This can be done manually at the pendant or automatically through optical sensors. An object can be duplicated by simply putting the object on the machine table and letting Digitize create the language code that the ExtraTech controller can understand. Once the machine is done tracing an object, the job file is saved as if it was created by a programmer. Virtually anything can be copied with the help of Digitize. Additional information regarding the Digitize component of Job Server can be found in the windows help files that came with the software.
To summarize, Digitize has the following capabilities:
Scan an item and create a job file, then run the job file to duplicate the item.
Create job files with an actual object, rather than using a time-consuming graphics application.
The Job History component of Job Server displays a list of recently executed jobs. Descriptions include the Job Name, Start/End/Run times, and the status of the job. Managers may want to know what employees have been doing while they were on vacation. Just right click the Job Server icon in the Windows® system tray and select Job History. Job History can be used to verify the correct execution sequence of jobs as new projects are being developed. Additional Job History documentation may be found in the windows help files that came with the software.
ExtraTech Home Page Products and Services Machine Tools Suite top of page