MTConnect Variables
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Overview


MTConnect variables are used to hold data retrieved from MTConnect enabled devices. Variables must exist in DataXchange and then be mapped to MTConnect items within the device.


MTConnect Source Variables

DataXchange is shipped with the following variables predefined:



Variable Name

Notes

Alarm Code

[MTC.alarm_code]

Returns the alarm code without the description More Information

Alarm Detail

[MTC.alarm_detail]

Returns the alarm description

Alarm Status

[MTC.alarm_status]

Returns whether or not the equipment is in an alarm

Capture MTC Alarms

[MTC.alarms]

Used to capture all MTC alarms including those that go off simultaneously

Connect Time

[MTC.connect_time]

Returns the time of the most recent connection to the MTConnect Source

Connected Time

[MTC.connected_time]

Returns the amount of time in seconds since a successful connection to the Source.

Cycle Status

[MTC.cycle_status]

Return the cycle status. ACTIVE = Cycling

Feed Rate Override

[MTC.feedrate_override]

Returns the override of the selected axis

Part Count

[MTC.part_count]

Returns the value of the part counter on the control

Part Number

[MTC.part_number]{??}

Returns a string from a comment within the NC program  More Information

Program Number

[MTC.program_number]

Returns the active program number from the control

Spindle Load

[MTC.spindle_load]

Returns the load of the selected spindle

Spindle Override

[MTC.spindle_override]

Returns the override of the selected spindle

Spindle Speed

[MTC.spindle_speed]

Returns the speed of the selected spindle




The following variables hold the value for the previous poll from the Control.



Variable Name

Syntax

Alarm Status (Previous)

[MTC.prev_alarm_code]

Connect Time (Previous)

[MTC.prev_connect_time]

Connected Time (Previous)

[MTC.prev_connected_time]

Cycle Status (Previous)

[MTC.prev_cycle_status]

Feed Rate Override (Previous)

[MTC.prev_feedrate_override]

Part Count (Previous)

[MTC.prev_part_count]

Program Number (Previous)

[MTC.prev_program_number]

Spindle Load (Previous)

[MTC.prev_spindle_load]

Spindle Override (Previous)

[MTC.prev_spindle_override]

Spindle Speed (Previous)

[MTC.prev_spindle_speed]

Custom Variable (Previous)

[MTC.prev_CustomVariableName]



MTConnect Constants



Constant Name

Syntax

CYCLING

[MTC.CYCLING]



MTConnect Custom Variables 

DataXchange has the ability to create custom variables for the MTConnect source.  Use this feature to create a custom mapping to a data variable that the MTConnect machine may not map to by default.



Variable Name

Notes

Custom Variable

[MTC.CustomVariableName]

Returns the data from the custom mapping variable


The following variables hold the value for the previous poll from the Control.



Variable Name

Syntax

Custom Variable (Previous)

[MTC.prev_CustomVariableName]


Additional variables can be added to the system by defining them in the Expression Builder. 

Select Expressions, then select the Create Expressions menu item.


From the MTConnect button in the ribbon bar, select the Define Custom Variables menu item.

Once the variables have been defined they need to be mapped to MTConnect data items.  The mapping is done at an individual equipment level since this may vary from equipment to equipment.