ORION Development Software

User-friendly, integrated software is a key distinctive that makes ORION® a potent solution for multi-axis control.

At the center of ORMEC’s integrated software environment is MotionDesk --- our Windows 95/98/NT/2000 based development tool. MotionDesk provides a graphical user interface (GUI) and effective tools to help create, manage and maintain motion control projects. It plays the central role in integrating motion and I/O programming with operator touchscreen panels and communication needs.

Motion Control "Projects"

MotionDesk offers a "project-oriented interface" where all the software components required for an application are created, maintained and managed.

The "Project Navigator" (at right) provides an overall "roadmap" to all the hardware and software components required for your application.

• Project Navigator: Graphical user interface simplifies set-up & organization of your motion projects. All software components, including touchscreen panels, are conveniently integrated into your project for easy editing and updating.
• Project Printing: Easy way to produce system documentation.
• Project Archival: All project files automatically "zipped" into an archive file -- simplifying the process of transferring files to another computer.

"Wizards" Simplify Setup & Configuration
Once a system component is added to the Project Navigator, MotionDesk provides a comprehensive group of "setup wizards" to simplify system configuration. Each hardware component added to the Project Navigator is customized (by editing its "Properties") for the specific needs of your application.

When an "axis" is added, a series of wizards leads you through defining default configuration of the servos in the system.

• ORION® Unit and I/O Properties: Defines configuration of controller including Axis Modules, I/O setup and Ethernet communications adapter.
• Axis Configurator: Series of wizards to configure all system parameters for Axis Modules, servodrives, servomotors and encoders. ORMEC servomotors and encoders are selected from database. User-defined motors can be added to database.

Integrated Software Development Tools
MotionDeskoffers a complete set of integrated development tools --- a program editor, trace and debug tools and an outstanding Help System --- to simplify software development, debug and management.

• MotionPad Editor: Powerful program editor with sophisticated text editing capabilities. Provides bookmarks, error reporting, program execution control featuring single step and setting breakpoints and context-sensitive help. Dynamic "data tips" allow you to query real-time status of variables and program labels from within the editor.
• Debug & Diagnostic Tools: Integrated tools include program trace window, console communications and direct mode windows. Tightly integrated with MotionPad editor to speed system development.
• System/Version Information: Provides detailed informaton on ORION® system components and software revision levels.

Axis Tune
When selecting a motor and specifying a load inertia, MotionDesk automatically adjusts tuning parameters to meet most application requirements.

Axis Tune provides a color scope to report real-time feedback on position error, velocity command, actual velocity and torque response. After exercising the motor using a trapezoidal motion profile and viewing the results, Axis Tune allows fine-tuning of motor loop parameters using floating menu selections. Adjustments to motor loop parameters are conveniently saved in your project.

• Custom motion profiles can also be used to tune loop parameters to your specific application needs.

Upgrade Director
It’s simple to upgrade an ORION® controller in the field to a new version of MotionBASIC®, a new MBX, or new ServoWire drive firmware using Upgrade Director.

Software updates are available on the ORMEC User website, and can be communicated to an ORION® controller via either direct cable connect, an Ethernet LAN or Windows networking.

Integrate QuickDesigner Panels
A MotionDesk project provides a convenient way to integrate QuickDesigner touchscreen panel layout files. Screen files are managed by MotionDesk, stored on the ORION® PC Card, and are available for download to the QuickPanel.

TCP/IP Communications
All communications between MotionDesk and the ORION® controller utilize industry-standard TCP/IP protocols. As a result, MotionDesk can be used effectively on desktop or laptop computers and can access ORION® controllers via a modem or Ethernet LAN using standard Windows networking.

MotionDesk Features

• Windows Look & Feel:
  Familiar software environment is easy to learn, master and use. Provides software elegance that boosts productivity.
• Project management tools:
  Intuitive software makes it simple to effectively manage your software projects.
• Powerful editing:
  State-of-the-art software, integrated editor and debug are all fully integrated into the interface.
• Local or remote operation:
  Use the power of MotionDesk and TCP/IP to communicate to your ORION® controller via a direct cable connection, modem or Ethernet LAN.

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