Changes made for Pathfinder 5226 controllers.

In a closed loop system the motion of an axis is based on calculated set points of where it should be in real life. If the real life feedback is not matching up with the set point positions then the control will be adjusted with a PID system to try and match the actual position with the set points. A problem that can come from this though is if the user is attempting to move the axis on a system that has not been set up and tuned or had some work done to it. In these cases the loop could be trying to keep up with set points that just don't match up with reality and might cause the axis to move out of control which could damage the machine.

The new feature to handle these situations is Open Loop Test Mode. The operator can choose this option in the Pathfinder jog screen. If an axis has its Additional Option for Open Loop Test Mode set to true then once set in Pathfinder the axis will move with open loop control. Since open loop follows a ramp based on parameters and does not adjust based on a calculated move there is less danger of the machine going out of control during a move. Once the axis has been confirmed to be under control the user can uncheck the Open Loop Test Mode in Pathfinder and the axis will move under closed loop control again.