Service Home How To Procedures Side-Mount Tool Changer - Set Parameter 257 - Spindle Orientation Offset - CHC

Side-Mount Tool Changer - Set Parameter 257 - Spindle Orientation Offset - CHC

6.5 Side-Mount Tool Changer - Set Parameter 257 - Spindle Orientation Offset - Classic Haas Control (CHC)

Last updated: 08/13/2025

Side-Mount Tool Changer - Set Parameter 257 - Spindle Orientation Offset - Classic Haas Control (CHC)

Revision A - 08/2025

Side-Mount Tool Changer - Set Parameter 257 - Spindle Orientation Offset

1

How to align the spindle dogs parallel to the X Axis without a dial indicator:

  1. Push [ORIENT SPINDLE]. Push [EMERGENCY STOP].
  2. Push [SETTING]. Set Setting 7 to OFF.
  3. Push [PARAMETER/DIAGNOSTIC]. Go to Parameter 257.
  4. Increase the value of Parameter 257 in increments until the spindle dogs are parallel to the x axis after you push [ORIENT SPINDLE].

 Note: If you add 1000 to the value of Parameter 257, this equals approximately 1/4 turn of the spindle orientation location.

          5. Release [EMERGECY STOP]. Push [RESET].

          6. Align spindle dogs parallel to X-axis. Push [ORIENT SPINDLE].

2

Put the magnetic base with the indicator on the table.

Handle jog the machine to indicate the alignment of the spindle dogs and the X Axis.

The spindle dogs must be aligned within 0.010" (0.254 mm) of the X Axis.

Perform STEP 1 instructions again until the spindle dogs align with the X Axis. Make sure the alignment error is not more than 0.010" (0.254 mm) of the X Axis. Increase or decrease the value of Parameter 257 by much smaller increments.

 Caution: After you change the value of Parameter 257, make sure the indicator is out of the path of the spindle dogs.

3

Determine the correct value for Parameter 257:

Divide the value of Parameter 79 by 360. This tells you the number of encoder counts per degree of spindle rotation.

Example: Parameter 79 = 4096 ; 4096 / 360 = 11.37

Multiply the number of encoder counts per degree of spindle rotation by the correct value for your machine: 30-Taper = 88.6; 40-Taper = 74; 50-Taper = 66.6. Round the result to the closest whole number. Subtract the rounded number from Parameter 257. Refer to examples in the table below.

4

Operate a tool change with no tools in the spindle or pocket.

Push [FEED HOLD] when the tool changer arm is at the spindle. Make sure the spindle dog [1] is aligned to the key [2] on the tool changer arm.

 Note: To make a fine adjustment to Parameter 257, push [CYCLE START] to complete the tool change. Increase or decrease the value of Parameter 257 in increments of 10 until the spindle dogs are aligned.  Repeat this step if necessary.

Push [SETTING]. Set Setting 7 to ON.

Example Table

Taper Multiply encoder counts per degree of spindle rotation by the correct value for your machine Round to the closest whole number Subtract from Parameter 257
30‑Taper 11.37 * 88.6 = 1007.382 1007 1892 - 1007 = 885
40‑Taper 11.37 * 74 = 841.38 841 1892 - 841 = 1051
50‑Taper 11.37 * 66.6 = 757.242 757 1892 - 757 = 1135

Side-Mount Tool Changer - Set Parameter 257 - Spindle Orientation Offset - Service

1

Press [ZERO RETURN], [ALL], and [HOME G28], in that order.

Enter DEBUG mode and TOOL CHANGER RECOVERY mode.

Press [ATC FWD] to move the double arm [3] toward the spindle dogs [1].

Make sure that there is enough clearance to turn the spindle dogs.

 Note: If your spindle has a spindle dog [2] longer than the other, make sure it is turned away from the double arm. The long spindle dog has a hole on the bottom.

Press [POSIT].

Select the VAR tab and then select the RAW DATA tab.

2

Turn the spindle dogs with your hand until the value of SPINDLE POS is near 0 and not a negative number. Align the spindle dogs with the slot in the arm.

Enter TOOL CHANGER RECOVERY mode.

Press [ATC FWD] until ARM at CL/UNCL has a value of 1.

Turn spindle dogs [1] until the spindle dog touches the shoulder [2].

Record the number shown in SPINDLE POS.

Turn until the spindle dog touches the other shoulder.

Record the number shown in SPINDLE POS.

3

Add the value of the two spindle positions. Divide the sum by 2.

Example: 1401 + 101 = 1502. 1502/2 = 751

Enter the new value into parameter 257.

Enter TOOL CHANGER RECOVERY mode.

Press [ATC FWD] until ARM at CL/UNCL is 1.

Press [ATC REV] until the screen shows the Arm At Origin and/ or message [1].

Press [Orient Spindle], then press [O].

Press [ATC FWD] repeatedly to verify alignment.

Press [ATC REV] until the screen shows the Arm At Orgin and/ or message [1].

Exit TOOL CHANGER RECOVERY mode and DEBUG mode.