XTS Configurator
The new user interface of the XTS software simplifies the work and handling of the ever larger and more sophisticated track layouts implemented with XTS. The simple pictorial structure makes a decisive contribution to fast commissioning and intuitive operation. A large number of XTS systems can be set up very easily, regardless of length, shape or variant. The new configurator replaces the XTS Manager, which was integrated in the XTS IO Driver object in the previous software version.
A main aim of the XTS software is to support the Track Management function. Using this function, you can split the XTS system into individual sections, which you then join together to form continuous tracks. This gives you the possibility to mechanically align individual sections in different ways and thus use the movers more flexibly on the XTS system.
 | Example presentation This chapter shows the individual steps of the XTS Configurator. If there is a different procedure between a closed XTS system and an XTS system with Track Management, this is indicated in the text. |
The individual steps of the XTS Configurator are shown as examples for the following two XTS systems:
Closed XTS system
A closed XTS system with 180° clothoids and ten movers, corresponding to the configuration of a 3 m XTS starter kit.
XTS system with Track Management
XTS Track Management with four parts and six movers.
The difference between these two configurations of an XTS system is that in a closed XTS system the order of modules and movers always remains constant. The movers thus have only one possible track on which they can move.
In an XTS system with Track Management, modules can change their position and align with other modules. Thus, the order of modules and movers can be changed, as new tracks can be formed. To be able to keep the overview of these functions, the parts and tracks have been introduced.
The part is the physical hardware component on which the mover travels, comparable to a road section for a car. The Track, on the other hand, is the actual path that the mover follows. The path is created by assembling the individual hardware components. In comparison with the car, a possible route with different roads is created. Further information can be found in chapter Basic principles.
Parts and tracks are objects that can be created in the TwinCAT project using the XTS Configurator. A simple XTS system can be created with only one part and one track for all movers. More complex XTS systems can consist of several Parts that are joined together to form different tracks. This opens up completely new possibilities for handling XTS components.