Fanuc Calculator Using the CALC ALTER Key

Fanuc Calculator, did you realize you had a calculator on your Fanuc control?

On the Fanuc Oi control this is what you do to use the calculator.

Just check the buttons before you get too excited you might not have it.

Your ALTER key should look like this.

First of all input your calculation which can be part of your X, Y or Z figures.

So if I wanted to subtract 2.369 from my X value of 5 then I just input it.

Now press your SHIFT key (mines a bit bent).

Then press the CALC/ALTER Key

Voila, down in the buffer you magically get your answer.

(The next bit is boring but read on cos there’s more on the calculator)

History Lesson

If you are an old codger like me you may remember FANUC FAPT. It was an early attempt by FANUC to create an automatic programming system. It was actually pretty damn good at the time.

Well I got trained by this Japanese guy it was in the days where we were genuinely worried about exploiting Japanese workers. Oh how the times have changed.

This guy didn’t speak very good English (but then neither do I). He did a great job of training me but one thing sticks in my mind.

He insisted that I always input exactly what was on the drawing.

Don’t Add Em Up Stupid

If a drawing had two lengths say 12.6 and 13.4 he wouldn’t let me add them together. I had to input 12.6+13.4 into the computer.

It really makes sense because humans are shit at adding up numbers but computers are great at it. It’s in their DNA. We are much better at getting pissed and eating chips.

Yes you could put in the wrong numbers but at least you’re not adding them up as well and messing that up you stupid boy.

Fanuc Calculator

You can even do calculations on two or three axis at once look at the example below.

Down in the buffer you get your answer ready to use.

Fanuc Calculator

To use it as a regular calculator, type in as below.

Same again for the answer

Press your SHIFT key.

Press the ALTER Key

Fanuc Calculator, oh and guess what?

You can even do simple triangle calculation (you know all that trigonometry shit.)

Yes you know the score now SHIFT then the ALTER key

How exciting is that, you might have to get rid of some of those extra numbers but you get it now.

If you need training or have been affected by any of the issues in this article please contact us.