CNCA -3KT. Programming manual.

(Chapter 1)

18.02.2013 17:53
1 9

Chapter 1 of this book describes chiefly the text-input commands, which can be used
for alterations of the existing text.

Introduction
The Stoll C.N.C.A.-3 machine is controlled by a mini-computer.
Mini computers contain a great variety of micro processors, therefore a flexibility in
the service of the machine is reached, which previously was not possible.
How does this work in practice?
A pattern is typed into the mini-computer via a typewriter.
The main computer, which in future we shall refer to just as a computer, then gives its
instructions in the form of electrical signals to the electronic control. The electronic

control switches the magnets, as for example yarn feeders,strikers and needle
selection. The electronic control on its side passes information back e.g. when the
carriage runs through the reversal. The electronic control therefore, is the link between
computer and machine.
What advantage does a computer offer to a knitting machine?
A computer SIMPLIFIES the input of a knitted pattern.
A computer FACILITATES the servicing of the machine.
A computer SAVES material and time.
A computer CHECKS an input knitting programme.
A computer REDUCES the necessary time for the pattern and with it the cost of
pattern creation.
In addition a computer allows you to knit patterns, which before could not be
punched. During the patterning the computer does not need data carrier, you type the
pattern directly into the machine, knit the sample, alter it, until you are satisfied. Then
the data carrier is automatically created by the computer. All the dependent size data
for any number of sizes can be contained in a programme.
The person attending must then only choose a size, in order to make a transposition.
Further possibilities you can get to know from this handbook.

The pattern input

Normally for a pattern a knitting specification is made, which contains all instructions
such as: cams, yarn feeders, stitch cams, racking etc.
These instructions are subsequently typed into the computer or an existing pattern is
read into the computer, then altered and, for data security, punched out again. In the
first case new instructions must be put in the computer, in the second case the present
"text lines" are altered. Both are explained here. But first we will look at one line with
knitting instructions.
Example:
60 <<S: R-R/R-0; Y: 1/2; NP 4-4
SI S2
and a short explanation:
60 is the line number of this line Akmeans: carriage direction from right to left S:RR/R-0; Knitting instructions
1st system front RR, rear RR
2nd system front RR, rear out (zeroout)
Y: 1/2;
With yam feeders 1 and 2
NP4-4
Stitch cam-position-front 4 and rear 4
SI S2
Knitting system 1 and knitting system 2 are in operation
A knitting instruction for a carriage row can be written in one line in this manner.

A pattern consists of several lines of this kind/- Also jacquard information is

memorised in lines. An example for this:
1000.. ..A....
1001.. .AYA...
1002.. AAYAA.. means ground colour 1003.AAAYAAA.
1004.. AYYYYYYA
"A" means 1st contrast
1005.. AAAYAAA
1006.. AAYAA.. "Y" means 2nd contrast
1007.. .AYA...
1008.. ..A....
Jacquard motifs are "typed" in this way.
Also here you see, that each line begins with a line number
All pattern information, machine control as well as jacquard, is put into the computer
as text lines.
So that you can specify to the computer which line of text you are altering or which
you wish to print out, each one has an individual line number.
Now the explanation of these line numbers:
The line-memory of the computer is similar to a cupboard with 1999 shelves (For
1999 lines).
On each shelf exactly one line can be laid. The line number now determines the shelf,
on which the line is laid. On each shelf only one line can be laid. A "programme"
could thus be laid on the shelves 1-50, beginning with the line numbers 1-50. Or you
could use the lines 60-80, the lines 81-90 for later extension and continue with 91119. The lines 81-90 would thus be free for later extension.
The line numbers from 1-999 are generally used for the input of control information
(pasteboard cards).
The line numbers 1000-1999 are used for the jacquard information input.
The computer memorises the lines in ascending order of number.
Line numbers can be left free (for later extension).
A new line instruction replaces an old instruction. (As only one instruction can be
held on one shelf).
Each line, which is to be memorised begins with a line number, followed by the
information, which stands on that line.
Input via the keyboard
We will now carry out the input of lines directly on the typewriter. The typewriter is
connected to the computer.
The knitting machine must be stopped for our example.

(Normally an input can be made with a running machine, so long as it does not alter
the knitting programme)
The Sintral-tape is read into the computer (see chapter 5).
The computer runs, (the "run" lamp on the console of the computer lights up). The
racking is in the ground position.
First you must "announce" yourself to the computer. This is done by pressing and
holding down the key "CTRL" and pressing the key A. Finally release both keys
again.
The "CTRL" key is a special key, which is always used in connection with other keys.
This extra "control" key is used for certain functions with the text input.
When in the future you see
<CTRL A>
it means:
Press the "CTRL" key and simultaneously the key of the following letters, here A.
If a key of the typewriter contains two symbols, as for example the key with the figure
1 (it contains 1 and above it the !), you will reach the exclamation sign, by pressing
this key together with the "shift key".
Practice makes perfect: Therefore please carry out the input of lines directly on the
machine. The machine must be stopped for this practice, as the programme memory
of the machine will be erased.
Sit down in front of the typewriter and type:
<CTRL A>
After this, an asterisk is announced on the printer. This star (*) shows that the
computer is now waiting for your instructions.
As soon as an instruction has been processed by the computer, a new asterisk will
appear.
A line, which is to be memorised always begins with the line number (1-1999), then
the "text on this line".
If you miss-type, then press the "RETURN" key and simply input the line with its line
number once more.
Before you begin, please cancel the text memory of the machine completely. (You
have however, memorised the pattern programme on tape?). For cancelling you type:
EALL <RET>
<RET> means: Press the "RETURN" key.
After each input of a line or of a command the RETURN key must be pressed. The
RETURN key says to the computer: Input finished, now work!
The RETURN key will be indicated from now on by: < RET >
EALL< RET> is a direct command to the computer. It means:

Erase ALL, or cancel all lines, which are in the programme.

With this the memory is empty and you can begin with the practice. 1st example for
the test input, please type:
1. THIS IS LINE 1 < RET>
2. LINE 2 <RET>
3. AND LINE 3 <RET>
10. LINE 10 <RET>
With this you have input 4 lines into the programme memory of the computer. The
computer should now repeat these lines.
Type for this:
" align="left" height="17" hspace="27" width="103">
(Write lines 1-10)
Now add line 5; for this type:
5 LINE 5 < RET>
Wl-10 <RET> (Write line 1-10)
Now, line 5 is to be replaced by a new instruction; The old line 5 is thereby
automatically cancelled.
Type:
5
THIS IS THE LINE 5 < RET >
Wl-10 <RET>
5
<RET> (Line 5 is replaced by "no instruction", therefore cancelled!).
Wl-10 <RET>
8 LINE 8 <RET>
W <RETV (Write the last input line)
W3 <RET> (Write line 3)
W-3 <RET^ (Write from start up to line 3)
W3- <RET>(Write from line 3 to the end)
W2-8<RET> (Write from line 2-8)
W- <RET> (Write from start to the end)
You now know, how lines are input and how you can get the computer to write, or
print - out, hese lines.
Correction of typing errors in input
The correction of typing errors in input is done via the "DELETE" key. For each
symbol to be cancelled the "DELETE" key is pressed once. For each cancelled
symbol an oblique sign appears.
Example: (<DEL> means press "DELETE"-key)
8 ABCXY <DEL> / DEL} DEF <RET>
W < RET>
8 ABCDEF will be written by the computer

A line can also be repeated before it is stored using the

<RET> key, or also be completely cancelled.
Repeat by: <CTRL R>
Example for repeating:
8ABCXY < DEL> <DEL> <CTRL R> DEFGH <RET>
W <RET>
8 ABCDEFGH will be written by the computer NOTE - IMPORTANT:
We recommend you, always to use the <CTRL> , when you have cancelled symbols
with <DEL> In this way the printing head on the printer will be re-positioned and the
tabular input simplified.
Cancelling the input via: <CTRL X>
Example for cancelling the information held in a line:
6
ABCDEFGH <CTRL X> (Cancels the current input on this line)
6
LINE 6 <RET>
W- <RET>
These commands, which you now know, suffice for use for every knitting programme
input. You can input symbols, correctly place lines by new inputs and cancel lines,
merely by typing the line number and RETURN.
In order to make the input still more simple,the computer knows still more commands.
Correcting lines that have already been input
In the next example we shall replace the word 'OLD' by the word 'NEW'.
8 THIS IS THE OLD LINE <RET>
w<<ret>
C8 'OLD'NEW' <RET>
With this, the line 8 appears so:
8 THIS IS THE NEW LINE
The command: C8 'OLD'NEW' is actually saying:
In line 8, change the word 'OLD' to the word 'NEW'; i.e.replace 'OLD' with 'NEW'
C 'THE' A' <RET>
(i.e. replace 'THE' with 'A')
Result: 8 THIS IS A NEW LINE
If no line number is given, then the computer always takes the last signalled line.
C 'NEW'<RET>
(i.e. replace the word 'NEW' with 'nothing')
Result: 8 THIS IS A LINE
C will however, replace only the first 'OLD' by e.g. 'NEW' in a line. Please type line
1000 (jacquard line number) so:
1000.... A.... <RET>
Now type C'. 'Y <RET>
Only the first '.' is replaced by 'Y': (1000Y....A.... )

Sometimes it is desirable to replace all "points" by 'Y'.

For this, the command 'P' is introduced; P means check and replace all occuring 'OLD'
in a line by 'NEW':
Example:
W <RET>
(1000 Y....A.... )
P'.'Y' <RET>
(1000 YYYYYAYYYYY)
and:
P'YY'Y.' <RET>
(1000 Y.Y.YAY.Y.Y)
As you see, this command can have a variety of effects in a line.
Both commands, 'C' and 'P' can be used so that: P1000-1222 'OLD'NEW', in this way
can alter whole groups of lines automatically.
Using the tabulator key <TAB>
The <TAB> -key can be used to bring the input text into a tabulated form so that e.g.
all yarn feeder instructions can stand under each other. The tabulator key operates, so
that pressure on the key always brings you to the next tabulator column.
These tabulator columns occur in spaces of 8 'letters', thus:
1,9,17,25,33,41,,
,etc < TAB> is treated by the
computer
like a letter, a^TAB>is therefore also cancelled by a < DEL") .
Example:
15
<TAB> S:R-R; <TAB> <TAB> <TAB> Y:2/3/4; <TAB> <TAB>
T1 SI S2 <RET>
16
<TAB> <TAB> <TAB> <TAB> <TAB> <TAB> <TAB> <TAB>
T1 SI S2 <RET>
C' <TAB> ' ' <RET>
Repeats of text with other line numbers.
Example:
M1>20<RET>
(from line 1, also make line 20)
W- <RET>
Ml-2> 20<RET>
(from lines 1 to 2, also make lines from 20)
W- <RET>
If you now wish to cancel the lines 30-40, then type:
E20-40 <RET>
(erase the lines 20-40).
W- <RET>
Punching a tape

Now we will punch these text lines, (is the punch switched on?), for this you type:
PP- <RET>
This command means: Punch paper tape, from start to end.
If you wish only e.g. to punch a jacquard motif, then you could make the command:
PP 1200-1300 <RET> .
Reading-in a punched tape
After the tape is punched, we will read it again. For this, we first cancel the memory
of the computer. Otherwise the tape would only read-in the previous lines and we
would have no check of whether the reading-in is functioning properly.
Please cancel the memory through:
EALL <RET>
W- <RET>
(the memory is cancelled!)
Now place the tape in the left tape holder and the start of the tape in the reader.
Now type:
i
PR <RET>
(Paper tape Read-in)
And now, to check:
W- <RET>
You know now all commands with which you can put-in, correct, and alter the text in
the computer. At the start you will find it quicker to correct a line by writing it in
again. When you have more practice the machine, use all other commands. Then you
can reduce the 'typing' to a minimum.
Now, another suggestion: Practice once more the text input with particular examples,
or with the alphabet, or with the input of a programme out of the pattern library.
Now we will read-in a programme out of the pattern library in order to increase the
practice of a practical example.
Before a programme is read into the memory of the machine, the memory must be
cancelled. Otherwise parts of the previous programme in the memory will be read
with the new one for example: Jacguard patterns
Cancel the memory with:
EALL <RET>
Place the punched tape for the pattern library:
JAC-3-COL
in the reader and type:
PR <RET>
(programme in)
When the programme has been read-in the '*' appears again, the computer waits for
the next imput.
Produce a programme print-out with:
W-<RET>
(write from start to end)

You can interrupt a print-out at anytime with <CTRL A>

Now repeat the line 60 with:
W60 <RET>
Now cancel the line 60 and type this line with the same instructions again, (with
<TAB> . The computer does not need a tabulated input, but this helps you to read the
written-out programme)
Repeat "your" line 60 with:
W <RET>
Now practise with other lines, or add optional lines to it.
We now cancel again the whole memory with EALL <RET> and read the "JAC-3C0L" programme in again (PR <RET>).
You now have a finished pattern programme in the memory.
Set the cycle counters RSI and RS 2 with:
RSI = 4 <RET>
(cycle counter 1 on 4 repeats)
RS2 = 55 <RET>
(cycle counter 2 on 55) (55 pattern revolutions)
and the piece counter on 6 pieces:
PC = 6 <RET>
The computer should now check the input pattern. Type for this:
TP<RET>
(Test the Programme)
and you can see on the display on the machine, that "something happens" after a short
time the computer announces:
999 PATTERN OKAY
This means that the programme was checked up to the "END" which appears in line
999 and is in order, as regards the input. The computer can find only "programme
faults", so called "Syntax faults" or"logic faults". Faults within jacquard patterns
cannot be found.
Explanation of the machine's display
S6 L999 R2 > 45 < 55 T 123
S6
The piece counter stands at 6 (from 1 to 2000)
L999 The current programme line is 999
R2> 45<55 Cycle has still to run 45 times out of a total of 55
T123 The machine has knitted 123 rounds of the piece
When you instruct "TP" from the printer, then you can read the number of revolutions
for 1 piece on the display. When you instruct "TP" on the keyboard of the machine,
the display will overwrite "PATTERN OKAY". You can obtain the number of rounds
later however by asking for the contents of memory #126. As the computer "thinks in
advance", in this case it must be 1 round less.
#126 <RET>
(answer of the computer #126 = 124, thus 123

rounds).
The number of rounds can then be converted into a "knitting time".
Now you will knit the pattern. The instructions in the programme will select the
needles in the machine. No attention need be given to the gauge.
The yam feeders:
Left
Right
6 draw thread
2/5/6 ground yarn
3
1st contrast
4
2nd contrast
The "ABCD" error indicator is still showing. The pattern programme has not yet
started. The computer cannot know, whether further instructions are to be given, or
whether it may now work.
Besides,the first knitting row must be "fixed" in order to knit a few rows rib or
tubular. Yam feeders: 2 leading, 5 trailing.
For this, start the programme with:
SPF<RET> (Starts the programme and fixes the first knitting row)
Turn a few rows with the crank handle before switching the machine on. Now stop the
carriage after the left reversal,(the carriage should have moved l-5cm to the right).
NOTE - important:
You should always set the machine in this position when you wish to switch off at the
main switch.
If you go too far into the needle bed and switch the current off, then, when you switch
on again, the computer will cancel the complete needle selection for the first row, in
order to avoid needle breakage, as the carriage could be already in the selection range
of the needles.
The carriage stands shortly after the left reversal, now type
SP <RET>
(start the programme)
and start the machine up. During the first piece, observe the stitch cam settings and
the fabric take-down.
As soon as you have knitted enough, stop the machine again after the left reversal.
Memory security
By starting the programme, the computer has automatically switched on a "memory
security" for the programme lines.
A mistakenly made alteration of the programme is thereby excluded.
Now before a line in the programme can be altered, this safeguard must be held up.
For this, you type:
SO <RET>
(security out, 'O' = NIL

S1<RET> switches the memory guard in)

A pattern alteration:
For example alter line 1416, or from line 1416 make line 1415 / <M1416> 1415
<RET> . Or type from line 1400 to line 1430 a new pattern, 16 stitches wide. If your
pattern is to be wider than 16 stitches, then alter line "105 FA = 1-16" to "105 FA = 122", for example.
After each alteration you should test the programme (TP).
For this, the carriage stands always at the left after the reversal.
If the programme is okay, then the machine is freed with "start programme" and can
be started.
By the way: Printing or punching can be done even when the machine is running.
Printing-out or punching your pattern.
W-<RET>
PP-<RET>At the conclusion of the command "END", in order to switch off the
keyboard completely:
END <RET> (from the keyboard no input is possible except <CTRL A>
An input is only possible again after <CTRL A> . ( <CTRL A> = announce). If you
get no "echo" from the machine when typing, then think of<CTRL A> With <CTRL
A> . you will also switch the text display to whichever keyboard you are using.
If details of the "running" display lines are given, you may stop this and continue, by:
<CTRL S>
(stops the display)
CTRL<
(Text on the display moves 16 places to the left)
CTRL >
(Text on the display moves 16 places to the right)
<CTRL>
(Continues with text output)