In the graphics-area, the design of each type of icon Function-Block (FB) should help you identify its function.

You can enable Show Function-Block names to show their names above the Function-Block - see Edit menu > Application-Settings Graphics tab > Display Options.

For example, in this image, there are two Function-Blocks that also show their names:

•a Linear-Motion FB - Its name is Linear-Motion

•a Motion-Dimension FB. Its default name is Mot-Dim Rocker but it has been renamed to Pulley-A

The output-connector is to the right of a FB.

The input-connector is to the left of a FB.

A wire is between an output-connector and input-connector.

Motion-values flow from FB to FB, along wires from an output-connector to an input-connector.

Drag Wires from Output-Connector to Input-Connectors

In this image, there are two Function-Blocks (FBs) with a wire that connects them.

To connect a wire between two Function-Blocks:

1.Move your mouse-pointer above the output-connector of a FB so that the output-connector is selected (typically red) ...

2.... mouse-button down ...

3.... and drag a wire from the output-connector to the input-connector of a different FB ... so that the input-connector is selected ...

4.... mouse-button-up.

Now, there is a wire between the output-connector and the input-connector of two FBs.

5.Do 1 to 4 again and again to add more wires.

Video to show how to connect wires between Function-Block connectors.

There is an equation, or function, associated with each type of Function-Block. The equation has parameters that you can edit.

As the Master-Machine-Angle (MMA) cycles (ALT+C to cycle the MMA continuously), a motion-value at the input-connector of a Function-Block instantly is a different motion-value at its output-connector.

The motion-values flow instantly along wires between the Function-Blocks.

The last function-block usually controls the position of a Part. Thus, the position of a Part updates instantly as the Master Machine Angle cycles.

Example of the flow of motion-values along the wires of four FBs: > > >

Linear-Motion FB

The (default) motion-values at the output-connector of this Linear-Motion FB are equal to the Master-Machine-Angle ( 0 → 360)

Therefore, when you cycle the machine (ALT+C) the output from the Linear-Motion FB changes at the same rate as the Master-Machine-Angle.

Motion FB

The Motion FB makes a link, similar to a hyperlink, with a motion name in MotionDesigner.

The motion-values at its input-connector relate to the X-axis values of the motion. The motion-values at its output-connector are the Y-axis values of the motion.

Edit the Motion FB to link with a different motion in MotionDesigner.

Gearing FB

The Gearing FB has three parameters. It can multiply motion-values at its input connector, and add or subtract a number from the input and/or output.

If the input is 0 - 360, and the Gearing Ratio parameter is 2, and you add 40 to the output (after you multiply by 2), then its output will change from 40 to 760.

Motion-Dimension FB  

The Motion-Dimension FB uses the motion-values at its input-connector to control the motion of a Motion-Part. The Motion-Part in this case is a Rocker.

It is possible to offset the initial position of the Rocker. You must edit the Base-Value parameter with the Motion-Dimension dialog.

Thus, if the Base-Value is 20, the Rocker moves from 60º to 780º within the 0 – 360 cycle of the Master-Machine-Angle.

Motion Providers: Provide motion-values.

•Linear-Motion FB

•One output-connector

•Measurement FB - Point to Line (Linear); Line to Line(Angular); 3 Points (Angular)

•One output-connector

•Measurement FB - Point to Point (Linear)

•Two output-connectors

•Point-Data FB

•Three output-connectors

Motion Processors: Process motion-values with a function

•Motion FB

•One input-connector and one output-connector

•Gearing FB

•One input-connector and one output-connector

Motion-Dimension FB: Control the angle or position of a Motion-Part relative to a different Part.

•Motion-Dimension FB – Rocker

•One input-connector and one output-connector

•Motion-Dimension FB – Slider

•One input-connector and one output-connector

Motion-Paths FB: Control the position of a Motion-Point along a sketch-path.

•Motion-Path FB

•One input-connector