In the graphic-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 becomes 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 becomes 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 becomes 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 same motion. Edit the Motion FB to link with any of the motions 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