Step 5.1: Function-Blocks, Connectors and Wires

The image for each Function-Blocks (FB) should help you recognize its function.

In the image, there are two FBs: the Linear-Motion FB (clock face!) and a Motion-Dimension FB

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

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

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 the image to the left, there are four Function-Blocks (FBs) with wires that connect them.

The motion-values flow from the output-connector of a Linear-Motion FB, and along each wire and through each of the other three FBs to specify the angle of a rotating-part with a Motion-Dimension FB

To connect wires between two Function-Blocks:

1.	Move your mouse-pointer above the output-connector of a FB so that the output-connector becomes red ...

3.	...and drag a wire from the output-connector to the input-connector of a different FB...so that it becomes red...

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

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

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

The Input and Output of the Function-Block

When the Master-Machine-Angle changes, a motion-value at the input-connector of a Function-Block instantly becomes a different motion-value at its output-connector.

The motion-values also flow instantly along wires between Function-Blocks

The last function-block type usually specifies the position of a Part. Thus, the position of a Part updates instantly when the Master Machine Angle changes.

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

1.	Linear-Motion FB

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

Therefore, as you cycle the machine, the output from the 'first FB' changes at the same rate as the Master-Machine-Angle.

2.

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 a motion. The motion-values at its output-connector are the Y-axis values of the same motion. You edit the Motion FB to 'hyper-link' a different motion name, in a Motion tab in MotionDesigner.

3.	Gearing FB

The Gearing FB has three parameters to multiply motion-values at its input connector by a fixed number, add or subtract a number.

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.

4.	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 Base-Value parameter with the Motion-Dimension FB.

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: 'to provide' motion-values.

Motion Processors: 'to process', or 'to manipulate' the motion-data.

Motion-Parts: 'to transfer' the angular or positional motion-values to a Motion-Part with a Motion-Dimension.

Motion-Paths: 'to transfer' motion-values to a Motion-Point to define its position along a sketch-loop.