Step 5.1: Function-Blocks, Connectors and Wires

The icon of each Function-Blocks [FB] should help you recognize its 'function'.

In the image, the FBs are a Linear-Motion FB [clock face!] and a Motion-Dimension FB [for a Rocker]

The connectors, , are small triangular symbols that are 'out-from' and 'in-to' each FB.

The connector on the:

•	right [>] of a FB is an 'output-connector'

•	left [<] of a FB is an 'input-connector'

To allow motion-values to 'flow' from FB to FB, you connect [drag] wires from an output-connector to an input-connector.

An output-connector can have many wires, but an input-connector can accept only one wire.

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, to drag a wire from the output-connector towards the input-connector of a different FB...

4.	...keep your mouse-button down....and hover above 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.

We use the term 'motion-values' for the data that 'flows' from FB to FB.

Each FB changes the motion-values that enter it at its input-connector to different motion-values that exit the same FB at its output connector.

Each FB type uses an equation, or mathematical function, that is unique to FB type. You can edit the parameters for the equation, with the FB's dialog-box.

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

Motion FBs make a link, similar to a hyperlink, with a motion name in MotionDesigner.

The motion-values at its input-connector correspond to the X-axis values of a motion. The motion-values at its output-connector become 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 multiply the motion-values at its input connector by a fixed number, and also 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.