FRA-2001 / AutoCode

Computer-Driven Code Machine FAQ's

Computer Not Included

FRA-2001 / Autocode / AutoMaster Frequently Asked Questions

Browse this list before calling Framon for technical support. Solutions to the most common questions can be found below.

Problem: I plug the machine in (during setup) and the cutter is turning.

This is normal. Turn off the "Spindle" switch, which will stop the cutter from turning. Continue to plug the computer in & connect it to the machine. Once the software is loaded, either click on the "AutoHome" button (see illustration below) or type in a code & make the machine cut a key. This will reset the machine. 

Problem: The machine is not responding when I press the "Cut The Key" button.

Possible Solutions:

1. Check to make sure the cable is connected securely to the back of the computer.

2. Turn the Main switch on the AutoCode / AutoMaster on & off for about five seconds & try to cut the key again.

3. Check your COM port setting in the Machine/Setup page. Version 6 software will automatically detect your available COM port & select the first one. If you have COM 1 & COM 3 available, the program will default to COM 1 until you set it differently.

Problem: I  click the "Cut The Key" button, the motors are trying to turn but neither the cutter nor vise will move (you can hear a "clicking" sound).

Possible Solutions:

1. The motors have gone beyond their home position. If both the cutter head & vise are not moving, the problem lies in the cutter head being beyond the home position. You will hear a "clicking" sound coming from the machine.

Remedy: If your software has the "auto-home" button (see below, versions since 10/1/01 or later) in the lower right-hand corner, it will automatically reset the machine. Simply click the button and the machine will home itself.

Remedy: Turn the machines Main power switch off so the motors are not attempting to turn. Exit the program & restart it. Turn the "Main" power switch back on, log onto the program & go to the Machine section. Click on the "Change Cutter" button. Advance the spindle (the spindle should now come forward if it does not, contact us at (989) 354-5623). Click on the "Cancel" button. Click on the "Communication" button at the bottom left hand corner of the program. Click on the "Test Communications" button. The machine should re-home itself and be ready to cut another key.

If the cutter head will come out but the key vise does not move, exit the program & turn off the Main power switch on the machine. Try to manually push the key vise to the left approximately . The vise will move with some pressure placed on it to the left. Do not use a hammer or other tool to force the vise. Once the vise moves or so, restart the program & cut a key. The vise should re-home itself before proceeding with the key cutting cycle.

Problem: The display on the laptop is dark or not visible at all.

Possible Solutions:

1. The laptop has a contrast adjustment. This is usually a slide bar to the right of the screen. Move the slide bar back & forth until the display is visible. Instead of a slide bar, the contrast may be adjustable with the "Fn" key and another on the keyboard.

2. Be sure the power cord for the computer is plugged into a wall outlet. When plugged in, the computer should have a green light showing AC power on the display, or the LCD panel above the keyboard should indicate power (not all laptops have an LCD display). When the computer is turned on, you should hear the disk drive turning, as well as either a light or LCD indication that the computer is booting up. If there are no lights on the laptop or indicators on the display, contact Framon Manufacturing at (989) 354-5623.

3. If the computer has a battery backup, a poorly charged battery can occasionally cause the computer to not boot up. Locate and remove the battery from the computer.

Problem: Keys are being cut too deep.

Possible Solutions:

1. Check the X & Y home positions in the Machine section of the program. They are shown in a green bar with other machine settings. The numbers shown should correspond to the hand-written numbers in your manual. If they do not correspond, adjust the machine using the instructions in the manual.

2. The blank is being clamped in the machine incorrectly:

	ALL keys must be inserted to the back of the vise. If a blank is being held by the milling, they will be cut too deep. Make sure the blank is inserted to the back of the vise.
	If you have a problem with a key tipping in the vise, use a brass shim or paper clip along the milling to hold the key without tipping.
	The vise is reversible. The DOT side is for single sided keys (cut only on one side). The other side will hold almost any double-sided key without tipping.
	Click here to view a list of popular keys and how they should look when clamped in the vise.