Optional functions on Yaskawa robots are advanced or special functions in addition to standard functions. They usually require additional purchase or activation. These functions can enhance the robot’s capabilities and enable it to perform more complex or specific tasks. When purchasing a robot, it is important to understand which functions are standard and which need to be purchased as options. Optional functions may require additional hardware or software support, so make sure that all necessary components are installed before activation. If the robot needs to have additional optional functions after it leaves the factory or is an old robot, you can activate them by using a dongle (also called a license key or software protector).
To enable option functions for Yaskawa robots using a dongle, first, ensure the dongle is properly connected to the robot controller. Then, power on the robot and access the system using a teach pendant. Log in with appropriate management – level credentials. Navigate to the system settings menu, where you’ll find an option – enabling section. Insert the dongle into the designated port. The system will automatically detect it and display available option functions. Select the functions you want to enable, and confirm the selection. Once done, the chosen options will be activated for use in your Yaskawa robot operations.
1 How to use
(1) Get a dongle
The dongle contains authorization, which is used to enter the robot’s special management authority – Yaskawa mode. In Yaskawa mode, in addition to activating various optional functions, it can also be used to modify the robot ladder diagram, etc. You can reply to Yaskawa mode in the background to get more information about the dongle.
(2) Connect the dongle and connect the dongle to the USB port of the teach pendant.
(3) Press and hold [Main Menu] in the off state and turn on the machine to enter maintenance mode.
(4) After booting up, select [Settings] in [System], find [Date/Time], and change the system time to the specified date.
(5) Enter [System] – [Safe Mode], press and hold [Interlock] on the teach pendant and then click [Select].
(6) Enter the password of the dongle and enter Yaskawa mode. After successfully entering, the information bar displays “Y”. After opening the options, you can change the time back to the current time.
(7) If the time is not restored, you can enter [System Information] – [Safe Mode] again after normal booting to enter Yaskawa mode.
2 Option activation
(1) Click [System] and select [Settings]
(2) Select [Option Function]
(3) Select the corresponding option function required for the project and select [Use]
(4) Select [Yes] to make changes
(5) Verify the function and test the option function to ensure that it has been correctly activated and works properly.
3 Notes
Before changing parameters, it is a critical step to back up the original parameters. Since parameter changes pose the risk of causing unknown system behavior, retaining the original settings can avoid the problem of not being able to restore to the initial state when the operation fails or is not ideal. This is a basic practice to reduce operational risks and ensure production continuity.
When using a dongle to enable optional functions, make sure you understand all the requirements and limitations of the enabled functions and how to use them correctly. If you are unsure of certain steps, it is best to consult a professional or refer to the robot’s user manual.
In short, modifying the internal parameters of Yaskawa robots is a job that requires highly professional skills and strict operating procedures. It not only requires the operator to have the corresponding authority and expertise, but also requires extremely high caution and strict testing standards throughout the process. Only in this way can the stable operation of the robot system and the improvement of production efficiency be ensured.