The available CTA mode description does not confirm two independent counters. It describes one counter comparing the same accumulated encoder value with SET1 and SET2: OUT1 operates at SET1 for its configured duration, counting continues, and OUT2 operates at SET2 while the counter resets. Verify whether the exact CTA model can count OUT1 events internally before treating SET2 as a 20-mark batch counter.
Separate Distance and Batch Requirements
The application requires two distinct operations. The distance function must generate a short marking pulse every 150 mm while the encoder continues moving. The batch function must activate another output after 20 completed marks, after which an external sensor may reset both counts.
| Function | Required trigger | Required response |
|---|---|---|
| Mark spacing | Each accumulated 150 mm interval | Pulse the marking-cylinder output for approximately 50 ms and restart the interval measurement |
| Batch completion | 20 marking events | Activate a separate output |
| Batch reset | External sensor after the batch | Reset the encoder measurement and mark total |
What the Described CTA C Mode Establishes
According to the supplied mode description, the counter activates OUT1 for the configured time when its value reaches SET1. It then continues counting until SET2, where it activates OUT2 and resets the counter at the same time. This establishes two thresholds on one accumulating count; it does not establish that the device maintains an independent count of OUT1 activations.
There is also an unresolved behavior: the description confirms an OUT1 event at SET1 but does not confirm that OUT1 repeats at every additional SET1 interval. If the counter simply passes SET1 and continues toward SET2, it may produce only one OUT1 event per cycle. Confirm repetitive or stack-counting behavior in the manual for the exact CTA model.
Evaluate a Single-Counter Configuration
If C mode can issue OUT1 repeatedly at SET1-sized intervals while retaining a cumulative encoder total, SET2 can represent total batch length. For 20 marks spaced 150 mm apart, the required cumulative distance is:
Batch distance = mark spacing × number of marks
= 150 mm × 20
= 3000 mmThis approach uses SET2 as a 3000 mm distance threshold, not as an independent mark count of 20. Account for the desired first-mark position and reset position when determining whether the twentieth pulse coincides with 3000 mm; the evidence does not define that sequence.
Configuration Decision and Verification
- Apply the encoder scaling already established so the displayed count represents millimetres.
- Configure SET1 for the 150 mm marking interval and the OUT1 duration for the required short pulse, such as 50 ms.
- Check whether OUT1 repeats at each 150 mm interval without erasing the cumulative value used by SET2.
- If repetition is supported, configure SET2 from the required cumulative batch distance and verify that OUT2 coincides with the twentieth physical mark.
- If the CTA produces OUT1 only once, resets the entire count after each mark, or cannot count OUT1 events separately, use a separate counter or controller to count the marking pulses.
Verify the complete sequence at reduced speed: observe every OUT1 pulse, measure mark spacing, count the physical marks, confirm the OUT2 transition, and test the external reset. Do not rely only on the displayed encoder value because pulse timing and mechanical cylinder response also affect the physical mark position.
FAQ
Can a CTA counter count 150 mm intervals and 20 marks independently?
The evidence confirms SET1 and SET2 comparisons against one continuing count, but it does not confirm an independent internal counter for OUT1 events. Use a second counter if the exact model cannot count output activations or provide the required stack-counting sequence.
What should SET2 be for 20 marks spaced 150 mm apart?
If SET2 monitors cumulative distance and OUT1 repeats every 150 mm, the calculated batch distance is 3000 mm. Verify the first-mark and reset sequence before assigning that value.
Will CTA C mode pulse OUT1 every 150 mm automatically?
The supplied description confirms an OUT1 pulse when SET1 is reached and continued counting toward SET2, but it does not confirm repeated OUT1 pulses. Check the operating-mode diagram for the exact CTA model and prove the sequence during a reduced-speed test.
