11.14. Subroutine and subprograms call (all machines)
The simulator can call both subroutines and subprograms. Subroutines are written in the same CNC program file as the calling mother program while subprograms are written in separate files.
General rules:
You can call subroutines (within the same program) and subprograms (separate file on disk) using either M98 or M97 using the same syntax.
A subprogram can start with either N or O. Both codes are supported as a subprogram number.
Repetitions can be given using the L word or as the first digits of the P word (last four digits are always program number).
If a subroutine number is missing in the program, the simulator will attempt to find a disk file with the format O####.cnc in the same folder as the main program or in the user-defined CNC folder.
A subprogram can also be called with the alternative syntax M98 “mySubProgram.cnc” L…
Return from subprograms and subroutines can be done with either M17 or M99.
The L word is optional. If omitted, one call will be executed only.
Some examples:
Single call to the subroutine, no repeats
M98 P1000
O1000
M17 (or M99)
Standard call to the subroutine, repeating 4 times
M98 P1000 L4
Call to the subroutine on block N555, repeating 2 times
N100 M98 P555 L2
N555 ….
N565 M17 (or M99)
Call to subroutine with repeats in the P address
M98 P51001 (Call O1001 five times)
O1001
M17 (or M99)
Calling subprograms
If a subroutine within the same program is missing, the simulator will look for a separate program on disk.
M98 O1099 L2
If there is no O1099 or N1099 in the program, the block above will call subprogram O1099.cnc
Filename syntax
M98 “DrillHoles.cnc” L2
The block above will look for subprogram DrillHoles.cnc in the same folder as the main program, or in the user-defined CNC programs folder.
Please remember to end all subprograms with either M17 or M99 for execution to continue in the main program.
