Charmhigh CHM-T36VA User manual

长沙常衡机电设备有限公司
http://www.charmhigh.net
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Automatic Chip Mounter
（CHM-T36VA）
Operating Manual
2016

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Table of Contents
1. REVISION HISTORY................................................................................................................4
2. INSTALL THE MACHINE ........................................................................................................4
3. PRODUCT LIST........................................................................................................................4
4. HARDWARE REQUIREMENTS AND COMPATIBLE SOFTWARE.................................5
4.1. HARDWARE REQUIREMENTS.....................................................................................................5
4.2. COMPATIBLE SOFTWARE...........................................................................................................5
5. NOTICES....................................................................................................................................5
6. TECHNICAL PARAMETERS..................................................................................................6
7. GLOSSARY AND SOFTWARE PARAMETERS..................................................................6
8. MECHANICAL STRUCTURE.................................................................................................8
9. BOOTING THE MACHINE......................................................................................................9
10. RUN...........................................................................................................................................10
10.1. EDIT WORK FILE ................................................................................................................10
10.1.1. Component.............................................................................................................. 11
10.1.2. Feeder......................................................................................................................14
10.1.3. IC Tray......................................................................................................................19
10.1.4. Batch ........................................................................................................................20
10.1.5. PCB ..........................................................................................................................22
10.2. LOAD WORK FILE...............................................................................................................23
11. DIAGNOSTICS........................................................................................................................24
12. SET............................................................................................................................................25
12.1. SYSTEM SET.......................................................................................................................26
12.2. VACUUM DETECTION SET...................................................................................................29
12.3. BACKUP/RESTORE..............................................................................................................30
13. FILES........................................................................................................................................30
13.1. GENERATING THE CSV FILE...............................................................................................31
13.1.1. Altium Designer.......................................................................................................31
13.1.2. Protel........................................................................................................................33
13.2. FILE CONVERT....................................................................................................................36
13.2.1. Feeders....................................................................................................................38
13.2.2. Components............................................................................................................38
13.2.3. Batch ........................................................................................................................39
14. LOG...........................................................................................................................................40
15. SYSTEM LOG.........................................................................................................................41

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16. FEEDER HARDWARE...........................................................................................................42
17. NOZZLE HARDWARE...........................................................................................................44
18. PCB CLAMPS.........................................................................................................................44
19. WORK FLOW..........................................................................................................................45
20. MAINTENANCE......................................................................................................................46
21. WARRANTY ............................................................................................................................46

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1. Revision History
No.
Date
Description
Version
1
2016-06-01
Create document
V1.0
CHM-T36VA_UserManual_OpenSource1p0
This revision document is a user-contributed translation of the user manual by a native
English speaker that is hopefully clearer than the original CharmHighV1.0. Names have
been changed to be more intuitively obvious, consistent across the functions and
compatible with industry jargon. Menus are based on software version 3615. New menu
descriptions have been created in the file smt_English_OpenSource1p0.qm, which can be
renamed to smt_English.qm and copied into the SmtMain folder for use by the SmtMain
control program.
2. Install the Machine
Open the packing cases, take out the SMT machine and place it on a strong
table;
Check if the machine is in good condition and the product list. If you have any
questions, please contact us;
Please read this manual carefully before use the SMT machine;
If there are any problems in use, you are welcome to contact us.
3. Product List
No.
Parts
Quantity
Remarks
1
SMT machine
1
-
2
nozzles
4
503,504,505,506
3
USB flash disk
1
8G
4
power cord
1
-

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4. Hardware Requirements and Compatible Software
4.1. Hardware Requirements
All equipment is built-in. An external control computer is needed for the CHM-T36VA
model.
It is recommended the machine be placed on a sturdy table or floor. Strong room
lights may degrade the visual alignment system.
4.2. Compatible Software
CSV input files are compatible with Protel99se andAltium Designer.
5. Notices
(1) Keep the machine away from humidity and dust, otherwise may cause electric
shock or fire;
(2) Do not place the machine in the platform of instability or tilted, otherwise the
vibration of the machine when working may lead to lower precision, even personal
injury caused by overturned;
(3) Don't disassembling machine, or may be led to the decrease of the accuracy or
machine damage;
(4) Don't use hand to touch the moving parts, otherwise it may damage the machine
or cause personal injury;
(5) New machine components containing volatile substances, it need to maintain
good ventilation in the first few days using;
(6) The power cord can only be used for the machine, otherwise may damage the
other electrical appliances;
(7) Ensure the power supply meet machine nominal requirements;
(8) Ensure the power supply socket with good grounding;
(9) Keep the machine away from flammable and explosive goods;
(10) Place the nozzles and other small accessories in out of the reach of infants and
young children;
(11) Don't let the pull needle in the stretched state for a long time, or it could be
damaged;
(12) Don't put machine direct exposure to sunlight or bright light, otherwise may cause
the machine precision reduce or damage to the machine.

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6. Technical Parameters
model
CHMT36VA
PCB area
10mm×10mm～355mm×355mm
X, Y axis stroke
400×460mm
Z axis stroke
15mm
number of nozzles
2
feeders
ordinary feeders 29 pcs, front bulk IC tray 14 pcs
visual support
dual cameras
Motor drive
Closed-loop servo high-voltage drive system
(Ensures the accuracy of operation)
Z axis back position
detection
Yes
Pull needle auto return
Yes
Leak detection method
Vacuum detection, Vision detection
System
Windows 7
need external air pump
No (built-in mute air pump)
need external PC
Yes
power supply
220V(110V), 50Hz
power
250W
weight
65Kg
volume of packaging
0.41m3
7. Glossary and Software Parameters
Component electrical part placed on PCB
Component ID software identification number
Component height used to program displacement of nozzle
Component size used for visual centering system
Component skip used for no component placement
Component designator PCB silkscreen identification
Component comment information used to sort into feeders
Component place offset offset for all components during place operation
Feeder mechanism to hold parts and advance tape, or tray position
Feeder physical location number
Feeder ID software identification number
Feeder advance length of tape pull for advancing to next part
Feeder speed speed of tape pull
Feeder needle located on head, used to pull feeder tape
IC tray integrated circuit tray; fixed at front or user-defined at back

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Nozzle part that holds component with vacuum suction
Nozzle nozzle section 1 or 2 when picking part
Pick picking up component at feeder
Pick angle part orientation in tape, normally in 90 degree increments
Pick offset x and y offset of nozzle at pick up
Pick mode selects normal or dual (nozzle) placement mode
Vision centering enable vision system to center component
Vacuum checks vacuum indicates part picked up
Place placing down component on PCB
Place speed head movement speed
Place angle angle of component part on PCB
Place coordinate location of component part on PCB
Calibrate calibrating the machine’s positioning systems
Calibrate cameras centers x-y stage coordinate system to cameras
Calibrate component fine tunes alignment of components
Calibrate feeder fine tunes position of feeders
Calibrate PCB finds position of 2 or 3 points on PCB
Calibrate cameras centers Up Camera to Down Camera
Calibrate nozzle centers nozzle in vision system
Up Camera used to measure offset of component center with vision
Down Camera used to align feeder and PCB
Up Light corresponding light
Down Light corresponding light
Head part with nozzles, down camera and needle for tape pull
Origin reset send head to front-left to reset origin via limit switches
Home send head to back-right position (for loading)
Batch making a panelized array for multiple PCBs
PCB ID batch number identification for multiple PCBs
Step step number when placing components
\toggle indicator for toggling function, turn on/off

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8. Mechanical Structure
The figure below shows the machine layout as a whole.
Figure 8.1. Description of machine systems.
(1) Nozzle: Machine supports two nozzles, used for picking up components. Nozzle
1 is on the left and nozzle 2 on the right;
(2) Pull needle for feeder advance: Used to advance tape through the feeders.
Don’t let the needle be in a stretched state for a long time or it could be damaged;
(3) Down Camera: Used for observing the feeders, PCB or components;
(4) Up camera: Vision centering used for calibrating the components position and
angle to improve placement accuracy;
(5) IC tray (PCB) clamping area: Used for mounting a user-supplied IC tray;
(6) PCB clamping area: Used for fixing PCB. Use the PCB stop on the left, with
spring clamp on the top;
(7) Feeders: Feeds tapes of component parts for nozzle for pick up.
(8) Belt receiving wheel: Used for collecting cover film after separated from tape;
(9) Tape placing area: Used for placing tape and reels;
(10) IC Tray: Fixed tray used for placing larger ICs;
(11) USB interface: Used for connecting the USB storage device;
(12) Emergency stop switch: Emergency stop when pressed down. Normal
operation when rotated clockwise and pushed out;
tape placeing area
nozzle
pull needle
ordinary meterial stack
Belt receiving wheel
IC tray(PCB)clamping area down camera
power
PCB clamping area
up camera emergency stop
power switch
IC material stack

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(13) Power switch: Turn on this switch to boot software. When shutting down, first
close the software and then turn off this switch.
9. Booting the Machine
Turn on the power switch and then run the “SmtMain”program. If camera device not
connected, close software, power down, unplug/plug USB cable and then turn on again.
Wait for the machine to load the operating system, self-check and perform an origin
reset. When the machine start is complete, the display screen is shown below.
Figure 9.1. Top-level window, showing high-level functions.
(1) Alarm: Located upper left. View current alarm and cause;
(2) Run: Load working files and running the machine;
(3) Diagnostics: Diagnostic tests of module functions;
(4) Set: Set various parameters of the machine;
(5) Job Statistics: View the job record information;
(6) System Logs: View the system log;
(7) Files: Manage and convert work files.

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10.Run
The machine needs to select a work file to run. From the main screen, click on the
“Run”button to display the following screen, where the work file can be selected.
Figure 10.1. Window after “Run”, showing work files.
(1) Work file list: The middle of the screen lists existing work files “*.dpv”. Click to
select the work file. The single or double arrows on the right are used to select a
previous line or page;
(2) New: Create a new work file;
(3) Delete: Delete the selected work file;
(4) Edit: Edit the selected work file;
(5) Load: Load the selected work file to run;
(6) Back: Click left arrow button on the upper right corner of the screen to return to
the previous level window. All windows behave similarly;
10.1. Edit Work File
The work-file edit window can edit component, feeder, batch, IC tray and PCB
calibration, as chosen by the tabs.

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Figure 10.2. Window after “Run / Edit / Component tab”, listing components.
10.1.1. Component
The screen shown above is used for managing individual components in PCB. It
shows a list of all components in the selected work file. The rows are color coded:
Gray skip component;
White vacuum checks disabled and vision centering disabled;
Orange vacuum checks enabled and vision centering disabled;
Green vacuum checks disabled and vision centering enabled;
Purple vacuum checks enabled and vision centering enabled;
(1) Add: Add a component to the end of the list;
(2) Insert: Insert a new component before the currently selected row;
(3) Delete: Delete the selected component;
(4) Edit: Edits the selected component, see below for details;
(5) Save: If you edit a component in the list, the save button will flash. This indicates
information has not yet been saved; click to save and stop flashing;
10.1.1.1. Edit
The component edit screen is shown below.

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Figure 10.3. Window for editing components.
(1) Component ID: Set the Component ID number. This number is unique and
cannot repeat in the same work file;
(2) Feeder: Set the feeder number (location) of this component. When specifying a
new feeder, the feeders list will automatically add a new entry;
(3) Place speed: Sets the placement speed, in range 50%-100%. Speed of 0 is
equivalent to 100%. 50% reduces speed, which can improve accuracy;
(4) Component height: Set component height. Default is 0.5 mm, corresponding to
typical resistor thickness.Adjust also for board thickness. Larger values move
the nozzle upwards. The nozzle displacement depends on height for the pick
operation at the IC tray and place on the PCB, but not during the feeder pick and
vision. Height must be less than 5 mm.
(5) Place angle: Set placement rotation angle of component on PCB.
Counterclockwise is positive, clockwise is negative;
(6) Component designator: Designator on silkscreen, such as R1, C2, U1 etc.
Here, the text “Component comment” is in error and needs to get fixed;
(7) Nozzle: Selects pick-up nozzle 1 or 2;
(8) Place coordinate X\Y: Placement component location on PCB in X\Y, typically
imported from EDA software;
(9) ✗=Place component, ✔= Skip component: Normally use ✗to place parts;
(10) Vacuum checks: When checked, measures if vacuum is sufficient to indicate
the pick-up of a component. If not, attempts to pick a 2nd time. If still fails, tape is

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advanced and pick attempted 2 times.After tape is advanced 2 times (3 positions
with 6 tries total) with insufficient vacuum, the machine will alarm and stop. It is
suggested to uncheck this function when mounting expensive or difficult parts,
such as cylindrical components;
(11) Vision centering: When checked, the center position of a component will be
measured with the vision system to improve placement precision;
(12) Calibrate: Opens an additional window to align the component;
10.1.1.2. Component Calibrate
The component coordinate for placement is normally assigned by software when
importing the CSV file. Amore accurate alignment can be made by checking align
component, which sets the position on the PCB using the down camera or nozzle. Its
window is shown below.
Figure 10.4. Visual alignment for components. Here shown after component placement to
check for placement accuracy.
(1) X\Y: The component coordinate offsets are displayed in the upper left;
(2) Move: The four arrows move the head. The central button toggles the speed,
which displays either the high or low (H/L) setting;
(3) Set: Saves the current X\Y location as the component coordinate;
(4) Close: Closes the window;
(5) Nozzle\Vision: Clicking this button toggles between nozzle and vision mode.

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Additional commands for the two modes are:
(6) Vision mode: The center of the down-camera image is moved to the component
coordinate. The image is displayed on the right. Move the image until the
crosshairs are centered on the component.
i. Enlarge: Toggles between a normal and zoomed-in image;
ii. Find Target: Locates the component center automatically. The algorithm
searches from the image center outward, and the first closed graph is
identified as the target and marked with a red rectangle. This target, typically
a silk-screen pattern, must image cleanly and be closed. Positioning with the
silk screen is not always accurate, so the alignment should also be checked
manually with the footprint.
iii. Auto Center: Move to the center of target if target was captured;
(7) Nozzle mode: The selected nozzle is placed at the component coordinate. No
image is shown.
i. Nozzle 1\2 down: When pressing this button, the nozzle moves down to the
PCB. This is used for manual alignment of the nozzle to the pad;
Figure 10.5. Visual alignment for nozzle.
10.1.2. Feeder
User information for setting up a job is typically entered in the feeder tab, which
defines what feeders the parts come from. The screen shown below is used to manage

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the feeder information. Changing feeder parameters make global changes to all
components associated to that feeder.
Here, when function descriptions are the same as in components tab, it is left blank.
Figure 10.6. Window after “Run” / “Edit” / Feeder tab, listing feeders.
(1) Feeder: Displays feeder information from work file. Note, all feeder information is
not displayed in this list, but can be accessed from Edit;
(2) Add: Add a new row to the end of the list;
(3) Insert: Insert a new row before the present selected row;
(4) Delete: Delete selected row. Note that all components using this feeder in the
component list will also be deleted;
(5) Edit: Edit selected material stack, as shown as below;
(6) Modify ID: Changes feeder number.
When changing parameters in this feeder list, all components having the same feeder
number will change.
(1) Feeder: Set current feeder number. This value cannot repeat. The numbers

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Figure 10.7. Window for editing feeders.
should be assigned by the user according to feeder type:
1-29: feeder tapes, at side of machine;
60-74: fixed IC tray, at front of machine;
80-99: user supplied IC tray, placed in PCB area;
(2) Pick offset X\Y: Offset used to center nozzle to component at feeder;
(3) Component height:
(4) Place speed:
(5) Component size X\Y: Size of feeder component (in mm), used for vision
centering. Nominal value 0 is used for auto detection of size;
(6) Nozzle:
(7) Pick angle: Defines orientation angle of part being picked up, typically in
90-degree increments. Counterclockwise position is positive;
(8) Component comment: Component annotation (such as C0.1uF-0805), used by
this software to sort into feeder numbers;
(9) Feeder advance: Distance between two successive components in the tape,
units in mm. Typically set to 4, 8 or 12 mm;
(10) Feeder speed: Speed of tape advance, 0 nominal;
(11) ✗=Place component, ✔= Skip component:
(12) Vacuum checks:
(13) Vision centering:
(14) Calibrate: Similar in function to calibrate component, which opens another

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window to align the feeder system. Details in next section;
(15) Pick offsets used: Text in red, when option chosen in set parameters window.
10.1.2.1. Feeder Calibrate
The feeder alignment must be checked every job since the tape is installed by hand
and the tape holes must be in the correct location for the needle pull operation. After
clicking align feeder, the head moves to the chosen feeder and an image is displayed from
the down camera.
Vision mode: First, use the camera image to align, by hand, the tape hole (red circle)
against the feeder edge (blue line), as shown below. This gives an initial alignment of the
pull needle to the pull hole, which is good enough for a tape pull.
Figure 10.8. Image from down camera to align feeders.
Nozzle mode: By clicking the “Nozzle”button, the image will disappear and the
nozzle will be centered over the component. Click the “pull needle” icon just below the Y
coordinate to move the needle to the hole, lower the needle, and advance the, tape for a
distance given by feeder advance parameter. This checks the advance operation and
afterwards gives a more accurate machine alignment of the pull needle to the pull hole.

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Figure 10.9. Window to advance the tape with the pull needle. “Needle advance” button is the
icon just below the Y:0.02 text.
Vision mode: By clicking on the “vision”button, the image again appears. The arrow
buttons can now be used to accurately center the image crosshairs over the component in
the tape. Clicking “set”stores the pick offset parameters, which can be seen on the edit
page after closing this window.
Figure 10.10.Window to align nozzle to feeder for the pick operation.

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10.1.3. IC Tray
The IC tray is used to pick-up components in the back PCB area of the machine, with
locations defined by the user. The coordinates follow a sequence from left to right and
front to back. The following window shows the pickup sequence. The IC tray list will be
populated automatically if the feeder number is between 80 to 99.
Figure 10.11. Window after “Run / Edit / IC tray tab”, for listing IC trays.
The edit commands, see below, are
(1) Feeder: IC tray number
(2) First IC center X\Y: IC center coordinate in the left bottom of IC array. The
number can be input manually or determine by location;
(3) Last IC center X\Y: IC center coordinate in the top right of IC array;
(4) Number X\Y: number of components in X\Y direction;
(5) Start IC: ICs are numbered (starting from 0) from left to right and down to top. If
the start IC number is set, the ICs with number smaller than the start IC will be
skipped.

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Figure 10.12. Window for editing batch parameters.
Note that the IC tray should not be put on the top of fixture pillar or the pull needle
may run into IC tray and be damaged. The figure below shows how to clamp properly.
Figure 10.13. Photograph of user IC tray and method for proper clamping.
10.1.4. Batch
Batch enables the population of a number of identical PCBs on the same PCB panel,
which can then be cut apart after manufacture. Only one component list is needed for
each sub-board. Note that each PCB must be parallel to each other.