Robotics in Manufacturing

Mastering & calibration

Mastering After Battery Loss

For a technician recovering after a BZAL or BLAL condition on the pulsecoder batteries. BLAL means power on and replace the battery soon. BZAL means the position count is lost and the robot must be remastered after clearing $MCR.$SPC_RESET and performing a pulse reset.

Intermediate~40 min8 steps
  1. Step 1.

    Replace the batteries with power on

    Swap the pulsecoder batteries in the robot-base battery box with the controller powered so the position count is not lost during the swap. For BLAL, this alone is often enough.

    Caution: Keep clear of the arm during the swap. Do not open the controller cabinet for this task.

  2. Step 2.

    Check the alarm state

    If only BLAL was present and the swap was done with power on, a power cycle may clear it. If BZAL is present, the position count is lost and mastering will be required.

  3. Step 3.

    Clear BZAL with $MCR.$SPC_RESET

    For BZAL, go to System, Variables, find $MCR.$SPC_RESET and set it TRUE. The system will clear the BZAL state.

  4. Step 4.

    Perform a pulse reset

    Run PULSE RESET as documented for the controller. This prepares the pulsecoder for remastering.

  5. Step 5.

    Jog to the mastering position and remaster

    In T1 low speed with the deadman held, jog to the mastering position for the method you plan to use. If a valid quick master reference exists, run Quick Master. Otherwise use the appropriate mastering method for the situation.

    Caution: Keep the cell clear and stay out of the work envelope while jogging.

  6. Step 6.

    Calibrate and power-cycle

    Run CALIBRATE from Master/Cal, then restart the controller so the mastering takes effect.

  7. Step 7.

    Verify against a known point

    Move to a saved production position at low speed and confirm accuracy before returning to service.

  8. Step 8.

    Back up the new mastering data

    On the pendant, go to File, press F4 BACKUP, and save System files. SYSMAST.SV holds the mastering data.

Common questions

How long does Mastering After Battery Loss take?
Mastering After Battery Loss is rated Intermediate and takes about 40 minutes across 8 steps.
What tools do I need?
You will need Teach pendant, New pulsecoder batteries matched to the robot's spec.
What should I do before starting?
BLAL or BZAL alarm has appeared.. Fresh batteries on hand.. Access to System Variables and Master/Cal on the pendant..
What is the first step?
Replace the batteries with power on. Swap the pulsecoder batteries in the robot-base battery box with the controller powered so the position count is not lost during the swap. For BLAL, this alone is often enough.

Attribution

Procedure steps on this page are checked against the site's editorial safety rules and manufacturer-manual sourcing standards.

Last reviewed: 2026-07-21.

Edited by Mike Ramsey / Reliable Media.Editorial process