Introduction

In some circumstances, a user may need to adjust the number of variables allocated on the controller. For example, your controller may be set up to allow the use of 128 position variables and your programs require 150. This document explains the procedure to adjust the number of different variable types you can use on the controller. 

The reference of 100 and 128 is how the controller comes as default from YEC. Controllers are shipped from YAI with variable allocation of 250. Increasing variable allocation results in a decrease of job memory allocation. This tradeoff is the reason why YAI doesn’t increase variable allocation more than our standard.

Note: Changing allocation initializes the JOB LIST, VAR.DAT, VAR NAMES, and all USER FRAMES! Carefully follow the entire procedure to backup all files before completing the adjustment. Afterwards, you can load the backed up files.

Procedure

1. Backup all Individual Files (Reference this article if you need assistance: Controller Backup Overview)
2. Boot the System into Maintenance Mode by holding the Main Menu key when powering on the system.
3. Change the security level to SAFETY
4. Select SYSTEM / SETUP
   
5. Move the cursor to OPTION FUNCTION and press SELECT.
   
6. Move the Cursor to VARIABLE ALLOCATION and press SELECT
   
7. Selecting the ++ & -- fields on the screen will adjust Byte, Integer, Double Real, & String allocation 50 per selection. Position, Base & Station will adjust 64 per selection. The range values may change as allocation changes. The controller has a finite amount of memory for variables.
   
8. You also have the option of directly inputting values by moving the cursor to the number column.
   
9. After allocation is complete, press ENTER. You will then be given a series of confirmation windows.
10. Select YES in the MODIFY window.
    
11. Select YES on the next three confirmation windows. 
    
    
    
12. Reboot the controller.
13. Load all JOBS, VAR.DAT, VARNAME.DAT, and UFRAME.CND files.