DNC Issue

[Bob W.]

I am running several parts DNC via MS Window's Hyperterminal and after a few hours it stops sending code. This is bad news because I need to run these parts lights out over the next few days to get them done. Any ideas as to how I can fix this?

 

The mill has its own dedicated computer whose sole purpose is to send the code. It sits about 4' from the RS232 port and is connected via a Predator cable. Are some of the DNC programs more stable at this sort of thing? Are there demos I can download so I can get these done?

 

Thanks,

Bob

[Jim at Gentex]

quote:

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after a few hours it stops sending code

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HMMMMMMMMMMMM

 

Does it help to reboot the PC when this happens?

(The infamous MS 'three-finger-salute' )

 

To fix it permanently, I would suggest looking into Cimco DNC Max. I ran 2 CNC's via DNC with RS232 cable for years using the DNC Max software and had no problems. It's relatively inexpensive and the tech support is usually handled through your Mastercam reseller so it's really a win / win scenario.

[MACHINEMASTERG]

had a similar problum once on our laptop it was set to go into sleep mode after so long it didnt show up on fast jobs but those long jobs it poped up and bite me

[3R!< W3NG3R]

We also had a problem with sleep mode, hard drives turning off, ect...

We found that for overnight programs, the only thing safe to let windows turn off is the monitors.

[Anthony CIMCO]

Bob,

 

First, make sure that you don't have any "utilities" set up to run overnight. (Many virus programs are scheduled to run complete scans at 1am, 2am, etc.) While the possibility of a scan or some other routine utility causing problems with your OS is low, it is a possibility you should investigate. Another example, and one that could actually cause problems, is that of automated backup utils/apps. These can often cause disk access speed to slow dramatically, CPU usage to shoot to 100%, and other results that could affect the stability of DNC (drip-feed/spoon-feed transfers as opposed to short "loaded into memory" transmissions.

 

One other thing, can you reproduce the problem? Does it always happen at a certain time? Does it always happen when you have two or three transfers going, or just three, etc.?

 

/ start of shameless plug /

 

Of course, you could d/l our editor and try it for free for 30-days and see if that fixes your problem. You can request a license for a 3-port version too. Give us or MCAM NW a call.

 

/ end of shameless plug /

[Bob W.]

Okay, I downloaded and installed a Cimco demo but I can't get it to communicate with my Mill (Haas VF2). The Com port settings are correct so what gives? There are numerous settings for transmit and I don't have a clue what any of them mean.

 

Bob

[Ying Jiang]

HAAS machines are very easy to setup:

 

1. Set the HAAS controller to 19200, Even, 7, 1, Software Handshake (Xon/Xoff) or DC code if you want to use "wait for Xon" function.

 

2. Set CIMCO Edit or DNC-Max to 19200, Even, 7, 1, Software Handshake (Xon/Xoff). (Turn on "wait for Xon" if you like).

 

You might already know, if "wait for Xon" is turned on, you have to send the file from the software side first then hit "read" or "cycle start (for DNC)" from CNC side.

 

3. Turn off the COM port FIFO buffer and restart the PC then you should be good to go.

 

Give your local CIMCO dealer a call if you need more details.

 

Good luck!

[Bob W.]

Well, I have the settings as such and when I run the program I get an error "rs232 buffer overload" or something to that effect.

 

So for flow control...

 

Enable DTR?

Enable RTS?

 

Advanced Port settings...

 

Check Parity?

 

Any ideas?

 

Thanks,

Bob