COMMUNICATION TO PROTOTRAK PROBLEMS

[Chips Ahoy]

I am have trouble communicating to my Prototrak mx3 and mx2. I use Mastercam communicator. I can recieve to my p/c but can't transmit back. I have not try communicating before with these machines. So I don't know if the machine configuration is set right. Baud rate 4800 / Stop bit 1 / data bit 7 / Parity even / Anything else I should know??

[Keith Graydon]

Hi Ricky,

I called my friend Steve down the hall 'cuz he uses a Prototak MX3. Steve sez:

Use the Cimco Editor loader. setup a new machine profile using the same baud,stop bits and parity that you described, then....

In the DNC setup dialog got to MACHINE TYPE:

try setting it to:

 

Generic ISO.

 

If your getting data into th PC then the com port must be right.

 

HTH

KLG

 

[ 03-05-2002, 03:55 PM: Message edited by: Keith Graydon ]

[Michael Reynolds]

Hi Ricky!

 

We have 2 MX2's, and I was under the impression that you had to buy an add on to MX2's in order communicate from a pc to them. Am I wrong?? If I am, let me know soos I can download too!

 

Thanks!!

 

Mike R.

[Charles Davis]

Been a while, but as I recall you want to make sure the file has a .cam extension, and the program is numbers only (no letters), and limit ti 8 digits.

[KMaynard]

Charles,

 

The MX3 post in mastercam will work for both MX2 and MX3 and outputs a simple G-code..

 

As far as the comminucations issues.. Mike I know you need to purchase a dongle to do DNC on a prototrack but I don't think you need to upgrade anything to just send ..

[Chips Ahoy]

Thanks guys for your input.

Mike: Yes there are two post in the Mastercam post file mprotmx2 & mprotmx3.

 

Charles: You can have a .mx2 or a .cam depending on the button you push to recieve at the machine. No letters and only 8 #s max is right.

 

Keith: I haven't tried Cimco editor before but if I have to I will next week. I want to be able to do some difficult profiles on these machines and bring them out of the stone age also.

 

I talked to a man at Southwester Ind. and he said he would fax the step by step process to me Monday so I could get it going.(this past Monday ) I am going to pick-up a rs-232 mini tester tomorrow to be sure my cable is correct. Thanks again, Rick

[mikee]

We have two of these controls, one 3 axis, the other a 2 axis. The 2 axis requires a feed on each line, but the 2 axis post only will give me a F0. I looked at the logic in the pst. It looks right but its not working

Any Ideas?

 

Mikee

[KenNelson]

Hi Ricky:

 

Here's the db-25 cable pinouts that work for all controls in our shop:

 

2-------------3

3-------------2

4,5 4,5 (jumper these)

6,8,20 6,8,20 (jumper these)

7-------------7 (optional)

 

There are many variations on this (I'm sure a lot of people will chime in),

but this works, even though a number of folks have come in and said it will not.

 

Hope this helps

 

Ken Nelson (Pebcak Specialist)

 

By the way, our Prototrak MX 2s have db-25 plugs on the back of the control.