Data transfer questions...

[Reverend Turk]

I work for the government and they have recently cut us off from using thumb drives. This is how I usually transfer data to all our machines that way.

 

 

I now am looking at trying to get our opur machines hooked up via rs232 or something similar but I have no idea how to do this or who to talk too. We have three computers that will need to be hooked up to multiple machines.

 

First question is where would start for information on how to acheive this and the hardware needed.

 

Second question...is it possible to send just a drawing???

 

I get .dxf drawings sometimes that I need to bring into the waterjet. If not I have to redraw them using the waterjet software and that is not ideal for of the more complicated parts.

 

 

Any and all info I can get this on this would be great. As for right now we are limited to programming by hand at the machine.

[spade117]

You have to know what the machines are capable of in terms of transferring.

 

A lot of the newer machines have a compact flash drive.

[Mjölnir]

I would think most controls capable of reading a USB flash device would be Ethernet capable too and that is likely the best way go.

 

The first thing you need to do is find out how the control is capable of communicating. RS232? Ethernet? Both RS232 and Ethernet? Fanuc Data Server via Ethernet? Mylar Tape? Punch Cards? What?

[Mjölnir]

quote:

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A lot of the newer machines have a compact flash drive.

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The fellow just stated their use of these types of devices has been "cut off".

[KalCam]

Check this out

 

http://www.emastercam.com/ubb/ultimatebb.p...ic;f=1;t=032157

[Todd Tracey from Fastech]

Turk,

Call Carl Billhardt at FMS Tchnology in Worthington. 614-794-9169 We have him do a lot of communications stuff for customers. He can set you up with RS-232, or network to RS-232 Adaptors.

It isn't free though, speaking of you working at a govt. facility.

 

Give me a call if you wish!

[iowajim62]

How about the cheap route ? If it's OK you could get a USB Floppy Drive for each machine/PC and then you could transfer any files pretty quickly.

[Colin Gilchrist]

Predator DNC or Cimco DNC would be the best solution... Each one can come out and do all the integration for you.

[Guest]

to be gubberment aproved probly have to be a 5 1/4

usb floppy..lol

[Reverend Turk]

Yes they have been cut off. I currently have three ProtoTrak SMXs, two Anilams, a Haas TL-1 and Charmilles 290P. I will soon be getting a Haas VF-6.

[GURU2]

Turk,

The way I send/recieve programs is using easyDNCxp software(easydnc.net)on host computer,then hook up an "octupus"cable(blackbox.com)then run rs-232 cable from host computer to respectives machines,the software allows you to send to multiple machines from one computer.

 

MCX3

Mill3

Lathe1

Wire2

[htm01]

depends how much you want to spend, you can use mastercam to send and use a switch box or get cimco-dnc or similar,your re-seller should have options.

[Reverend Turk]

Wow..lots of different ideas. Thanks for the options and please, keep them coming.

[iowajim62]

another cheap route is to buy an older laptop and carry it out to the machines, also makes for a great backup system if your send/receive system goes down or quits working

[Ocean Lacky™]

Ethernet is the most convenient. We have 2 Mazaks and a Sharp/Fanuc get files transfered right into the control from my desk. Also have a Takumi/Mitsubishi and a Hurco that I send files to a PC out in the shop and drip feed using and old freeware Dnc program.

[Simtech]

Look into a cabled/wireless DNC system. A lot depends on how many machines, distances between PC and machines and also plans for futur expansion.

 

For now, you seem to have 8 machines (if my math is correct). RS-232 cabling from PC to machine should not exceed 300 ft. If using this type of cabling, I recommend using sheilded cabling to hinder any interference.

 

Another solution is putting an RS-232 HUB on the shop floor with RS-232 drop downs to each machine.

 

To combine Ethernet capable machines and some that might not have this capability, you could string Ethernet cables from your PC to a hub on the shop floor and from there ethernet cable to each machine. Moxa has some NPort5110 converters that will convert a TCP/IP address into a COM port. This will allow you to use standard cabling all across the shop.

 

We often use DIGI Acceleport XEM or CX modules for direct RS-232. You can also put in a PCI multiport card in the PC (Rocketport, Startech, ...).

 

Wireless is another route, instead of using ethernet cables you would use a wireless bridge ... and at the machine use the Moxa units.

 

As far as software is concerned, we are in a Mastercam forum so many are already use to using the Cimco Edit software supplied with Mastercam. Cimco DNc-Max will handle many transfer protocoles and needs pertaining to your transfer needs. Take a look at the documentation at there website http://www.cimco-software.com

 

If you need more info, send me an e-mail ...

 

Hope this helps ...

[Murray Mold]

quote:

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(if my math is correct). RS-232 cabling from PC to machine should not exceed 300 ft.

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Actually the length of cable changes with baud rate. It should be no more than 100 ft @ 9600 baud rate decreasing in length as baud rate increases.

Anyway, the gubment should have the coin to go wireless....if not, do ethernet.

[Reverend Turk]

You would be surprised with how much money they waste and yet I can't get somethign as simple as some new indexable tooling. It took me three years to get a proper welding table system in here...now I am fighting to try and spend money on indexable tooling and make a shift away from regular end mills.