Sorry for the "spam" of the Predator. I was not trying to change the thread. Just wanted to make sure you know your options....

I am not sure the cost of CIMCO and the "DNC-B" option add-on, but Predator DNC includes the Okuma A and B protocol at no additional charge. It was designed to replace the "OKDNC" at a fraction of the cost. Predator's solution is $700 and includes the solution for the OKUMA DNC-B and CNC Editor as well. If you want to try it MANO, just download it from our site and I will get you a license key.

Have you looked at the Predator Virtual CNC product? This supports 5 axis part and machine simulation. Cost is about $1K per axis, for a complete package you are looking at $11K. www.predator-software.com for trials.

DNC-B is some special protocol, and probably will require special handshake. Does the Cimco Edit have this built-in? I know with Predator DNC, you have a normal send to CNC, using Xon/Xoff, but then you also have DNC-B send using a Okuma B protocol. Okuma sells a package for about $1200-$1500 to do this. Alot of Okuma customers who have paid for the DNC-B Board/Port ($3-5K), don't want to sink another $1K+ from Okuma for their software. Predator is a less expensive option because they have the protocol built-in. Maybe that is the issue...

As an alternative, you can use Predator CNC Editor as well to back plot any G-code. This works for 2 axis turning, 3-5 axis milling. Running just the G-code will give you a wire-frame backplot. If you provide tooling and stock details, you can see a solid model. We have a MasterCAM user special, $300 for the full version, normally $500. For more details and trial: http://www.shopfloorautomations.com/cnceditor.php

Just when I though Cimco was removed from the US, he is alive Welcome back Anthony!

Glen, Predator takes 4 clicks to select the comm port settings in the Predator DNC Networking Software. Right Click on Comm Port Terminator, Select Propterties, Select Baud Rate, and Select Finish. It is even less in the Predator CNC Editor. Hope that helps...

Most laptops only have USB or PCMCIA slots now. As Cadcam mentioned, USB to serial can be problematic because of driver issues under Windows XP. Most manufacturers developed the drivers for Win2000 and converted them into Windows XP, without making the real changes. When using printers, digital cameras, video camers, mice, it all works fine. Try with a CNC, and you could miss the "+, - , or ." sign and have a bad accident and scrapped part. We have found a great PCMCIA card that works and sells for $130 and provides the standard DB9 serial port needed to connect to any CNC. Works with any communication software.

Predator can also deliver the same results as DNCMax and Multi-DNC (or is it Spectrum)? Look at our website for details on the Predator DNC Networking Product.

As for Predator, it has been drip feeding to Haas CNCs since 1994. Nothing has changed and Collin is right on.

The simple solution, add more communication ports to your PC. 4 CNCs, get 4 available comm ports. We have a PCI card that can go inside your PC, it adds 2 serial comm ports, DB9. Place two of these cards in your PC, you now have 4 comm ports. Cost = $100 total. Mastercam has built-in DNC Softare depending on the version, it maybe Cimco or their own. Any of them works, but make sure you can configure 4 comm ports. We sell Predator DNC, it works like all the rest but the support and solutions down the road is what makes the difference. Plus, it is made in the U.S.A.!

CADEM? This is a company overseas if not mistaken... Support, service, upgrades, existing years with the product being released....all questions to be raised. Interesting!

Chris, I am not sure what you mean by "batch" uploading.... But, Predator DNC can send mulitple files at one time to the CNC. For example, you can select any order / # of files, and send them to the CNC. Depending on the Comm Port settings, their is a WAIT setting called Program or Conversation. When set to "program", it will stop after each NC program and the operator gets to press READ each time to get the next file. If set to "conversation", then they all go in as one big file. Predator Desktop, has scheduling built-in where you can decide which files, when and how many time. This is used alot in sheet metal shops. If you need help with the trial, give me a call if you not already working with a reseller. We are a Predator Service Center and Distributor in California.

Hi Eric, Depending on your requirements, Predator has two products that would do the job. Look at Predator Travelers Xpress and also their full blown page. The Xpress package is about $5K for an Admin Seats and easy to get started. Fully upgradable to the Full blown seat later. I noticed you are in Canada and their should be a few dealers their to help you.

The Machinist Tool Box has a great speeds and feeds chart / calculator. The application works on a PC, PALM or even Mobile PC Phones. For free trial: http://www.shopfloorautomations.com/machinist_tool_box.php