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

We have been selling PDA Connect since June 2005 which was previously known as Serial Go. Vista Software is the developer and SFA is the exclusive distributor of the product. Customers can purchase the PDA Connect Software for use with their own personal PALMs (compatibility chart on our site) for $150.00. We also sell complete bundles with PDA, Software, Cabling and Connectors. Works great with MasterCAM to create g-code and send it onto a PALM. Also perfect for backing up existing programs in the NC. Better than a laptop without the bulky, expensive cost and perfect for the DNC backup.

Predator v6 of Virtual CNC was not released and was in Beta for 6+ months before v7 was released. Predator has changed all versions to 7 now of their products to be consistent in the coming years and will also use labeling as "DNC 2005 or 2006" to help let the end user know how old their software is. Predator Virtual CNC is supported by several resellers / distributors through-out the United States and Canada. Depending on your dealer, they may not be the expert and refer you to corporate. In the past, support has been limited at corporate but changing now. As far as Predator Manufacturing Data Collection and Machine Monitor, this product has been on the market for 4+ years and supports both software and hardware data collection. The MDC uses Macro B or alike to collect data through the serial connection on the CNC, wireless or wired. If the CNC does not have Macros or alike, a MDC Adapter (like a PLC) can be purchased to link several points on the machine, cycle start button, feed hold, on/off switch on band saw, etc. The cost of the MDC adapter is very low compared to adding Macros to the CNC typically. Predator Desktop is included with the purchase of MDC Software which is the communication engine and more! This is not the forum to post about Predator Products. For more details, please visit our website or call me. We are a service center and distributor for Predator Software & Hardware Products. If I can not help you, I will find someone who can.

If you do need a BTR, visit our website and we can get you setup for $1400 on the Yasanc 2000G.

Most Fanuc 6 Controls can not DNC via the RS232 port. You must use the tape reader port and emulate the tape reader with a BTR. Once the machine is in TAPE Mode, the BTR will "trick" the machine thinking a paper tape is still on the control and run DNC. For more options, visit our website: www.cncnetworking.com

Make sure your FIFO is disabled on your local comm port you are using. This is required. Also, a typical line delay is recommended for 10ms. Depending on your cable quality and length, 4800 baud is standard. Anything less is probably your cable or distance issue. You could connect the machine directly to the network with a 1 port serial to ethernet device. Less then $200 buck and then you have a reliable CAT5 cable at the machine, with TCP/IP and 5 ft RS232 cable to allow you to scream the data in.

Check the NC code being transmitted to the CNC for any characters after the M30, then %. This sometimes will hang the machine open waiting on more data. Typical settings for a Fanuc will state that upon a M30, M02, or M99 (this is a parameter), then close out the communication. Also, LF/CR or just EOB can be setup for the end of file.

The other issue could be that the control is getting the data but does not receive he % at the end of the part program. Is Cimnet stripping any characters out upon sending to the CNC? What is the control? If Fanuc, then it should flash LSK and then upon getting the O # it would change to INPUT, indicating it has read some of the file. Give me a call if I can help...I love a challenge.

The Mazak may not have the DC codes enabled. The DC code sends out an "Xon" to tell the device to start sending to it. On most Mazaks, there is a parameter to enable or disable. If you need help locating it, give us a call with your specific control make/model.

Steve - Who's BTR is on the CNC machine? If you set your communication software up to receive and try resetting the board, you might get some data to come out and at least give you an idea. We deal with CNC communications and depending on who's BTR, we might have a manual to tell you where to start. Give us a call or drop me an email. At your service,

Surface - you hit the nail on the head. Most CAM companies and machine tool manufactures dread the CNC communication call. As another resource, we welcome your calls to our company to assist with technical questions regardless of software vendor. We find that the software is usually not the problem, rather parameters on the CNC control or RS232 cabling wiring. We have a library of over 200 controls documented that we will be happy to share you. And of course, we do sell RS232 cables ready for plug and play if you have no desire to build one yourself. CNC communincations and automation is our speciality! At your service,