#DNC SERVER ILOGIC SERIAL#
Typically, either a piece of hardware (in the case of stringing many physical cables) or the right software makes it look to the DNC server PC like it has a whole bunch of serial ports ready to pipeline g-code back to the CNC machine on the other end. To make the connection requires either stringing an RS-232 cable from the server to each machine, or there are many WiFi to RS-232 boxes available in the market. Newer machines have protocols that work entirely over Ethernet (cabled or WiFi), but this is typically an expensive option, so even newer machines may still be using RS-232. This is traditionally done using RS-232 serial connections, like the cable on the right. A menu can be called up on the DNC software on that machine that causes a particular part program to be sent to a particular machine.ĭNC requires connecting every machine back to the DNC Server that’s going to manage that machine. The idea is to control what g-code winds up on a group of CNC machines from a central server. These methods are all fairly manual, but there’s a more automated way to transfer g-code to your CNC machines that is called “DNC,” which stands for “ Distributed Numerical Control.”
Some controllers, like Tormach’s PathPilot, can even interface with Dropbox to make file transfer super easy. Newer machines can connect to your WiFi or cabled Ethernet and access folders on a server. These involve plugging some sort of media into the machine temporarily to transfer the code.
There’s the old stand bys–usb key, floppy disk, PCMCIA, and so forth. Thanks much! That helps quite a bit.How does your shop go about getting g-code part programs on to the various CNC machines on your shop floor? *I know, I know, there are youngsters who know this stuff, too. If they're not and you go straight to working with the WiFi, it becomes an unknown as to what is not working, the WiFi, or the Comms Protocol and cabling. Make sure that the controls are communicating with the PC's first. I agree with Post #9 that the WiFi is just basic "computer stuff". Overlook one item and it leaves you scratching your head. Spend 15 minute (tops) ensuring that the settings at the Control and PC Software are correct, and that the cable pin out is correct for the Handshake method being used, and you will have no trouble. The other trap for young players is not applying due attention to detail. Accordingly, as long as you have the PC software Comms Settings matching the RS232 parameter settings of the control, and the cable is configured correctly, you're ready to go. But at the worst, you only need to track down the parameters for five settings. On many controls, you only have the option of changing the Baud Rate and the Number of Stop Bits. Number of Stop Bits (Not actually Bits, but Bit's worth of time) Handshake Method - RTS/CTS (Hardware), or Xon Xoff (Software) As far as protocol is concerned, you only have: Overwhelmingly, the Loop-back Handshake, Null Modem cable configuration is used with the majority of controls. Null Modem cables fall into three categories. Null modem is a generic term that applies to any cable where the complementary signal wires are swapped.
Where many get into trouble is in purchasing off the shelf, so called Null Modem cables from electronic shops that don't understand that there are different varieties of Null Modem cables. Serial Communicating with the majority of controls is really not all that difficult. In other words, it will probably raise more questions than it answers, and this forum is much better as the answers I get are directly related to what I'm trying to use it for.Hello Dave, Google will take me to thousands of explanations of the description, but still won't tell me how or if it relates to machine tools, if it will work with older ones or newer ones, etc. If they don't know what the command is, or what DOS is, look for more gray hairs.* Ask 'em what the mode command in DOS does. Realterm (freeware) can inform you of what's going on in a serial connection, from an analysis standpoint.įor interface to old gear, use old techs. Flow control in hardware or software separates the men from the boys. Baud rate, data and stop bit length, and parity are the easy ones. In any event, since these devices hook up to serial ports, you still need to know about serial ports.
#DNC SERVER ILOGIC PLUS#
Good for a brief overview, plus more in-depth info if you want it.īlack Box and B&B Electronics are usually my first stop for "something-to-serial" devices. Wikipedia can shed some light on topics that are new-to-you, too. I guess I jumped to some conclusions on your WPA/router questions, as you seem to post successfully using them. Moxa Wireless Device Servers NPort W2150A/2250A - 1 and 2-port RS-232/422/485 Wireless Device Servers
results in this link from the very first result: Google-fu on this: I have no clue what a Moxa Nport W2150 is.