I am trying to upload programs to a Mazatrol T-Plus, but keep getting a "Tape Reader Error". I am using a PDA with some communication software that works fine with all our Fanuc controls. I am able to download from the Mazatrol with no problems, but I am not able to upload the program I just downloaded with no changes. I am using the computer option in the I/O dialoge page. All baud rates, stop bits etc. look good. I just know there is something simple I am overlooking. Can someone shed a little light on the situation?

If this is a Mitsubishi system on this, check to see if you have the same port set for send & recieve.
Al.

Thanks Al,
The PDA has only one com port and no options to change that for sending or receiving. It works flawlessly with the Fanuc controls so I believe the PDA to be setup correctly, my suspicions are with the Mazatrol.

Actually I was refering to the Mazak not the PDA, most controls have more than one port that can be set independantly.
Al.

I don't know if this is a Mitsubishi, but it only has one com port identified with "CMT PTR PTP"

Unless its a very recent machine, Mazak mostly fitted Fanuc or Mitsubishi the their machines, the number on the CNC control itself would tell or what approximate age is it?
Al.

The control is a Mitsubishi, machine was purchased in 1998.

That really is not enough to go on, Mitsubishi have sold several models over the past 10yrs.
It could be a model C50 M50 M60 C700 C64 etc.
The machine might have one serial port physically on the machine with up to four assignable, I have seen the same situation where someone is trying to upload through a port that is not equiped physically, but they are downloading through the physically exsisting port. Have you uploaded/downloaded in the usuall way with a PC RS232 port on this machine?
Al.

If you're using CMT I/O then the only parameter valid is User parameter 2, G1. This sets the baud rate. If you can "punch" programs but not read, I think I would check your software on the PDA. It may have two settings for send and recieve.

Just a thought....

I need expets help. I need file transfer between Mazatrol T Plus and a PC with PC-DNC editor installed. I will very appreciated your help.

I tired it only to get "515 CMT MIS-CONNECTED" messages. Here is details;

1.CNC machine (Mazak, Quick Turn 30, Mazatrol T Plus)
2. XP laptop with 9 pin serial port
3. PC DNC Editor (pretty new version, trial)
4. Serial Cable (9 to 25 cable, customised to support Mazatrol)

My question:
1. I have A15 to A32 parameter information. There ,however,were Machine Parameters like X-1, Z-1, C-1, 4-1, 5-1 which one should I modify values?

2. For A29 and A30, what value should I input?


Here shows cable spec and parameters I have:

CNC side (25-pin) -------- PC side (9-pin)
pin 2 ----------------------- pin 2
pin 3 ----------------------- pin 3
pin 5 ----------------------- pin 7
pin 7 ----------------------- pin 5
pins 6 and 8 ---------------- pin 4

This cable will work on all Mazak models, assuming that you have a 9-pin serial port on your PC.

To configure your Mazatrol, you'll need to set several parameters. Here are our suggested settings:

A15 - 206 (No parity, 2 stop bits, 8 data bits)
A16 - 1 (RS232 parameter for serial tape?)
A17 - 6 (CMT baud rate 4800)
A18 - 6 (EIA baud rate 4800)
A19 - 0 (Tape rewind code)
A20 - 1 (Output ISO)
A21 - 0 (Spaces between work # & data
A22 - 0 (Spaces between programs)
A23 - 0 (Leader / trailer in feet)
A24 - 0 (Tape Vertical Parity Check = off)
A29 bit 0 - 0 (Don't stop at O or :)
A29 bit 1 - 1 (Stop at M02)
A30 bit 0 - 1 (Serial reader on)
A30 bit 1 - 1 (Serial punch on)
A30 bit 2 - 0 (Parallel reader off)
A30 bit 3 - 0 (Parallel punch off)
Remember: Bit 0 is the RIGHTmost bit
A31 - 109 ("#" code for EIA punch)
A32 - 70 (":" code for EIA punch)


Thanks,
Young