Anilam GXM help

We got this machine 2 weeks ago and are having a few problems – I would like to get the original controller working prior to any up grades. So far we have manipulated all the axis, spindle, and jog controls manually with success.

We tried using the “Manual-Edit” function to enter a program and after several attempts were able to save it to the machine. However after several hours the machine promptly lost the program. I’m positive there must be a battery in dire need of replacement buried some where deep down in the card cage control section of the machine.

Also it does not seem that this controller can run the program from the memory location we placed the program in. It did appear we had to load it on to tape, and then load it into the “foreground” section of memory from the tape player to run it.

What the kid really wants to do is use the DNC function on the Anilam GXM controller and manipulate the machine from a PC he bought just for this purpose. Currently he is running “MACH-3” trying to accomplish this task.

I found a .PDF file here that shows the correct pin arrangement for the RS-232 cable – thanks guys.

I’ve also read here we need a “Serial Port” from the PC and not a “printer port” like we have tried already.

Any additional comments and or recommendations on this subject would really be greatly appreciated.

Found the answers on another forum and from dinking around but I thought I would share them here for anyone who comes looking.

1. You need to run from COM-1 on the computer which is the 9 pin plug on the back of the mother board on most modern computers.
2. You DO NOT need a fancy “Null Modem” adaptor, just a simple serial cord 9 pin to 25 pin, with a Male / Male adaptor
3. You well need to correctly set up the DNC programming in the Anilam GXM controller. This can be done pretty easily with CNet which is a FREE download from Cadem.

To properly test the DNC function of the Anilam GXM you need to jumper several pins together. I just bought a simple DB-25 jack at radio shack and soldiered the wires accordingly. 2 to 3, 4 to 5, and 6 to 20.

Rick at Anilam said if it didn’t pass the test then it must be the 503 board or the wiring harness. A quick check with an oscilloscope showed it to be the Motorola MC68681P chip, aka 8 bit Serial Data interface chip. Since it is socketed it is relatively easy to replace

Hi all first post here. I don't know if this will help. We have a Anilam 1100 on a eagle mill. It's a 1995 model and I had to replace the the back up bat on the main board. It was doing the same thing would not hold a program. I got it running this week I was so happy. Good luck with yours

Dave:)