Just found out I won't be able to drip feed w/RS232

[jderou]

I have the kit to connect the Boss 5 to PC via RS232. I now understand that I can only download the whole program to the mill using this method? What are my options for direct control of this mill, just like my home built router. The driver for my home built router can handle 10 amps per axis (unipolar), would it be possible to run the steppers off of this? I really don't want to spend $1000 on a behind tape reader, I'd rather put that money towards a complete retrofit in the future.

Thanks!

[machintek]

There are many posts on this subject. BOSS 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 are RS232 for loading and editing programs only unless you have the optional DNC loader.
Without it you have to either break up your program into pieces that fit or get a BTR for DNC. Back when this machine was designed, there was not a great need for DNC.
Part of the current problem is that a lot of people are using CAM systems to generate programs but they are NOT efficient in their use of memory. Typically with the use of loops and macros, I can take a 8 page EZCAM generated program and compress it to a page and a half. The BOSS 5 supports loops and macros. The exception is a true 3D program with lots of little steps.

George

[jderou]

I don't think the memory will be a major issue at first, I am more concerned with the user interface at the machine. I guess it may not be as bad as it looks, hopefully I'll get it fired up this weekend, then I will know more.
Thanks

[machintek]

The interface is terrible for writing programs at the control and editing at the control. It is almost mandatory to have something hooked up to the machine for editing. This is true for the Boss 3 through 9 inclusive. At first, it was the type 33 teletype, then the type 43, sometimes a dumb terminal, later a TRS-80 model 100, and finally a PC.
Remember that the BOSS software has a very nice editor built into it. it just needs a outside interface.

George

[harolda]

Thats right sinp the wires put the new drive on i ran a 38,000 line program non of the old control stuff.I did use the old control editer though cimcom3 i used to load prpgrams

[jderou]

How do I use the built in editor? Is their anywhere I can find information on this?

[ViperTX]

There has always been a need for DNC, the problem is that the technology evolved faster then the "perceived need".

[machintek]

Editor use is described to a very small degree in the Bridgeport Technical bulletins.
I just tried uo upload a part of the EZCAM manual that explains some of this but it bombed out. Too big.

George