Can't talk to my Bridgeport R2E4 (Boss9)

[Tom Long]

I have an R2E4 with Boss9 controls and version 8 mastercam. Can't get programs to load consistently. The most persistent error is a UART Status error. I am using the MCAM post processor unmodified. I am getting error messages saying 2 or 5 or 469 characters loaded, and then I get the error.
When I don't get that error, I get "Stop bit not XON". This usually came when I experimented with the parity.
Does anyone have any experience with this. I have to believe I am missing something really simple (or I am really simple!)
My current settings are 4800 baud, no parity, 8 data bits, 1 stop bit, Software handshaking, 0.0 EOL Delay, Read PST parameters, and I am having the transmission sent to display.
I also tried using Windows hyperterminal with similar results.
Is there any possibility that I have corrupted a buffer and it can't reset? I tried removing one of the 4 AA batteries to reset, but it did not help.
Any advice would be most appreciated.
Also, if anyone knows of a Programming Bridgeports for Dummies, I sure would be interested.
Thanks

[Jim Bass]

Hi Tom,

Maybe try EZ-file. That is the file transfer program listed in all the Bridgeport manuals for BOSS 8 controls (1985), it is also mentioned in a V2XT (1995) manual. I can e-mail you a program copy if needed.

I save my CAM files (.txt file only) to a storage directory and then transfer to mill with EZ-file program set to the storage directory.

Are you using port B on the mill? Also if your RS-232 cable is not properly sheilded and grounded it can give you problems when transfering data. How far away is your computer from mill?

Yours, Jim

[Tom Long]

Jim, thanks for the super quick reply. I do not have a copy of EZ file and would love to get a copy. My email is longta@caveman.com. I am using a 10 foot shielded cable and a laptop sitting right next to the mill. I am using Port B and am suspicious because the last time I tried, it worked ONCE, and only once. I did not know how to save to file and lost it when I shut down. Still wondering if I have corrupted some buffers somewhere.
I will try saving to a txt file and using a transfer utility to upload. Mastercam does not give me that option - maybe EZ file will.
Thanks again.
Tom

[Bill Gillen]

Hi,

Being a rank rookie (a whole month now of basically beating my head against the wall), you can take this with a grain of salt. For the Boss 8 controls on Bill's R2E3, the communications rate is 7 data bits. Could be worth a try with your Boss 9.

Take care,
Tim Glover

[machintek]

Note: Check your Email. I sent you some data.
Bridgeport did not support the competition (mastercam). Many schools used it and I noticed they used 7 data bits and even parity.
EZCAM used 8 data bits, no parity, 2 stop bits, X on X off enabled.

George

[Tom Long]

George,
happened to see your reply and checked email - haven't seen any data come thru. My email address is LONGTA@CAVEMAN.COM. I'll try the alternate setup information.
Thanks

[machintek]

I checked and I exceeded what you could receive.

George

[Tom Long]

I did get everything on the second try. Thank you very much. I also got EZLink from another post, so I now have 2 copies. I was successful this morning, but found out that EZLink and Windows XP SP1 are not compatible They wipe the activation codes and require a call to Microsoft to reactivate the license!!
I used an old laptop running Windows 3.1 and was successful. I am now up and running!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Thank you very much for all your help.
Tom