BobCad to Boss 5

[darrelp]

Does anyone know how to get BobCad to talk to a Boss 5 ?
I downloaded the Boss 5(Taylor) post from the Bobcad website and am using it.
I flip the reset switch on the machine put the machine in set up and Turn the edit switch to Edit and push it. BOBCAD seems to send it but I can't tell for sure.

This may be a lengthy discussion as I don't have an operating manual for this. I have ordered it but it hasn't come yet..

Here are my settings.

2400 Baud, 8,1,NONE, Xon,Xoff
Any help will be appreciated

[mc_n_g]

I use TeraTerm to interface with teh old Bport. I use it to send my Gcode file to the Bport.
There is a lot more too it than just settings. Sometimes you have to reset the connection and force the BOSSeditor to end and restart a new session.
You also need to have the dials on the Bport set to the right settings to transfer. Otherwise you are talking to a deaf machine. You need to check the status of the terminal to make sure you are getting a response from teh Bport to initiate the 'handshake' to pass the information.
I have never tried through the BobCAD software to send files. Only create Gcode and send the files with other software.

mc_n_g

[machintek]

Did you match baud rates? that is done on the ERS board on the Bridgeport using the DIP switches.

George

[darrelp]

Originally Posted by mc_n_g I use TeraTerm to interface with teh old Bport. I use it to send my Gcode file to the Bport. There is a lot more too it than just settings. Sometimes you have to reset the connection and force the BOSSeditor to end and restart a new session. You also need to have the dials on the Bport set to the right settings to transfer. Otherwise you are talking to a deaf machine. You need to check the status of the terminal to make sure you are getting a response from teh Bport to initiate the 'handshake' to pass the information. I have never tried through the BobCAD software to send files. Only create Gcode and send the files with other software. mc_n_g

I have the edit dial set to edit and I have the one above it set to set-up. What is supposed to happen if the program loads correctly?

I have written a lot of code for Haas machines but there are some differences in this thing. I do have a copy of the programming manual and I noticed that they have an "E" at the end of their programs. Is this necessary or can I have a "%" Also, I have heard about sending a "K" first on a Boss 5 is this necessary?

[darrelp]

Originally Posted by machintek Did you match baud rates? that is done on the ERS board on the Bridgeport using the DIP switches. George

George,
Do you know what the dip switch settings are? I know from reading some other threads that you set the baud rates with the switches but I don't remember seeing any info on what switch setting correspond to which rates? Is this information in the operations manual?

Darrel

[machintek]

I know it is the maintenance manual on the schematic for the ERS board.
It is also in one of the communication tech bulletins. If I find it I will attach it to another post.
Those characters may be for a tape reader. To feed a leader, etc.
There are differences between the newer and older BOSS machines. The stepping type machines did not use a decimal point in the feedrate while the new ones do.

George

[mc_n_g]

Depending upon the mode you will have to send the K to get the machine to reset.
I would also end with an E so it knows the program is finished and not waiting for more of the routine.

mc_n_g

[machintek]

Attached is TECH BULLETIN 4.
It shows the baud settings.
I thought KI is to kill whatever is in the machine.

George

[darrelp]

Originally Posted by machintek Attached is TECH BULLETIN 4. It shows the baud settings. I thought KI is to kill whatever is in the machine. George

Thanks George,
I am working on this now.

Darrel

[darrelp]

Is there some reason I can't use the parallel port out of the computer? I think I read in a thread hear that it doesn't work. I am using the cable that the machine shop was using and I am assuming that it went into the printer port but I don't know. If I need to use the db 9 what is the pin out? I feel pretty lame at this point.

[machintek]

Serial port only.

[darrelp]

George,
I need to change my db 25 to db9. do you know where the pin out can be found for this?

Darrel