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]

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]

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]

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