EZTrak editing G code

[Gncc50]

I recently found a way to edit G code on my machine. Maybe everybody else already knows about this, to me this was a great discovery.

I have a 95 EzTrak with ver 6 software installed. First of all you will need to plug in a full size keyboard. Hit 9 for utilities then hit 4 for communications. This will take you to a black screen that will give you different options. Hold down Ctrl and hit c. It will then ask you if you want to terminate batch files, answer yes. This will then give you the C: prompt. Then type edit. This will take you to the DOS editor you can then edit away.

To return to your control, exit the DOS editor. (It will be under file hit X) it will return you to the C: prompt, then just type in eztrak and it will return you right back to your control where you can reload the edited program and get back to making chips.

This sounds like it is a long procedure but once you do it a few times it only takes a couple of seconds. Another thing after you access the editor the first time the next time you hit 4 for communications it will show you the C: prompt. Type edit... your there.

I hope George or some of the other more knowledgeable people on this forum will chime in and let us know if they see anything wrong with doing this in this manner. They are certainly the experts.

[machintek]

This is also used by those DOS literate to do a scan disk, defrag, or run B3T which is a BMDC test program. Sometimes I use PCTOOLS with DOS to repair illegal file names, etc. Back up files to floppy by using wild cards such a copy 1*.PGM to copy all files beginning with a 1.
No, there is not anything wrong with what you are doing.
There is a book DOS FOR DUMMIES which I have found very helpful.

George

[NC Cams]

Here's why GNCC50's procedure works:

The Extrak is a DOS program - CNTRL C terminates DOS programs that are running and takes you back to the basic O/S and C prompt.

The DOS program that is "running" is "extrak".

You can also hit F8 while booting with reg ular K/B and say NO to anything that looks like an Extrak or BMDC program. THis will boot you into C:/ and you can then DOS away.

GNCC50s' way, however means you don't have to TOTALLY reboot the system which will happen if you do the F8 trick - his way already loaded the path statements needed for the machine to find stuff it needs when back in DOS.

[Gncc50]

Thanks, for the replies.

I also have an EZPath S series lathe. I haven't tried this on the lathe yet. Will it work on the lathe also?? I have heard the .txt format for the lathe is similar to a Fanuc. Do you know which one? for example 6T, OT ????

The reason this is great for me is that there are a couple of different Cad Cam programs out there that absolutely hate the Bridgeport format. They tell me to use the G code post. The big drawback is that I couldn't edit it at the control.

Thanks,

[machintek]

Both of these machines actually convert the conversational to G code format in the BMDC for the control to use. In run load a program and press the - key. You should see the actual G & M code conversion that the control is running. I do not know of any Fanuc control post that will be accepted 100% by the Bridgeports. Once familiar with these machines, it is so easy and quick to write a program that the use of a CAM system is unnecessary. The exception would be true 3D on the EZTRAK.

George