EZ Trak and G Code

[machintek]

I do not know what version your original disk is, but the youngest version I try to run on a SX machine is Version 3.02. One of the reasons I like it is that it has a screen saver to prevent CRT burn. And yes, I do suggest that you make as many copies as you like. This can be done using "9" utilites, and then copy disk, right on the machine. You may need to exchange disks a few times but the machine will prompt you. Then use the backups and lock the original in a safe place.

George

[eman5oh]

Running version 2.25 and got the file to transfer but ended up with illegal g code errors or intenal adress errors depending on the post processor that I used. To get a post processor written I need to get a list of supported g and m codes along with anything else that may be helpful. Can anyone point me in the right direction?

[machintek]

I know that Feature cam has a post for the EZTRAK. Possibly EZCAM as well as that what was sold by bridgeport when this machine came out. I do not fool arund with that end of things so I do not have one that I can pull all the G & M codes from it. It is possible that a DX32 post may work. Also there was a piece of software sold by Bridgeport called SPS-mill. This was the EZTRAK software converted to work on a PC and could create a program in G code or in EZTRAK conversational.

George

[melamark]

I use MasterCam 9.1 to create G code for my EzTrak. It has two post processors for EZTRAK. One creates .pgm files, the other creates G code. They both seem to work fine, but I like the G code post because it is easier to edit. The only problem with the G code post is that it inserts a "G53" into the first rapid to position. I do not know what G53 does, but the EZTRAK does not like it. If I edit the G53 out, the program executes flawlessly. So don't let an illegal G code error stop you. Look through the G code at the point where the error occurs and look up any codes that look suspicious. More than likely, it is at the start of your program and can be removed.

Mark

[masspfei]

The G53 can easily be removed by editing the post. If you need help, let me know. I posted with the eztrak and I don't get a g53 anywhere? "MPEZTRKG.PST"

Steven

[machintek]

Usually illegal G codes stop the program from loading into the BMDC board with an error message that the load failed. Sometimes it may give a line number but that is not accurate. I have seen a sub routine call fail because of a line in the subroutine but the line number displayed is the one before the subroutine call.

George

[melamark]

Hey - I never really though about editing the post. I looked through MPEZTRKG.PST and found no occurence of G53. Yet, everytime I post, I inserts one in the first rapid to position. For example:
N15 G0 G90 G53 X-.392 Y-.4415 Z.25
If I try to run this program, I will get an illegal G code error. Simply removing the G53 solves the problem. I have been doing this manually, and it is no big deal, but is there a way to keep it out in the first place?

Thanks!
Mark

[masspfei]

You will be looking for something called "pwcs" or "wcs". Just put a "#" sign in front of everything inside the pwcs later in the post. This will remove any occurance of work offsets.

Steven

[melamark]

Steven,

Thanks for the info. I modified the post and it works great! Saves me a few edits.

Mark

[grzeniua]

Hello all!
Does anyone know which program type should I send to EZ TRAK PLUS control unit? I'm a beginner and do not exactly know about different formats such as G-code or "post-processed"?
I'd like to connect my PC with control using EZ LINK software and send this code as an example just to see if it works:

0000 EZTRAK|3X 1 MODE|MM |NO COMP 07 01:07:12 1996
0002 AUXFUN T1 M6
0004 LINE ABS X0.0 Y30.18 Z0.0 F50.0
0006 ARC|CNTRPT ABS CW X55.0 Y50.38 Z0.0 XC55.0 YC-34.62 F50.0
0008 LINE ABS X55.0 Y30.0 Z0.0 F50.0
0010 RAPID ABS X0.0 Y0.0 Z0.0 F70.0
0012 AUXFUN T1 M2

Is it a G-code? Is it proper code for EZ TRAK PLUS??? Or shall I convert that into some other? Which program shall I use and maybe someone can send it to me grzeniua@wp.pl ?

Thanks a lot for any reply.
Greg

[machintek]

I do not see anywhere in the documentation that this Southwestern Control will take G and M code programming like a typical CNC.
Even your example above looks like it came from a lot newer EZTRAK and I cannot confirm that it will work with the Southwestern control. I cannot find in my documentation an example of a program as viewed by a text editor.

George

[grzeniua]

Seems that noone has an idea how to manage this unit.. too bad

anyway thanks for help!