EZ Trak file import

[Schwabie]

Can you tell me how to import and run a dxf or dwg file on our EZ Trak DX?
Thank You

[machintek]

Only versions 6 and 7 could do that. Even then, there were limitations. Could not exceed screen size, Had to be a closed feature, etc.
Read the manual. This is what my memory is kicking out.

George

[NC Cams]

If you'e looking to pull in an autocad dwg and have the machien create its own tool path, I'don'tthink it will do that. Seeing the part is one thing, self craetion of a tool path is somthing entirely different.

What are you REALLY trying to do or get away with???

[Schwabie]

We're trying to mill some odd shaped profiles. The manual talks about receiving .PGM and .TXT files. Can a .DXF file be translated into a .PGM file, imported at the EZ Trak, and then generate the tool path? Is there some software capable of this?
Thanks, Gary

[NC Cams]

IF you open a PGM or TXT file with a text editor (IE WORd, WOrdperfect or Edit (dos)), you'll see that the files are just G code files.

I"m pretty sure what you're looking for is a post processor. These take your specific cad file parent code and do that for you.

HOWEVER, Profiles are not that easy to do. WE had a profile creator post processor made for us - we mill such profiles all the time for our cam grinding business. It was EXPENSIVE due to the extreme specificity of the code and machine output format - ours writes Haas and Bridgeport codes.

Sorry, I can't send copies of the processor as the license on this is pretty intense.

Depending on the nature of the lift curve - I do hope you have it in translating follower format- we might be able to run the post for you as a service. WE need the data in at least 1 degree lift elements, perhaps even 2 to 5 to work. Output is optional at 1 deg (rough, as you can see facets in the profile) to 1/8 to 1/10 deg (both smooth as glass). THe profile side works, you might have to edit the z moves to fit your machine. .

NC Cams is in Ann Arbor MI.

[Gncc50]

Hi Schwabie,

As Machinetek said the newer versions will import a .DXF and allow you to generate a program from that file.

I never got it to work as it was pretty cumbersome.

Go to load files, hit F3 for more files and you should see the .DXF option. The control will prompt you to go to the edit screen. It has several options asking if you want to drill or pocket or mill. It asks you what feature you want to machine, which will be listed on the screen and a sequence of segments to determine the order.

I tried to mill a simple rectangle with radiused corners. For some reason the control wouldn't see my straight lines but would see the radiused corners. Maybe the problem was my file.

As I said I didn't get it to work. I'm sure it does, but it seems unfriendly. There are instructions in your manual as Machinetek mentioned. Good luck.

Pete

[azaello]

somebody can tall me how can i write a g code in ez trak or some software that can used to pass a file to do in ez trak. i did one g code in bobcam but can`t run.

thanks for help

[NC Cams]

G code writing - the EzTrak programming manual explains how to program in G code. You can buy one on Ebay as one is there now. Search "Bridgeport manual" in "business and Industrial" section of EBAY.

THere is a way to load a program off the A:\ via a dos command in the Eztrak program

WE do it via DOS.

WE've loaded DOSSHELL and use it to drag and drop programs off the A drive. DOSSHELL is a free gui that comes on the Dos 5 and above install disks. A batch file can be written to do what you want but you'd sitll have to exit to DOS to run it. WHy bother?

DOSSHELL is sort of like a Windows GUI and it is free and already should be available to you. Any DOS/computer geek in your area can load it and show you how to run it.

[machintek]

If you use EZCAM or Feature Cam and post for a BOSS 8 or 9, the EZTRAK will accept it.
When you go to load, you have to go to other files which have the TXT extension.
The BMDC actually converts the conversational to G and M code to run it. The edit however will not edit the TXT files because of a incomplete keyboard. Have to use a DOS editor and full keyboard.
There also was a piece of software called SPSMILL by Bridgeport which emulated the EZTRAK software on a PC and could save as either conversation or G AND M code.

George

[azaello]

thanks for your help nc cam, well, do you know how can i pass a file from the floppy disk and what is the format that i need to convert, actuali i have the g code in the floppy disk but can´t pass to the ez trak..

thanks and sorry i am new in this man

[NC Cams]

1 write G code per Eztrak manual.

2 save as ASCII text file
(use NOTEPAD, WORD, WORDPERFECT to write "xxxxx.TXT" file)

3 save to flowppy via normal method

5 import file to machine via DOS commands as noted above. If you don't know how to use DOS in some way, you'll never be able to learn via message board.

Like I said, we know DOS and simply boot to DOS, we use DOSSHELL which we loaded on the machine, and then move file as we need/want via DOSSHELL program.

I don't use the DOS import commands that are available on Eztrak already. Thus I can't tell you of the Eztrak method. we use DOSSHELL method.

If the machine does NOT have a floppy drive installed, this is a probelm you must first correct.

[Gncc50]

Azaello,

What year is your EZTrak and what version of control software does it have?

Does your screen look similar to this? see attachment

How are you writing your programs and what software ( if any ) are you using?

If it is one of the newer EZtraks you should be able to load the programs without getting into dos.