Dyna DM 2400 and the RS232 saga

[Fastest1]

I have been trying to interface with my RS232 port on my machine for a few days. My machine is complete in regards to the machine and controller. It is operable via the controller only and if I had the software to transfer it would probably operate as is. Well my BobCad has a post processor that will take care of the conversational code. It also has a program called Predator with in. Predator has a DNC transfer utility of some sort. Today I was able to upload from my machine to my XP pc, 2 files. Came thru just fine. This all was assisited by DCoupar here on the zone and his providing a Predator pinout that was nothing like the cable Dyna specified. I am not out of the woods yet as I havent been able to send from my pc to my machine. Could be a language, character or file extension issue. maybe a simple setting or a change in a pin or 2. But even though there are budget cuts, htere is a light at the end of the tunnel. I am going to post all of the settings I have needed or encountered to get this far in the hopes it helps someone in the near future.
Baud Rate: 2400
Data Bits: 8
Stop Bits: 1
Parity: None
DTR is checked
Flow Control: Hardware
Timeout: 5000 (must be a default as I didnt set it)
Send and Receive CR/LF are both in Windows style but again I dont know why.
I used a pinout of the 9 and 25 pin connector provided by Predator specifically for the DM2400, courtesy of Dcoupar here on the zone. So far So good

[Fastest1]

Today I was successful at transferring a file or 2 both uploading and downloading into my DM 2400 from my Predator software included in my BobCad V23. I did have to change a wire or 2 to make this happen. I could not upload and download with 1 wiring set up yet. Dyna's information and wiring diagrams in the manuals or elsewhere have been anything but helpful and incorrect in the wiring of the RS232 port on the machine. It looks like this will be a reality very soon on my ability to transfer both ways and use this wonderful machine just as it is. The conversational language looks fun actually. Easy to understand at my level. I will update when something else is discovered.

[Fastest1]

IT IS DONE! Today I can upload and dowload with the same cabling. I could have all along if I had a cable that was correct. (That was MY FAULT). I havent gone as far as to try drip feeding yet but that is coming soon. All code seems to come thru. I transferred a 271 line file. Not huge but no skips either. I have explained how I did it on another thread here on the zone. I will come back and make it a little more clear as right now I have an adapter or 2 in place.

[emhowland]

How do you use the controller or key pad to move the x y axis manually? Or can you. I just picked up a dm2400 free from a college where I am taking cnc classes but they did not have any info on it so the quest begins. In search of manual-- Interface software or where to get. Any info would be helpful.

[Fastest1]

Turn the power on. It will guide you thru a set of prompts to initialize and measure its backlash. After this process is complete it will ask you what mode, at which time you would select manual. Then you select the axis you would like to move. It is an odd arrangement. Wonderful machine. you can generate plenty thru the controller and any DNC program can upload or download into it. You will have to drip feed anything longer than 900 lines. If you got it for free, you got a smoking deal. The college probably paid 20,000.00 in the 1980's for that mill. I just cant find the software. I will probably move it over to Mach soon if the frustration about the software persists. Post some pictures and join the Yahoo Dyna groups too. Cya

[emhowland]

Have no display just the mill and the keypad..

[Fastest1]

The keypad has a screen on it. What does it say after you power it up? It should say something like initialize or calibrate, measure backlash. I am going to have to start mine up. Pm me your email and I will send you the files I have.

[lstecker]

I recently acquired a DM 2400 with no controller or manuals and would be interested in getting copy's of any documents you have, PM me if necessary. I would also be like to get a copy of dynacom.exe to communicate with the machine using a PC and possibly finding a controller to connect (depending on price).

[Fastest1]

Pm me your email as the file is too large to upload here. Regarding the controller. They are very rare and the energies and money spent might not be worth it. A better route might be to either gut all of the electronics and install new steppers and a controller. Or if you talk to member "Jeff Birt", he has a DM2400 that uses a probotix board and interfaces with the original drivers, this allows you to run Mach 3 and or EMC2. If you dont have the software either this might really be the only way to go. Also when searching on DM2400 info here on the zone, search from the "Home" page and not the search from within the Dyna page. You will get many more hits.