Could use some file transmission help

[Justinmd]

Hello gents,
I recently got my "new" 1997 VMC15XT powered up. But I'm having a hell of a time transferring files to it. At first I was running Program 1. Also, I had a cable the plugged into the 25 pin on the back of the machine that had a 9 pin serial on the other end. My laptop is newer so it doesn't have a 9 pin, so I bought a serial to USB adapter.

Things were going semi-ok, transfers, after setting the the baud rate and all that, were hit and miss, sometimes it would transfer a file, sometimes it would transfer part of it then give me a parity error. Sometimes it would give me a parity error right off the bat. Eventually I got a program in. By this time I had figured out that Program 2 is what I wanted.

When trying to cut parts, I was getting weird behavior which I managed to trace back to a weird G92 code line (with help). But in trying to solve the problem, I had went in and set the Parameters to what the manual said they should be.

Now the machine won't even recognize that anything is coming in, after a TA,1

I sent a file from the machine to the computer, but it was all garbage, just x's.

So then I tore apart the cable and wired the end like the diagram in the manual under 25 pin to 9 pin. This didn't help.

Any thoughts, I'm dying here.

I just tried to buy a computer with a serial port the same as the Fadal, but they're not made anymore.

Thanks,
Justin

[Justinmd]

Oh I should mention the G0/G1, G90/G91 parameters, these are the only things I changed that I could think of that would affect the file transmission.

Also, I did the test on the 1030 board with the plug tester and it is good.

Finally I should mention that I keep blowing a fuse in the box, under F30. Could that be it?

Thanks,
Justin

[Justinmd]

I should also add that I just now sent a file from the Machine to the computer, but still don't get anything when sending to the machine, using a TA,1, not even a Parity Error or anything

[Delw]

when I send a file I use
TA,1
CD,9

The CD, X x=number is the baud rate your pc and machine are set for.

for sending to the pc you need to use PU ( pretty sure its PU I dont use that often)

Also check out USB ports on in this forum NOT all COnvertors work matter of fact I only found one that worked and have 4-5 of them laying around so I just have a old PC to send and recieve now.

[Justinmd]

I think I've got it now, seems like it was the serial to USB cable. A buddy brought over an old computer with a serial port, and I was able to send the post using hyperterminal. I also ordered a card for my laptop that goes in the Express port, (new version of PMCIA), and has a 9 pin serial on it.

I spent basically 3 entire days trying to get that thing going...

[Edster]

Just in case anyone needs a serial port, shopfloor automations has pci cards with two serial ports. I know it's not for laptops but you can add serial ports to most all desktops.

http://www.shopfloorautomations.com/pci_2_port_card.php

Btw, you should look into the NC Fadal software. The absolute best software for file transfer on fadal machines, and it should be because it's fadals own software.

[Neal]

When it comes to USB ports, some of them will work just fine and some of them will not. All USB ports are NOT the same. I recentlty spoke with a USB expert that used to work for one of the top computer manufacturers and he was telling me some of the differences. Unfourtunatly I did not document it and I can't recall the details.
Perhaps he'll read this and chime in to educate as all. How about it "D"?

Neal

[David Ferguson]

I have a bit of experience working with USB -- I've seen many, many USB serial adapters, and the ones that always work and have the best software are the ones from Keyspan, the USA-19HS in particular is a good choice (HW handshaking, up to 230 kbaud, port number is assignable) -- http://www.tripplite.com/en/products...xtModelID=3914

Keyspan was bought by Tripplite, but I believe the original engineers still support the products.

I am using this exact USB Adapter to communicate with my 3016L.