RS232 port issues HELP

[masterfabr]

/I have a '95 4020 88HS machine. Bought as rebuilder and did not see run a program before receiving and have had no luck getting communication through the rs232 port. Some of you have read the other posts. I have tried one nc program and also purchased the Calmotion USB device to further rule out any issues on "my end". Calmotion(BTW,those guys are GREAT) suggested it might be a rs232 issue and I should test the port. The Calmotion device cannot successfully take control of machine nor can I load a NC program file. I don't have a rs232 port tester but I did verify continuity of the cable inside the cabinet to the (?)comm board. Where do I go from here? How do I diagnose?

[denmar]

Make shure PC port is COM1,
7 data bits
even parity
1 stop bit
pc and machine same baud rate eg; 9600
Also may need a Null cable.

[masterfabr]

way past that point. All that stuff checks out. With the calmotion device there is no pc involved.

[DareBee]

This is from chapter 14

Use the diagnostics mode to complete the test. a.Move to the cold start position. b.From the command mode type DI then press ENTER. c.Type G0 3000 and press ENTER to enter the test menu. d.Press 4 to select the RS-232 (1030) test. e.Select a baud rate (usually the baud rate used in normal communica- tions). f.Observe the screen. •Numbers next to the word TESTING should be changing constantly. This is good, and the 1030 board has passed the test. •The numbers at the end of the other sentences should all be zero. Any numbers appearing at the end of these sentences indicates that the 1030 board is faulty (assuming the cable was checked in step (2) above). Note: It has been our experience that the 1030 is rarely faulty. •If the diagnostics test passes, then it is safe to conclude that the VMC is not at fault for a communication problem. g.Press the MANUAL button to end the communication test. h.Power off the VMC, wait 10 seconds, then power on again.

Why not get a Fadal tech (private one) in to test that system?
They are plentiful and should easily get you running. They can bring a spare com board to see if that is the issue (and who knows what else)
There is jess***** (Koshi?) posting phone # on this site for free tech support.
Just gitt'r done and make some chips man.

[masterfabr]

I agree but I'm as much interested in figuring it out myself for my own education and future understanding of issues that arise. Thanks very much for the info. I will try it this afternoon.

[denmar]

Ok, no pc involve!
will be cheaper to try one instead of Tech.

[DareBee]

A private tech (usually) will let you help with the diagnostics and then work with you and the PC/calmation to make sure it works and that you understand how/why.

[masterfabr]

Originally Posted by DareBee This is from chapter 14 Why not get a Fadal tech (private one) in to test that system? They are plentiful and should easily get you running. They can bring a spare com board to see if that is the issue (and who knows what else) There is jess***** (Koshi?) posting phone # on this site for free tech support. Just gitt'r done and make some chips man.

Thanks,I posted this before I hit the book. You saved me some time finding it. I appreciate you guy help and hopefully we helped someone else in the long run.

[masterfabr]

OK,did diagnostic test as best I could this afternoon by jumping pins 2 and 3 .I will make a good test plug tomorrow to verify but it failed today with this result:
"Testing...
transmit not ready xxxx(constantly changing)
no character received from serial port 0000
character received is not what was sent 0000"


I have no rs232 cables other than the one inside the enclosure running from the calmotion device to the comm board. The book says it is rare for the com board to fail ,same with internal cable from rs232 to comm board. I did do a continuity test on the cable and will rig up a test plug tomorrow to verify todays result to be sure I had the pins jumped and continuity was made. Hard to do in the connector.LOL!!
Realistically there are few possibilities. I followed the book section 16 troubleshooting page 545 and 546 and it indicates a failure of the s-100(1030)board or the cable also.

I also did the non destructive loop test and it definitely failed. It indicated no receive and such message also.
My question is ,does the message I get also seem to indicate the board?

[David Ferguson]

I think your loopback cable needs more handshaking than just TX/RX (pins 2/3).

Specifically tie Pins 4, 5, 6, 8 and 20 together on the VMC DB-25 connector. A Null modem cable will usually do this internally.

The Fadal User Manual has pictures and information about the cable requirements in section 14 on Communications.

[masterfabr]

No, that's incorrect. I'm not talking about testing the null modem cable or a straight through db25 cable. I use neither. I am using the Calmotion USB device. At the rs232(db25)port on the back of the machine it calls for the use of the Fadal test plug or in lieu of that jumpering pins 2 and 3 to use the fadal diagnostics menu to diagnose the rs232 port to the 1030 card and operation of the 1030 card.If it fails that test it indicates a 1030 card problem.

[David Ferguson]

By jove -- you're right. I just tried it on my 3016, and with just Pins 2 & 3 tied together the test produces the same results as when HW handshaking is connected.

On my machine the number next to the Testing... is constantly changing. I still get the messages below that that say
transmit not ready 0000
no character received from serial port 0000
character received is not what was sent 0000

When I select a baud baud rate greater than 230k, I get the number next to the "character received is not what was sent" updating.

Sounds like your 1030 card needs replacing.