newbie

[mark029]

I need to change the macro program for my tool changer. I've got the scanned copy from a book that was emailed to me. Can I copy the text and paste it to word and then load it? If not, how do I go about changing it? I'm working with a Fanuc OM. Thanks, Mark.

[angelw]

Originally Posted by mark029 I need to change the macro program for my tool changer. I've got the scanned copy from a book that was emailed to me. Can I copy the text and paste it to word and then load it? If not, how do I go about changing it? I'm working with a Fanuc OM. Thanks, Mark.

You need software that's capable of establishing communication with the control via the RS232 interface. You will be better off downloading one of the free, purpose built CNC Editor/Comms packages, but failing that, you can transfer the file using Hyper Terminal that comes with the Windows Operating System. The data that's sent is merely Text, the format of which is set by settings in the Transfer Software. Control parameters have to be set and the Transfer software set to match the parameter settings.

Regards,

Bill

Set the following parameters in the control
Parameters
#0002
Bit 0 = 1
Bit 2 = 0
Bit 7 = 1

#552 = 10 (4800 Baud) Starting Point

Control Set Page Settings
I/O = 0
ISO Format

You will need a cable with the following pin out configuration.
If you make the cable, use shielded data cable with at least 3 wire.

Machine Side-------------------------PC Side
DB25 Male Connector-------D25 Female-------DB9 Female
2-----------------------------3-----------------2
3-----------------------------2-----------------3
4
| bridged
5

6
|
8 all bridged
|
20

7-----------------------------7-----------------5

Setting for the PC Software

Handshaking = Xon Xoff (Software Handshaking)
Baud Rate 4800 (Starting Point)
Data Bits = 7
Parity = Even
Stop Bits = 2

[dcoupar]

Originally Posted by mark029 I need to change the macro program for my tool changer. I've got the scanned copy from a book that was emailed to me. Can I copy the text and paste it to word and then load it? If not, how do I go about changing it? I'm working with a Fanuc OM. Thanks, Mark.

If you use Word, you'll need to do a File - Save As and select Save as type: "Plain Text (*.txt)". You could also use Notepad which by default saves as plain text. Or, like Bill said, download a communication/editor program, such as NCnet Lite from CADEM at

DNC – wireless and wired, Free DNC for 1 machine

Good luck.

Dave

[mark029]

Thanks Bill and Dave. I already have it setup to send the program I'm just not sure how to do it. We loaded this program thats in there now, it's just the wrong one. I had a buddy helping me with this that knew all this kinda computer stuff but some things have happened recently and I don't want to ask him to help with this. I feel that it's my machine I need know how to do all this myself and I'll never learn it till I do it on my own.

[angelw]

Originally Posted by mark029 We loaded this program thats in there now, it's just the wrong one.

So does this mean that you have the program loaded, or that the one loaded is wrong and that you need to download the one that you have scanned?

If you're having trouble with tool changing, there may be other issues to consider when loading another Macro program for this purpose. Obviously the replacement program needs to be loaded under the same program number as was originally used for tool changing. This is very important, because the Macro program will be called by an M or T code; this feature is set via parameter.

Tool Changing Macro programs are commonly loaded in the 9000 to 9999 program area and are protected from Editing and Deleting by setting 0010.4 to 1; setting to 0 will permit viewing and and editing of these programs.

To guard against disaster, it's a good idea to take a copy of any Macro programs that may be being used in the operation of the machine. Uploading the complete Program Memory area to an external device is accomplished by the following procedure:

1. Select Edit mode
2. Push the PRGRM button to display the program directory screen.
3. Key in O-9999 and START.

All programs in memory will be output to your external device.

To register the new program, proceed as follows:
1. Select Edit mode
2. Push the PRGRM button.
3. Key in O
4 Key in the program number and INSRT.

The new Macro program is best checked and debugged in Single Block mode. To do this, set parameter 0011.5 to 1. This will allow the machine to be stopped in single block by a Macro command.

Regards,

Bill

[mark029]

Bill, by external device, do you mean a PC? Not familiar with these parameters you are talkin about ( 0010.4 and 0011.5 ). Everything I've seen has not had a decimal in the parameter. To answer your question, I have the wrong program in the machine right now. I've got the supposedly correct program on a thumb drive at home. I understand you're asking me to basically copy all macro programs by doing the procedure you mentioned? That may not be possible because I've never gotton the machine to send any info out to a external source. I've been able to upload a program but not send any out. Any ideas on how to get that going? Thanks, Mark.

[angelw]

Originally Posted by mark029 Bill, by external device, do you mean a PC? Not familiar with these parameters you are talkin about ( 0010.4 and 0011.5 ). Everything I've seen has not had a decimal in the parameter. To answer your question, I have the wrong program in the machine right now. I've got the supposedly correct program on a thumb drive at home. I understand you're asking me to basically copy all macro programs by doing the procedure you mentioned? That may not be possible because I've never gotton the machine to send any info out to a external source. I've been able to upload a program but not send any out. Any ideas on how to get that going? Thanks, Mark.

Hi Mark,
1. The external device can be any device that can be connected to the control for the purpose of sending and receiving data; a PC is included in that definition.

2. ( 0010.4 and 0011.5 ) is a way of defining bit 4 of parameter 0010 and bit 5 of 0011 respectively. Bit numbers start at 0, being the right most bit in the 8 bit parameter, and count to bit 7, being the left most bit.

3. When you start messing around with programs that are associated with the operation of the machine, its good practice to make a back up of what you started with; it often saves having further problems down the track.

4. Refer to my first post and check the machine parameters, the cable configuration, and the settings of your transfer software. If all is set accordingly, you should be able to transfer both ways.

Regards,

Bill

[mark029]

Back on the parameter issue. We are talking about parameters and not diag. parameters right? I understand the 10.4 and 11.5 now. I'll go and try and back everything up so I don't wreck it. Thanks, Mark.

[angelw]

Originally Posted by mark029 Back on the parameter issue. We are talking about parameters and not diag. parameters right? I understand the 10.4 and 11.5 now. I'll go and try and back everything up so I don't wreck it. Thanks, Mark.

You've got Mark; parameters, not diagnostics.

Regards,

Bill

[mark029]

Bill, you stated earlier that I needed a program to load and unload programs to and from cnc. I have CNC PC for windows I was told.

[angelw]

Originally Posted by mark029 Bill, you stated earlier that I needed a program to load and unload programs to and from cnc. I have CNC PC for windows I was told.

Mark,
I'm not familiar with that software, but if it has a section where communication settings can be made to match up with the parameter settings of the control, according to info set out in my first post reply, then that will do. There are plenty of examples of Editor/Comms software available on the internet, but if you have a package that you're familiar with and are able to send programs to the machine with already, then give that a go first.

Regards,

Bill

[mark029]

Hey Bill, I tried to load a tool change macro program yesterday and for some reason I'm getting an 087 p/s alarm which if I'm correct that's a overbuffering alarm. It'll get about 50 to 60 percent of the program loaded and then stop and put up this alsrm. And for reason when I go to the program library, I noticed it sent two programs. Any idea on that one?