Fanuc 16i MA, COM interface

[marek-vavra]

Hello,
have Fanuc machines connected directly with computer via serial cable RS232 (COM port). I would like to write my own windows program to be able monitor the machine (error state, timeouts, etc. )
Does anybody has any experience in this area? I believe there has to be an interface for communication between PC and Fanuc machines via COM port, but I have no idea where to search for it

[norbert.barnard]

Hi,
com ports are not usefull for machine monitoring.
in a limited way how you can send info through the comport is by using DPRINT command from part program.

the best method to monitor the cnc status regardless of control activity is via the ethernet port (dedicated hardware), then using focas1 software (driver software) to write your own aplication.

have fun.

norbert

[memoryman]

The iA series does have some communication capabilities for monitoring purposes but I don't know much about it. I think that you have to use the PMC interface and/or focas1.