Newbie- CNC has no onboard memory that I can find

[grim_reamer]

I work in a shop that is mostly pretty low-tech and have recently taken over the running of a Lagunmatic knee mill with a Fanuc control panel (the model #'s are A98L-0001-0524 and same prefixes 0518). The shop has never had anyone who really knew what they were doing as far as programming and I'm kind of on my own learning how to use it. In the past, it was just used for very simple 20-lines-or-less mass production, and they guy who trained me on it says it can only hold one program at a time. This seems to me kind of strange since it takes so little space to store simple text files. He is quite frequently over my shoulder and of course there are deadlines so I have not had much opportunity to poke around. I'd appreciate any direction that could be provided.

[underthetire]

Very early controls did only hold one small program. Some didn't hold any at all, they were read off punch tape. He'll, I've even seen super old ones that used punch cards. If it has a CRT, it should hold more than one, but that's not guaranteed.

[ppascuzzi]

Originally Posted by grim_reamer I work in a shop that is mostly pretty low-tech and have recently taken over the running of a Lagunmatic knee mill with a Fanuc control panel (the model #'s are A98L-0001-0524 and same prefixes 0518). The shop has never had anyone who really knew what they were doing as far as programming and I'm kind of on my own learning how to use it. In the past, it was just used for very simple 20-lines-or-less mass production, and they guy who trained me on it says it can only hold one program at a time. This seems to me kind of strange since it takes so little space to store simple text files. He is quite frequently over my shoulder and of course there are deadlines so I have not had much opportunity to poke around. I'd appreciate any direction that could be provided.

That's a fanuc part number but not for a control. That number is for a keypad for a Fanuc O control. If you have the O control it can hold more than one program in memory. Early versions did not have a "self evident" directory function which might be why they think it can hold only one program. On later versions the directory was easy to find, on the Oa version you had to read the manual to find it. Usually the fanuc model number is right on the bezel of the screen, if it is not there you'll have to look at the mother board for the part number and find out which control that part number goes with. (Or call someone in who is familair enough with fanuc to just look at it and tell you)

If you have an Oa control (O version a) to find the directory go to edit mode. Select the program mode (so the screen switches to the program screen) Key in O (the letter O) push and hold the down cursor key. This should result in a listing of all programs on it.

[stevo1]

What control is on your machine?

Stevo

[mfgbydesign]

I've upgraded Fanuc memory with Tulip boards. Other brands are out there. Last one I installed ran about $1600 for 128K, they come with detailed instructions. You will need some specific information about the control.

Other option is "drip feed" programs thru RS232 interface using DNC software. There are many out there, you can demo most for free. Multi-DNC has a 30 day trial and when I used it the clock only ran while the software was running. NCLink from OneCNC is free but only for one machine. You will need a null modem (with handshaking) cable to do this.

Once you get to the directory you might find junk in there, just don't delete any of the original programs (anything in the 9XXX range). You can use hyperterminal to "upload" them to a PC if you don't have DNC yet. (you can download too, just not drip-feed). You will need a null modem (without handshaking) cable to do this (it's 3 wires, easy to make).

[memoryman]

We are Tulip Electronics."Last one I installed ran about $1600 for 128K"; that is high for a Fanuc upgrade - the dealer must have marked it up.
Without knowing the control model and version, I can't help you.

[mfgbydesign]

Sorry Memoryman,
Thanks for correcting me. I should not have put $$ in the post based on my own fuzzy memory. I have found Tulip Electronics to be the best quality & reliability, shipped with VERY detailed instructions so anyone with limited experience changing boards & parameters can follow.

[grim_reamer]

"Early versions did not have a "self evident" directory function which might be why they think it can hold only one program." ... If you have an Oa control (O version a) to find the directory go to edit mode. Select the program mode (so the screen switches to the program screen) Key in O (the letter O) push and hold the down cursor key. This should result in a listing of all programs on it.

Thank you to everyone who took the time to reply. This was the info I was after, and got me some look-good points with the owner. Many thanks!