Need Help!- Inputting program to Fanuc 21i-T

[dizzypistons]

Hello all,
I have a line made up of multiple lathes using a fanuc 21i-T controller. I can download programs from the machines using an RS232 cable, but I cannot upload. I tried to hit all the 'usual suspects' but had no luck.

Some more information:
The upload process:
- Program protect off, Edit mode, Read, exec, send file via procomm. Program appears to upload on procomm, but LSK continues to flash, no program in machine.

- Using procomm plus
- Even parity, 7 data bits, 2 stop bits
- Baud rate = 4800, matches machine parameter

The programs have the necessary percent signs. I tried to download a program and then upload it back into the machine. I have tried this on multiple machines.

Any help would be greatly appreciated!

[dcoupar]

Have you checked the pins (2 & 3) on your cable with an ohmmeter?

On a 9-25 cable, 2 goes to 2 and 3 goes to 3.
On a 25-25 cable 2 and 3 are crossed.

Also, you can get fairly cheap RS232 tester at Radio Shack or Fry's and watch for activity on 2 and 3 when you send the program.

[dizzypistons]

Just checked the cable with an ohmmeter, everything appears to be okay...might have to get the tester...

[dcoupar]

After you PUNCH the program to the PC, have you tried to READ the same program back into the control?

[dizzypistons]

Originally Posted by dcoupar After you PUNCH the program to the PC, have you tried to READ the same program back into the control?

Yep. I was afraid there was an issue with the file, so I tried downloading and uploading a different file. No luck. Flashing LSK.

[dcoupar]

Well, I guess I'd recommend the RS232 tester.

[angelw]

Originally Posted by dizzypistons Some more information: The upload process: - Program protect off, Edit mode, Read, exec, send file via procomm. Program appears to upload on procomm, but LSK continues to flash, no program in machine. - Using procomm plus - Even parity, 7 data bits, 2 stop bits - Baud rate = 4800, matches machine parameter Any help would be greatly appreciated!

In your explanation it appears that you're getting the machine control ready first and then invoking Send at the PC. This method can be a bit deceptive when determining if the two devices are actually talking. For example, unless the PC software is configured, or able to wait for the control to initiate the file transfer, I believe you will find that it will appear that the PC is uploading the file even with the cable disconnected and the Send routine of the PC software exercised.

Unless there is a problem with either the PC or the Machine Control, communication via RS232 is relatively straight forward. Check the following control parameters, PC settings and cable configuration.

#0000
bit 0 = 0
bit 1 = 1

#0020 = 0 (I/O Channel =0)

#0100
bit 1 = 0
bit 2 = 0
bit 3 = 1

#0101
bit 0 = 1
bit 3 = 0
bit 7 = 1

#0102 = 0 (RS232 using control characters DC1 to DC4)
#0103 = 11 (9600 Baud rate)


With #0102 set to Zero, Xon Xoff (software ) handshaking can be used. The following cable configuration will satisfy software handshaking.


Machine Side -------------------------------- PC Side
DB25 Male Connector -----------DB9 Female---------DB25 Female

1 ---Cable Shield -------------- Not Connected-------Not Connected
2 ---------------------------------------2----------------------3
3 ---------------------------------------3----------------------2
4
| bridged
5

6
|
8 all bridged
|
20

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

PC software settings

Handshake Method = Xon Xoff
Baud Rate = 9600 (or to match the setting of the control)
Data Bits = 7
Stop Bits = 2
Parity Bit = Even

Unless there is an underlying problem with either the control or PC, the above settings and cable will always work.

If the software has the option of being set to Wait for the machine to initiate the upload of the file, set it thus. Then when you call the program from the machine, by pressing Read and Exec, the control will send an Xon (DC1 - Ascii 17) character to the PC which should start the transfer of the file.

If the above fails, do as Dave suggested and put a Serial test plug between the PC and Machine and monitor pins 2 and 3

Regards,

Bill

[dizzypistons]

First off, thank you both for your help!

Second, I discovered a flash card slot on the machine and got a flash card and was able to upload / download with no problem (way easier than procomm).

However, I still have a problem: I download the program from one machine to transfer to another. I want to change the "O" number e.g. from O0003 to
O0007. I open the file using wordpad and make the changes on both the file name and the initial line on the program. My issue then comes with choosing a file type extension. I have no idea what to choose. *.txt gives a memory card error.

Hopefully this will be the last question!

Thanks again!

[fordav11]

with a card you don't need any extension. so 1234. is ok for the file name. No O and no extension

[viorel26]

try with *.nc
or open any folders go to Tools >>Folder options>>View>> and uncheck Hide extensions for known file types, and rename the file without any extension

[fordav11]

I've been using a card on my Mori for many years. If you punch out a program from the control to the card there is no extension. Consequently if you want to read a program from the card into the control it needs to be in the same format. That means no extension and no O.
You can also rename the files on the card directly using the control. At least I can on my machine (Mori + MAPPS control). Older machines or standard Fanuc specification you probably can't

One way around that is to read the program into the control and call it up.
Then use the control to rename the program O number. (i.e. O1111 ALTER) and punch it out again.

[sinha_nsit]

If you need, you can also have a copy of an existing program with a new program number:

Assuming that the existing program number 1234 is to be copied
to create a new program number 2345, carry out the following
steps:
• Select the EDIT mode on the MOP panel.
• Press the PROG key on the MDI panel.
• Type O1234 (or simply 1234) and press the O SRH soft key.
• Press the soft key OPRT. If OPRT does not appear, press the
return-menu soft key ( ).
• Press the next-menu soft key ( ).
• Press the soft key EX-EDT (external edit), followed by COPY
and ALL soft keys.
• Type 2345 and press INPUT on the MDI panel.
• Press the soft key EXEC (execute).
After this operation, we will have two programs O1234 and
O2345 with the same contents. One of these may be selected for
editing, and the other may be left unchanged.