Verying Communication

[amf1277]

We've recently acquired an OLD Makino machine with a Fanuc 11M controller. Right now, we are trying to establish successful communication with the machine and the pc. The DNC software we're using -- Cimco -- appears to be sending the programs. However, it doesn't show up on the memory nor have I been able to send anything back to the DNC. Is there any way -- other than successful transmission in either way -- to verify that the pc and the machine are truly able to communicate???

[Dan Fritz]

The 11M has three serial ports available on most models, and it may just be set up to send/receive through the wrong one.

If the serial plug is on an operator pendant (near the CRT) then you're probably plugged in to the #1 serial port on the Fanuc. If you're plug is on the cabinet, the you're probably using the #2 serial port. Parameter 5001, 5002 and 5003 sets which physical (hardware) port is "device 1", "device 2" and "device 3". Then, parameters 5110-5112 are used to set the baudrate/stop-bits, etc for "device 1", parameters 5120-5122 are used for setting up "device 2" and 5130-5132 are used o setup "device 3"

Please let us know what all these parameters are set to, and also let us know where your serial plug is on the CNC control (take photos if possible). Also, have a look at the settings on the "Settings/Handy" page. There are settings for "INPUT DEVICE FG" and "OUTPUT DEVICE FG" as well as "PUNCH CODE" that are important also.

I like to set up the DNC system to receive in a "Dumb terminal" mode so I can see exactly what the CNC is sending. Then, you can try to send something to the PC and see what you get.

I like to set this:

5001: 1
5002: 2
5003: 3

5110: 3
5111: 1
5112: 10

5120: 3
5121: 1
5122: 10

5130: 3
5131: 1
5132: 10

Then, set INPUT DEVICE FG on the setting page to "1" and the OUTPUT DEVICE FG on the setting page to "1" and try to send you your PC. If that doesn't work, try setting "2" in both INPUT DEVICE FG and OUTPUT DEVICE FG and try again.

For these settings, your PC should be set to 4800 baud, 1 stop-bit, 7 data bits, Even parity.