Uploading Programs -- .nc/.txt

[amf1277]

I have never operated a CNC machine in my life but I am the most technically savvy individual at my small manufacturing company. We recently purchased a used machine and after 2 weeks of trial and error, I have managed to successfully establish communication between the PC and the machine. However, the operator who will run this machine never had to load programs into the memory and is of no help. Yesterday, I was able to transfer text files but he is telling me that he needs to transfer .nc files to be able to run the program. I have my clue so I'm turning to you guys for help.

When I use my laptop to try to transfer a file using a program called "UpDown" that I got from Fanuc, I get a buffer overload error. However, when I try to transfer the same file from his computer, it says the file has been sent but nothing ever pops up on the operator screen on the machine itself. So I'm not quite sure what is going on there. But exactly what type of file needs to be sent to the machine itself??? Thanks a ton for your help!!!

[stevo1]

what kind of fanuc control are you using?

If you are getting a Buffer overflow error there is a few things to try.
slow your Baudrate down. Baudrate in CNC and PC must match.
set your stop bits to 2
try different parity or data bits. Typical is Even parity and 7 data bits.

Prepare your PC to send a file and then Read/Input at the CNC.

Stevo

[amf1277]

It's Fanuc 11M. Out of curiosity, I have the baud rate set the same for 3 diff. pc's that I've tried to upload from (9600). I also have even parity and 7 data bits, 1 stop bit. The two laptops give me the buffer error yet his machine shows the file as sent but as I said, nothing ever comes up on the operator screen at all. It keeps blinking "Read".

I will go play around w/ the baud rate in a minute but again, what type of file do these machines need? Text files or CNC files (.nc)??

[PinMan]

When you get a Buffer Overload Error, set your baud as low as possible on both the PC and the CNC (usually 2400) then progressively go up until you reach the error again.
Thats a good way to learn the limit of your control.
Also, you want to make your file extension .NC for the control to be able to read it.

[Al_The_Man]

The PC should just send the contents of the file, so the name and extension should not matter.
As long as it is an plain ASCII and no embedded characters, make sure the PC program is set for software handshake (XON/XOFF).
Al.

[stevo1]

The overrun is also a common problem in the Fanuc 10&11. On my last 10 control I had to set/adjust the FIFO buffers lower on the PC. This is under the "port settings", "advanced".

I had to have my baudrate at 4800 on this control other wise there was problems.

Stevo