Newbee Fanuc OT Mod A Questions

[bigsteve]

I have just purchased a Clausing/Colchester lathe with Fanuc OT model A controls. 1986 model with the type B control panel. I have not received the machine yet, Just the operator's manuals. The first thing I see in the manuals is talk of Paper tape. Am I going to be able to operate this machine with a PC and some of the newer software? Or is it a dinosaur that is only going to operate with a tape machine? Any suggestions on what I am going to need to set it up will be greatly appreciated.
Thank You,
Bigsteve

[Al_The_Man]

Look on the Main PCB and locate the M5 Honda socket, it should come to the outside of the machine with a DB25 connector for RS232 serial.
There are many previous posts here to cover the hook-up and software available.
Al.

[bigsteve]

In the manual under program input output it lists RS 232C interface. Is that what I am looking for? There is a port on the front of the panel. Where should I start to look for hook up and software help Al? Thanks again for your help!

[Al_The_Man]

If the port on the front panel is a DB25 trace it back to the M5 and make sure the parameters are set, you can get them here http://www.cadem.com/ncnet/ncnet_dncdetails-41.htm
as well as a communication program.
Also search the Fanuc forum here for more RS232 info.
Post again if you need help with the parameters.
I would suggest you make up a three-wire cable with the handshake jumpered out.
Al.

[bigsteve]

Thanks Al! That's great information but I am a little confused on the cable connection diagram. It shows both 9 and 25 pin from PC to 25 pin on CNC. But do I want null modem or full handshake? Also it shows black lines between the pin numbers. I am assuming those are wires, But it also shows red lines on the outsides of the pin numbers. Do you hook these pins together? Thanks for taking the time to help me out!
Steve

[Al_The_Man]

Originally Posted by bigsteve But do I want null modem or full handshake? Also it shows black lines between the pin numbers. I am assuming those are wires, But it also shows red lines on the outsides of the pin numbers. Do you hook these pins together? Steve

Null modem usually offers full handshake, but I would go with the 3 wire cable, I only see blue jumpers
Handshake jumpered is 4-5 and 6-8-20 on a 25pin D. and the equivalent on the 9 pin.
You make up the cable according to the CNC and your PC, i.e. 25D to 9D etc.
Al.

[bigsteve]

One more dumb question Al, When you say jumpered you mean the pins are connected in the plug? How? with seprate wires? Could you maybe show me a pic of how you do this?
Thanks,Steve

[Al_The_Man]

Steve, If you look at the PDF you probabally want the 25 to 9 pin connection, if you look at the null modem using 3 wires between connector and the blue wires are connections between the shown pins only, the jumpered out pins do not go between the 25 and 9 pin D connector. They are just local to its own D plug.
If it is still not clear, I could probabally find one I could open up an post a pic.
Al.