EPROM (?) info

[brgrii]

If I understand controls at all (50-50 chance), a machine builder buys a "stock" system and Motherboard from a control supplier, then adds a chip or two with his machine specific information on them and these chips are EPROM's.

Is is possible to get the information off these EPROMs and if so can I use it to rebuild the "ladder" information?

I do not have a manual for my 20 yr old machine and want (need) to know how the the machine side is communicating with the control.

[NC Cams]

You can copy EPROMS witha prom burner/copier but reverse engineering them migh be another story altogether.

Not only do folks use different languages but onc the code is compiled, it can be jibberish to try to understand.

YOu are in the same boat as lots of other people with 20 y/o NC controls that have software burned into proms. If you can figure out a cheap easy way to do it, you might be able to create a whole new career opportunity for yourself.

I wouldn't quit my day job, however, in the mean time....

[Al_The_Man]

Originally Posted by brgrii Is is possible to get the information off these EPROMs and if so can I use it to rebuild the "ladder" information? I do not have a manual for my 20 yr old machine and want (need) to know how the the machine side is communicating with the control.

It all depends on who's control, many are stored in binary (Intel Hex) format, but almost all use proprietary software that is required to allow the hard-copy documentation and programming of the ladder.
Older Fanuc systems require a programming unit, Mitsubishi have a DOS program (used to be free) for their systems. Fagor is in mnemonics in plain language, so they all vary.
Al.