ProtoTrak MX3 DNC rs232 cable pinouts

[bishb25]

Hi all,

Would any of my fellow prototrak users know the correct pinout for sending programs from a DB9 (9pin) serial port to the DB25 port in the Prototrak MX3?

I got a diagram from SWI which shows 3 different sets of pinouts
1. 25 to 25pin cable (the cable that came with the DNC upgrade)
2. 9 to 25 pin adapter
3. 9 to 9pin cable

It would appear since I have the 25 to 25 pin cable that came with the DNC kit from SWI that I would only need to make the adapter from diagram 2. However, I have hacked an old 9 to 25 cable I picked up at a used computer store to match the diagram and still I cannot successfully send a DNC program to the control.

If anyone has a working 9pin to 25pin setup would you mind spending a little time with an ohm meter and help me get the right cable.

I would also be open to setting up the prototrak to accept USB if anyone has a solution.

[bishb25]

Let me ask it this way:

Is anyone using a Db9 to DB25 cable for DNC to a Prototrak MX3 successfully?

[bishb25]

Well, If anyone is interested I got RS232 working on my ProtoTrak MX3.

I never did get the right pin out for a 9pin to 25 pin cable (obviously, cause' I'm the only one replying to my posts). What I got was a BAFO BF-800 USB to serial DB25 adapter. The adapter plus the 50ft DB25 to DB25 cable that came with the DNC kit from SWI works very well. Till now I could only find USB to DB9 adapters, and was led to believe by many CNC guys that DB25 adapters did not exist.

Thanks to all those who viewed my thread. I know you would've helped if you could.

[bishb25]

The BAFO works great in windows XP, but I could not get it to work reliably in Win98SE or at all in Linux. Southwestern industries recommends using Hyper-terminal, and I agree, I got my best results using it vs bobcad, predator, or any other DNC software. The best part is hyper-terminal is free with Windows 95 though XP. Vista doesn't have it but you can buy an enhanced version from it's creator. Just Google "hyperterminal."

For best results I suggest using a PC with a dedicated serial port, Hyper-terminal, and the appropriate cables. The RS232 settings are on the back of the control pendant. If you don't have a serial port use a high quality usb to serial adapter like the BAFO. The cheapo's don't work. I don't have any problem sending and receiving .CAM, .MX3, or .MX2, but I still have issues with long DNC programs. I think it's the old worn-out control on my particular machine.