VF3 to Laptop

[CamIam]

I am trying to get a RS-232 connection from a HAAS VF3 to a laptop. The connection on the machine is a 25 pin serial. I bought an adapter to convert to USB. I use BobCad version 20. I opened some NC code that I had generated before and sent to the machine by floppy. I set the send parameters to the same as the machine. I pushed the recieve rs-232 on the machine and it said waiting. Nothing happened. I tried the same thing in reverse and tried to send code to bobcad. Not sure what I did wrong. It doesn't seem like they are talking to each other. Any suggestions?

[CamIam]

Well, I read a few different posts. I would like to make this file transfer as easy as possible. Can it be done like windows explorer? Drag and drop? Skip the send from bobcad nc code generator, and just copy and paste into machine directory would be real cool.

[HuFlungDung]

It could be a case that the software emulation that you installed with your USB:RS232 converter is lacking functionality.

I would advise that at least temporarily, that you try to set up communication between your machine and a desktop pc with a serial port in it. Once you have verified that the cable is working by reason of back and forth communication occurring, then, you can experiment with the laptop and deduce whether or not the USB convertor is any good.

[dcoupar]

How is your cable wired? For a Haas, you only need 3 wires.

Haas ---------------- PC
DB25 DB9
1 <---- shield ------ no connection
2 <------------------> 2
3 <------------------> 3
7 <------------------> 5

Set both Haas and PC for XON/XOFF or software handshake. Match baud rates, stop bits, parity, etc.

Get PC ready to receive

At the Haas, press LIST PROG, then highlight a program and press SEND button.

Haas should send program. If it works, try to send the same program back:

At the Haas, press LIST PROG, press END to highlight "ALL", and press RECV

Send the program from the PC.

[CamIam]

I have no idea how the cable is wired. I bought a 25pin male to usb convertor, and then just bought a 15' usb extention cord. The machine did have an added servo controler last is no longer used. That cable is a 25pin male to 25 pin male. I know that cable worked as it was purchased with the machine. I could try an female to female 25 pin gender changer and then plu in my original 25 pin male to usb.

I did look on shop floor automations website. They have a cord, but this is not for work, so I am trying to keep the numbers down.

I have BobCad version 20, I shouldn't need any more DNC software right?

[dcoupar]

Are you sure your 25 pin to USB is a SERIAL adapter? Most USB to Serial adapters have DB9 connectors. If it's a USB to PARALLEL adapter (usually DB25), it won't work.

[CamIam]

I bought it though amazon. Here is the description:

USB to RS232 DB9 Serial Cable + DB25 Pin Adapter / Port Adapter Converter for GPS, PDA, PC, Modem

[dcoupar]

Good.

Now you need a cable between the DB25 adapter and the Haas DB25 wired like this:

Haas PC
2 <------------> 3
3 <------------> 2
7 <------------> 7

Or, if you remove the 9-25 adapter, use a cable wired like this:

Haas PC
2 <------------> 2
3 <------------> 3
7 <------------> 5

[CamIam]

I thinkk I will just call shop floor automations and buy the cable from them direct. That way I know it's right.

[dingo0722]

Its easy to check the cable. Just get a paper clip and stick it into the pin out on the female side and using a multimeter put it in the male pin out. If the correct pins are in place the multimeter should buzz. The cable you need for Hass is called a Null cable or straight through cable. I would also be highly suspect of your USB to rs232 device. you can by cheapo ones that wont work. I buy mine from USConverters.com. The professional one works excellent. It also has LEDs in the case to let you know communication is taking place.
Can you verify that you have set the hass and the DNC to the same data transfer settings?
When sending to the hass you need to tell the machine to listen first, then send from the DNC. To receive from the haas you need to tell the PC to listen then send file from the hass.

-Dan

[CamIam]

Jeeez, I don't think I will be sticking any metal into the rs 232. I got a quote from shop floor automations for a cable and a rs 232 to usb converter. The converter is alittle expensive, but at least I would know it would work.

My local computer guy does have one more thing I will try. If that doesn't work I will go back to floppy's until I can raise the funds.

[dingo0722]

not the rs 232, the cable. You want to verify the pin out on the cable. Use this converter for your USB to rs232 USB to serial adapter | USB to RS232 adapter
Its $36 bucks. I use it to drive my Hass and all my machines here. Works perfect.

Before you spend any money can you verify my previous questions?

Dan