Need Help!- Software vs floppy drive

[jstucken]

On my vf2 i do not have a floppy drive. I am having problems hooking up to transfer programs via rs232 port. I had a demo version of cimco and its not working. I want to know would it be easier/ cheaper to take a floppy drive from a PC and hook it up to the haas. I know a floppy drive from haas is like 400 bucks. Or is there any software out there that is free/ cheap that will work. I don't want to spend any more money. thanks

[gar]

080526-1939 EST

jstucken:

You really haven't said anything about what you tried with RS232 --- settings at both ends, cable pinouts and how connected, cable length, computer, operating system, what doesn't work, exact results, and anything else.

Cimco software works very well and so does HAAS RS232 if there are no damaged components.

Go search for some of the various discussions I have had on troubleshooting RS232.

I think that the floppy drive on HAAS is less reliable than RS232. Also floppy disk quality seems to have degenerated recently.

.

[Mike Stevenson]

RS232 is the only way to go. The floppy drives get dirty all the time.

[WayneHill]

hi jstucken,

Welcome to the CNCZone. The HAAS serial wiring has been hashed, re-hashed, and who-hashed here many many times. Use the search feature of the forum.

Wayne

[extanker59]

I use a memory stick. Easier and quicker than floppy discs, cheaper quicker set up than rs232. Do you have that USB port?

[jstucken]

No my CNC does not have a USB port.

[Mike Stevenson]

So you should use the RS-232 for best speed, quality and reliability . Break down and buy or make a good cable and get some working communication software. Any other solution is chaos.

[JDenyer232]

Originally Posted by jstucken On my vf2 i do not have a floppy drive. I am having problems hooking up to transfer programs via rs232 port. I had a demo version of cimco and its not working. I want to know would it be easier/ cheaper to take a floppy drive from a PC and hook it up to the haas. I know a floppy drive from haas is like 400 bucks. Or is there any software out there that is free/ cheap that will work. I don't want to spend any more money. thanks

Try DNC4U, that's what we use and it was pretty easy to set up, they let you try it for 60 days, and then you have to buy the license, was $139 to purchase a license for one computer, you can run up to 64 machines per computer/license. This software will transfer files to and from the machine as well as drip-feed. They have a nice file que utility with a repeat count for machining multiple pieces. I have no affiliation with the software company, just a very happy user. Hope this helps.