Cam Tech Router Master II-No controller on Com2

[tracikowal]

Hi guys. Having trouble. We have a used Camtech Router Master II. Somehow lost communication with the controlling PC, which is approx. 200 ft away. Each time I try to send the program to the router, I get an error msg "No controller on Com2". (Tried other com ports with the same result). I'm using a serial cable made by our maintenence person, 9 pin on pc and 9 pin on router. Any recommendations?

We did have a power surge not long ago, and replaced the cord just to be sure.

I'm using Toolpath program.

Thanks!
Traci

[Al_The_Man]

Anything worked since replacing the cable?
Do you get communication the other way?
Can you try another PC?
If all else fails I would make up a three wire cable with the Handshake jumpered out. This is 7 & 8 and 1 & 4 & 6 on a 9 pin, no connection on these between ends.
Between ends would be:
3 to2
2 to 3
5 to 5
Al.

[tracikowal]

The machine "seems" to be working.....can't send anything to it to check.
Not sure if communication works from machine to PC, how can I check that?

I did try another pc, same thing.

"Handshake Jumpered out".....can you explain?

Thanks.

[Al_The_Man]

If you go here and look at the null modem cable connection and also see my previous explanation for cable hook up. http://www.cadem.com/ncnet/dnc-detai...-system200.pdf
Al.

[gemcw]

Had a similar situation on a Cam Tech, not my own (router master 52) ... try a short cable with PC near the table. The machine went back to Cam Tech and I beleive it was a fried part in the "modem" that allows serial communication. Power surge might have done something.

[hans@eureka-tec]

Traci,
Hans here; I worked at CAM Tech for 20 years and know that the CMC2 download cable is not a standard serial communication cable (it uses a proprietary current-loop communication).

Here are the pinouts for the 2 types of controllers:
-= CMC1 (3 conductors)=-
2-2
3-3
5-5

-=CMC2 (5 conductors)=-
2-3
3-2
5-5
7-8
8-7

If you use DOS Toolpath, yours is most likely a CMC1 controller type, but you should be able to get the conductor count from your old cable.
You can check the "job Status" in Toolpath to communicate with the machine.

Hope this helps.
Hans