RS-232C Fanuc Controller to iLogic DNC configuration?

[RC-CNC]

Hi guys, I'm pretty new to this DNC server system as well as systems engineering in general. I'm an 80's baby so I am quite familiar with computers and networking but need some basics explained to me.

I am trying to interface a Fanuc 18i controller to an iLogic DNC PC. The PC is connected via USB to a DB9 serial adapter. This DB9 then goes to the DB25 CNC controller.

My questions are:

Where can I find the pin out of the CNC?
Is this pinout the same across all Fanuc Controllers?
I have also on the DNC several Citizen L20's and L25's already interfaced. Will the Fanuc Pinout be different from the Citizens?

Lastly, is hardware handshaking and/or software handshaking possible with this controller? I believe I'm more interested in software right? because it is an xon/xoff controller? Thanks a lot.


Thanks for any information you can provide.

[stevo1]

I have attached the pin out and settings for the 18iT control. This can be most commonly used across most Fanucs. I believe based on some of the threads I have seen that there are a few differences when you get to setting the 6 series controls.

I have never used a Citizen so I don’t know how the pin out compares to Fanucs.

The handshaking for this control should be Xon/Xoff.

There is a lot of DNC software out there. Some of which is free. I have used Dostek DNC for a long time. It is very user friendly and the service is outstanding.

Dostek Incorporated
238 Westheights Drive
Kitchener, Ontario
Canada N2N 1j9
Tel (519) 742-5721
Fax (519) 741-8669
www.dostek.com
Ask for Doug Struthers

I also believe that Dan Fritz who has extensive experience with this type of communication has his own software. Might help to send him a PM to see what he’s got.

Here is a link to another thread that I started regarding USB-RS232. I just thought it might help if you had any concerns or questions as I did.
http://www.cnczone.com/forums/showthread.php?t=62811

Stevo

[dcoupar]

All recent Fanuc's use the same pinout.

Fanuc PC
(DB25) (DB9)
1<---(shield)--- no conection
2<--------------->2
3<--------------->3
7<--------------->5
4,5 Jumpered (Fanuc end only)
6,8, 20 Jumpered (Fanuc end only)

If your Citizens are Fanuc or Yasnac, they should be the same.

Use software handshaking.

If you experience problems, you might want to dump the USB-Serial adapter and get a PCMCIA-Serial (if its a laptop) or a "real" serial port if it's a desktop.

[RC-CNC]

Originally Posted by dcoupar All recent Fanuc's use the same pinout. Fanuc PC (DB25) (DB9) 1<---(shield)--- no conection 2<--------------->2 3<--------------->3 7<--------------->5 4,5 Jumpered (Fanuc end only) 6,8, 20 Jumpered (Fanuc end only) If your Citizens are Fanuc or Yasnac, they should be the same. Use software handshaking. If you experience problems, you might want to dump the USB-Serial adapter and get a PCMCIA-Serial (if its a laptop) or a "real" serial port if it's a desktop.

Thanks guys. Is it possible to have both the USB to Serial emulating COM ports AND have a serial car for more COM ports? We have the machines in a Star Pattern from the DNC.

The Citzens run a Mitsubishi Meldas M500 and 635 controller.

I also believe one of the Fanuc controllers has a windows background.

Last question: What are stop and start characters for the Fanuc and should it be in ASCII or ISO mode? I never did know the difference between those and EIA. Thanks for any help you can provide.

[RC-CNC]

After looking at the data sheet you provided, compared to what is in the parameter manual, I have some conflicts with what is chosen to be set for 0100, 0101, and 0102.

on 0100 I have ND3 enabled (1), what is this?

Also 0101 I have ASI enabled for ASCII, is this correct?

And lastly for 0102 I have 4 Selected which means DC codes 1 - 4 are not used. What are DC codes?

[stevo1]

For parameter 100.5 I believe that this is used when drip feeding the machine. With it being set to 1 it will run the buffer full then it will send a DC3 code when full. With it at 0 it reads one block at a time and a DC3 code is output after each block. I am not 100% on that as I do not dripfeed.

Parameter 101
Bit 0 is your stop bits set this to 1 for 2 stop bits
Bit 3 is the code used. Set it to 0 for ISO. If set to 1 it is ASCII
Bit 7 I believe is the difference between using Fanuc input/output or something else. I have am not sure exactly what that means but the list shows to set it to 1.

Parameter 102. The best I understand as to the DC codes is this is where your data will read from or punch to.

I am not the expert in this area. I set up our old 18m control a long time ago. I usually work my way through until I get the right settings. I can trouble shoot the problems very well but understanding the proper terminology….I lack the vocabulary.

Are you getting anything to work with these settings??

Stevo

[galerun]

Null Modem Cable works great with hyperterminal or any other dnc program.