The Mazatrols use a special communications protocol, so you need PC software that supports that protocol. It's sometimes referred to as "CMT" protocol, because it was originally developed for a Cassette Magnetic Tape reader that Mazak sold for a lot of $$
A few of the earlier Mazatrols could also send/receive normal G-code files (called "EIA files"), but many T2 controls did not have this option.
The cable is pretty simple, but you can't just use Hyperterminal or some public-domain DNC program. Lots of commercial DNC software products have the Mazatrol CMT protocol, including ours.
If you want to get started, you can download and try our PC-DNC Editor. It has communcations software built in for both Mazatrol CMT protocol as well as for EIA files with standard protocols. Download the software by clicking on:
This is a trial version of the software, which you can use for free for 30 days. At least you'll be able to test things out before deciding if you want to buy it. The operator's manual is also avialable in .PDF format by clicking on:
To make your cable, you'll need a 9-pin female connector for the PC side, and a 25-pin male connector for the CNC side. There are many cable diagrams that will work, but here's one that we use:
CNC side (25-pin) -------- PC side (9-pin)
pin 2 ----------------------- pin 2
pin 3 ----------------------- pin 3
pin 5 ----------------------- pin 7
pin 7 ----------------------- pin 5
pins 6 and 8 ---------------- pin 4
This cable will work on all Mazak models, assuming that you have a 9-pin serial port on your PC.
To configure your Mazatrol, you'll need to set several parameters. Here are our suggested settings:
A15 - 206 (No parity, 2 stop bits, 8 data bits)
A16 - 1 (RS232 parameter for serial tape?)
A17 - 6 (CMT baud rate 4800)
A18 - 6 (EIA baud rate 4800)
A19 - 0 (Tape rewind code)
A20 - 1 (Output ISO)
A21 - 0 (Spaces between work # & data
A22 - 0 (Spaces between programs)
A23 - 0 (Leader / trailer in feet)
A24 - 0 (Tape Vertical Parity Check = off)
A29 bit 0 - 0 (Don't stop at O or
A29 bit 1 - 1 (Stop at M02)
A30 bit 0 - 1 (Serial reader on)
A30 bit 1 - 1 (Serial punch on)
A30 bit 2 - 0 (Parallel reader off)
A30 bit 3 - 0 (Parallel punch off)
Remember: Bit 0 is the RIGHTmost bit
A31 - 109 ("#" code for EIA punch)
A32 - 70 (":" code for EIA punch)
To configure the PC-DNC Editor software, open the Editor and click the "Configure IO device" menu. Set the port to 4800 baud, 7 data bits, 2 stop-bits, ASCII Even parity and Xon/Xoff protocol. If you're also sending/receiving EIA (G-code) files, set the EOB code to "CR/LF", go to the "Advanced" page and set the Leader to "%CRLF" and the Trailer to "%". When finished, be sure to click "OK" or "APPLY" to save your changes.
To send a file from the Mazak to the PC, click the IO menu again and select "Mazatrol files", then "Receive Mazatrol file". Next, go to the CNC and select "Program files" then "Data in/out", then "CMT I/O", then "Save CMT" then enter a 4-digit work number and press INPUT. If you want to send multiple work numbers, just enter them, pressing INPUT each time. To start the data transfer, press the START key on the Mazatrol. When the PC-DNC Editor has completely received the data, you should see a bunch of hexadecimal data appear on the screen. You can then save this file with any name you want using the "File/Save As" menu. These Mazatrol files are not normal G-code files, and you really can't do much to edit them offline.
If you're sending EIA (G-code) files to the PC, use the Editor's IO menu, but just click "Receive file" (don't use the "Mazatrol" menu). Then on the Mazak, use the "Tape IO" button instead of the "CMT IO" button. That sends the EIA G-code file to the Editor, which you will be able to edit offline if you want to.
To send a CMT file back to the Mazatrol, use the Editor's IO menu, select "Mazatrol files" then "Send Mazatrol file" and enter or select the file name. On the Mazak, use the "Program file", then "Data I/O", then "CMT I/O", then "Load CMT file". Next, enter your 4-digit work number, press INPUT, then START.
To send an EIA (G-code) file back to the CNC, open the G-code file in the Editor with the "File/Open" meu, then click the Editor's IO menu and select "Send file" (not "Mazatrol"). Select "Wait for Xon" from the next menu, then go to the Mazatrol and input the file with "Program file", then "Data I/O", then "Tape I/O", then "Load". Enter the 4-digit work number, press INPUT, then START.
These are settings recommended by the OneCNC CAM software we use at work. We have T- and M-Plus controls there. They upload either Mazatrol or EIA through Terminal or the OneCNC interface.
Mazak M2 - T2 - T3 Controls
The following settings and parameters that we have used to setup RS232 communications. We have now condensed it in to a form to assist you in setting up your machine. Some of this information has been gained from the machine tool handbooks and some from practical experience and others obtained from users. If you find any of this information incorrect or any suggestions how to easier setup your control we would be pleased to be advised so we can keep our help files and manuals to a high standard of accuracy.
Cable Pin Out
CNC Control Computer 25 Pin Computer 9 Pin
I/O Port RS232 Port RS232
DB-25 Male DB-25 Male DB-9 Male
1 (Not connected) Chassis ground Chassis ground
2 3 2
3 2 3
7 7 5
4 and 5 jumpered not connected not connected
6, 8, 20 jumpered not connected not connected
Notes on Suggested Machine Control Settings
1. It is important to note is that you set the control for a Data Length of 8 Bits and No Parity but you set the OneCNC system for 7 Data Bits and Even Parity. This is because the Mazak control counts the Even Parity Bit as a Data Bit.
2. All of these controls can upload and download G-code (EIA) programs if they have the EIA code option installed and the M-2 control can also do direct DNC of G-code (EIA) programs.
Suggested Machine Control Parameters
A15 = 206 RS-232C Code (Suggested)
A16 = 1 No Parity
A17 = 6 CMT Baud Rate (4800)
A18 = 6 Reader/Puncher
A19 = 0 Tape Rewind Code Assignment
A20 = 1 Punch Code (ISO)
A21 = 1 Number of Space Code
A22 = 10 Number of Feed Code Front
A23 = 10 Number of Feed Code Rear
A24 = 0 TV Check Off (Vertical Parity)
A30 = 3 Serial/Parallel Switching
A31 = 109 # Code Assignment
A32 = 70 : Code Assignment
Suggested OneCNC Communication Send Settings
Baud Rate 4800 (Suggested starting point)
Parity Even
Data Bits 7
Stop Bits 1
Handshake Software - XON - XOFF
Start at Machine Tagged active
First Lines %
Last Lines %
Remove Spaces Tagged active
Suggested OneCNC Communication Settings for Receive
Baud Rate 4800 (Suggested starting point)
Parity Even
Data Bits 7
Stop Bits 1
Handshake Software - XON - XOFF
Receive Timeout 10000
Strip at end of Line
The settings are automatically saved when exiting the settings and they are saved to the currently loaded machine configuration. The Receive and Send settings are separately saved.
Mazatrol Cam T2 - RS232 details
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