PC wont talk to Meldas L3

[dave6]

I am working on getting my PC to upload a file to my Meldas L3 Lathe. I am using Procomm plus and a cable that worked on this machine before (rs232). The pc says its connected and sends the file to the machine but the file does not go and the machine gives me the error code E08 (physical error cable not connected). I am using a usb to serial adapter which I believe is set up correctly. I have never done this before so I am a complete newbie to this and all the settings. I have all the manuals and have checked all the parameters and believe they are correct. Does anyone have a check list where I could go through and check everything step by step parameters, software settings, steps to actually send the file, steps for the machine to receive the file etc. I have something from Mits. called the M3 L3, RS-232 Procedure but it differs from my manual. Anything could be wrong. A complete check list would be great.

[Al_The_Man]

If your port & setting are still the same, and it is when you used the USB to RS232 adapter, then it could be your hardware handshake is not seen.
You do not really need hardware handshake as it uses XON/XOFF (S/W HS).
You could either make up a new 3 wire cable or if you have a 25 pin D connector on the Controller, the HS wires on the CNC end of the cable could be removed and the hardware handshake jumpered out.
This is 4-5 6-8-20, no other wires connected to these pins.
the 2,3,7 stay as they are.
Al.

[dave6]

This machine has been out of service for over a year and all settings and parameters have had to be redone do to battery change, replacement of both servos and servo drive. This machine is also new to me operationally and set up wise. This is also my first CNC lathe. So I would rather look at my settings and parameters before I start doing changes to my cable. I know I could have one stupid thing not set right that could be the cause, I just have to find it and I thought a comprehensive check list would be the ticket. Once I know all my settings are correct then the cable mod as you suggested.

[Al_The_Man]

Do you have the Manual, if so, if you refer to the 5 I/O screens.
The Port number for data in & out is usually 0 or 1, try 0 at first.
the device is the number of the device you name on screen 2, you can give them a three letter label, usually there is only one if you use a PC, so name the device 0, PC.
This is the device # you enter on screen 1.
next on screen 2: is the protocol you are going to use, usually 4800 baud, 2 stop bits, no parity,char length 8, terminator 0, term code 0, rewind 0, handshake DC code, DC code parity none.
Screen#3: DC2/DC4 =0, CR output 1, EIA out 0, Title feed 0, feed char 0.
You should be able to get the manuals from the MEAU site if you do not have.
Al.

[dave6]

I have changed a few settings to reflect what you sent me and I now get a L01 DNC error after attempting to send the file. This is not in my manuals do you know what this is or means? At least the other error has gone. Thanks....

[Al_The_Man]

I can't find that one either, is the PC end set for XON/XOFF, software handshake?
Al.

[dave6]

I dont know....where would I check that?

[Al_The_Man]

It is years since I used procomm, but it should have a set up or initialize screen to set Baud, stop bits etc.
Al.

[dave6]

Pretend I know nothing...actually you dont have to pretend. You turn on the machine and the PC correct? To upload a cnc program file you set the Mode select switch to Memory? You then go to program in/out on the machine select input? Enter #1 for main program, then the number of the program? Hit input? Then go to the pc and hit upload or send file? I also have the computer link turned on in the control parameter section (para 2 2/3 # 46)? Does this sound right so far?

[Al_The_Man]

You should not be using Computer Link but it should be made a different device to the PC or what ever you labeled the PC device as.
The rest sounds right.
Al.

[Abacus]

Diag In/Out (1001) (U) for User parameters

Diag In/Out (1001) (M) for Machine parameters.

Don't know if that helps, if any at all.

[dave6]

What does this do?