New Milltronic user, great machine, but need help.

[Captain Midnigh]

Still nothing. Is there a way to test the machine port for output?

[lvogts]

You can use a LED to test the port output. The voltage the output puts out is low enough you wont need to use a resistor. The LED is polarity sensitive so you need to know the anode and cathode for proper reference. With the LED hooked up you can see it flicker when data is transported. I've made a few LED testers to trouble shoot the same machine you have, I own one also. I've had trouble getting it to talk also. I've about got it figured out but still have a problem with the computer sending a program back to the controller that works! If you need a tester let me know. I'll send you one. It's the best way to test that I've found.

I've been having problems with my machine gridding. I just turnned off the function in the paramater so I don't have to grid and the machine works great now. You just have to keep your overtravel limits in mind so you don't bottom out the servo's on an axis overtravel before hitting the overtravel estop switch. These old machines are wonderful when they run....Very bullet proof controls...but when they do crap out.........it makes you want to scream!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[One of Many]

You should inspect the back side of this RS-232 port and see how many wires it is using to the control. Since this is the older control, it may need full hand shaking between it and the PC. There are other cable configurations to go from 25 to the PC 9 pin serial com port connections.

Milltronics might fax you the procedure and cable configuration?

DC

[Captain Midnigh]

I am using a 25 pin, 25 pin cable, with a null modem adaptor.

[One of Many]

Some times the OEM's get monopolistically creative installing non-standard com ports to sell you a cable only available through them. If Milltronics recommends the cable and configuration you are trying to use, then there is some other problem.

Have you spoken with them to get gain a solid direction?

DC

[Captain Midnigh]

Another member gave me the scoop on the proper cable set up. A standard cable with a null modem adaptor is suposed to do it.

[One of Many]

Well, you can see how reliable that is since I offered you another configuration that works on the newer controls.

Maybe it is not the cable?

For your test transfer program, are you using the mill to transfer a program from the PC to the mill? If you are trying to go from the PC to the mill, there may be some issues with the file format, file name, file syntax etc. I'd start with a conversational program in the control and get that to go to the PC first. Then load the same program the other direction back into the control from the PC. Although a conversational program may not be true G-code, it is a text type of file, at least the control will include the proper formatting for you. This can help prove the transfer works. Yet loading a hand written code, the control won't recognize an improper storage format so it appears to be a bad cable or configuration.

I am not saying the other information you obtained is wrong but the shortest distance to up time is often direct to the source. Milltronics is usually pretty good about guiding you through a snag like this.

DC

[jpawelk]

Milltronics does not support The Centurion IV control any longer. If you have fatal problems you may want to upgrade the control.

[Captain Midnigh]

The controller seems to work ok. It may just be the plug. I've tried going both ways, but nothing yet.