Newbie- Send to machine

[pmsmichelle]

All,
Version 9. I can't seem to send my post directly to my machine? I have older Light Machines, it uses DOS program runs through an (ASI card?). I contacted supoort at Intelitek but haven't heard from them.

Would I need to hook up the mill to my printer port? How does one manually move the mill to zero the axis if so?

Any help would be appreciated.
Mike

[Superman]

Typically, you would post to the PC, the NC file is created and is opened in to the default editor ( normally Cimco - this editor has DNC capabilities ), you would then send this file to the control using the Cimco ( or your choice ) DNC software

Communications to a machine is generally through a COM port as the transfer speed and "handshake method" can be controlled to suit your machine

[pmsmichelle]

Dear Mr Kent,
Thanks much, seems your answering all my posts. I really do appreciate your help. So Cimco is another software? My machines are older and I have DOS controllers. I have the mill software but it is limited to 1000 lines I think and no way to work the lathe? The comoputer I have to use is Win 98 and has to have a special ASI? slot? Does Cimco also have capability of manual control of the machine to orient to 0's? I was thinking I might have to replace the controler and software?
Again thanks for your help.
Mike

[Superman]

Originally Posted by pmsmichelle Dear Mr Kent, Thanks much, seems your answering all my posts.

Hi Mike,
Nah, it's just that when the guys in the states are turning lights OFF, we on the other side of the pacific are switching ON

So Cimco is another software? My machines are older and I have DOS controllers. I have the mill software but it is limited to 1000 lines I think and no way to work the lathe? The comoputer I have to use is Win 98 and has to have a special ASI? slot? Does Cimco also have capability of manual control of the machine to orient to 0's?

Cimco is another editor supplied with mastercam that also has data transfer capabilities ( including DNC ) to and from a machine using a RS232 link. I suggested this "Cimco" as it has good editor interface after posting thru Mcam, 1- you edit , 2- you save, 3- you send-- all in the same software

Your comment "I can't seem to send my post directly to my machine?" , problem is mastercam must be able to create a target for the file in an existing directory, if the directory does not exist, then "posting to machine" will not be able to be completed, it just bombs out.

Sorry, Cimco is not capable of direct control of any CNC, this could only be done using dedicated software that has been designed and then configured to suit your machine

Steve ( not Clark )