Should I update WinCnc Version and how-to Q?s

[sparkgirl]

I am running WinCnc 2.2 version and a 2.3 version (2 systems) using XP,(32bit). Both daughterboards for Pci7200 cards are from year 2006. They are connected to PracticalCNC built control boxes, also c.2006, with 25 pin cables rather than the current 37 pin cable commonly used by WinCnc. It looks as though there are many good improvements in Software versions 2.4 and 2.5, including several regarding THC. I just swapped out an old Practical voltage divider for a WinCnc THC board in my Hypertherm PMax 1000. Since I must install new .mac files, update ini files, etc for the new board, it was a good time to consider updating all.

Q1. Should I update my WinCnc Software? Q2. Will I experience problems due to having only 25-pin connectors to older daughterboards?

Addt'l Info: My shop does not have internet access, so I do all updates manually from a USB or removable drive.
My THC board will still be linked to controller through Practical's 2007 THC retrofit--replacing their 2006 AVC-2 ATHC unit. For those of you familiar with these unpredictable THCs, I plan to just run machine torch manually with the joystick and the THC disabled for now, but I still need to update my program files to even do that.
BTW, any new comments regarding these THCs or related, would definitely be of interest (on the appropriate forum thread of course), please reference any new postings so I(we) won't miss them.

[MarkWink]

Load it in a seperate directory and copy your files .mac .ini .dat etc and try it.

You can revert to the old version that way.

This has saved my butt a few times (with bugs, ini settings)


There has been no hardware issues with the pci7200 with daughter boards.

I run this on a router and can't comment on THC.

[Butterknife]

Sparkgirl,

If you do update your software to 2.5, make sure you follow the instructions in the manual for 2.5. It uses a different driver so it has to be installed differently.

First, when I do it, I back up my current WinCNC folder.

Next, I like to save a copy of the most recent Release version of WinCNC - At this time, I think it's 'WCnc2501.exe' - to my desktop.

Next, I run the exe. It will give me the option of where to unzip the files to. I choose the Wincnc folder. It will unzip all the files to that folder.

Next, I close that and go to the Wincnc folder. From there I find the 'DriverInstaller.exe' and run it. It will run through uninstalling the old driver for 2.4 and installing the driver for 2.5. It also will choose the correct version of Wincnc for my platform, either 32 or 64 bit.
It will pop a message up that this driver didn't pass Windows Logo testing or something. I just tell it to 'Continue Anyway' and let it finish.

If I did it right I now have 2.5 loaded and ready to run.

I restart the PC to be on the safe side, but I probably wouldn't have to.

Also..., if you are worried about the 25 pin connector, Microsystems still sells a 25 pin daughter card. If you're using their ATHC board, I think they are working on something to make the torch work smoother and better. According to them it doesn't eliminate the need for a good ground, but it helps with the electrical noise that is present on many of the Practical CNC Plasma machines.