DNC Communications

Serial Mini DNC Communications

Product Code:93000206F (kit with manual in English)

This option allows transfer of files (tables, programs etc.) between a 10/Series control and a Personal Computer, via a point-to-point communication, Client-Server type, where the Client can access the resources defined on the Server. This communication uses a standard RS232 port on the CNC and has the advantage of being a low cost solution, easy to use and install. The maximum communication speed is 9600 baud. This option can be used in conjunction with the WinLink Operator Panel to connect the Personal Computer integrated in the panel with the Central Unit.

Two possible configurations are allowed:

1. MASTER CNC and SLAVE PC: At the CNC side the user operates in the Utility partition (DOS SHELL, DOS GRAPHIC INTERFACE) or in the DOS REAL TIME partition. The user may access the hard disk files and peripherals (printers, etc.) the CNC shares with the Personal Computer and use any file management command (copy, edit, delete, etc.)
2. CNC and PC configured as MASTER-SLAVE: The user may, either at the CNC or PC side access shared hard disk directories and use any file management command (copy, edit, delete, etc.). This solution requires an 8 Mb RAM on the main CPU.

In addition, from SERIAL MINI DNC Release 2.0 (compatible with System Software Release 3.1 or higher) the MTB can create a customised PC interface for task-to-task communications with the CNC environments (process, machine logic, axes, DOS partitions, etc.) through NETBIOS messages. The syntax of these messages is described in the SERIAL MINI DNC manual.

Starting from Release 3.0 of Serial Mini DNC option, a DLL function library is included to allow the programmer to write his application under Windows 3.11 and Windows 95 operative system using a high level languages like C++.

The SERIAL MINI DNC COMMUNICATION option consists of a manual and 2 diskettes with the software to be installed on the CNC and the PC.

Ethernet Mini DNC Communications

Product Code:9300020711 (kit with manual in English)

This option allows several CNCs and a host PC or VAX to be networked over a standard coaxial thin Ethernet cable. The transmission rate is 10 Mbaud, which means that it takes 0.02 seconds to transfer a 1 Kb file. In addition, the coaxial cable allows noise free signal transmission over a long distances (the maximum net segment length is 185 m).

This option can be used in configurations using the WinLink Operator Panel to connect the Personal Computer integrated in the panel, with the Central Unit.

NOTE: Ethernet Mini DNC option cannot be retrofitted on 10/510 without a complete change of Central Unit.

When installing this option you may configure each CNC both as MASTER or as MASTER/SLAVE (this configuration requires 8Mb RAM on the main CPU), whereas the PC can be either a MASTER or a SLAVE. You can transfer files (tables, programs, etc.) or, when a VAX is used, emulate a terminal on the CNC. In addition, from ETHERNET MINI DNC Release 2.0 (compatible with System Software Release 3.1 or higher) the MTB can enable task to task communications between the host and the remote environments (process, machine logic, axes DOS partitions, etc.). This permits the host and/or one or more CNC's to monitor and supervise the network.

Multi-point Ethernet communications with host PC

If the Host computer is a VAX, the Digital DECNET protocol with PATHWORKS 4.0 network software is required. Starting from release 2.0 of the MINI-DNC option, the diskettes are inclusive of the PATHWORKS CLIENT 4.0 software for MS-DOS.

The Mini DNC Ethernet kit consists of 2 diskettes, a Manual and 1 Ethernet XT & AT board. For each node of the network, i.e. for each CNC and PC connected in the network, and one 'T'-TYPE CONNECTOR kit must be ordered. You must also order and "ETHERNET CABLE' kit for each node in the network less one and two "50 ohm TERMINATOR" kits, one for each end of the network ('T'-type connector for first and last node in the network).

The digital drives and the graphic setup programs, running on Windows 95, facilitate and speed up the commissioning of the machine by avoiding tedious and repetitive adjustments.

Please note the following:

1. In the first case, the system supervisor is the host and the System Integrator must write his own interface for communications through NETBIOS messages. The syntax of these messages described in the MINI DNC manual. Starting from Release 3.0 of the Ethernet Mini DNC option, a DLL function library is included to allow the programmer to write his application under Windows 3.11 or Windows 95 operating system using high level languages like C++
2. In the second case the system supervisor is a CNC DOS environment or a part program written using ASSET instructions. With the latter, a dedicated process can be used and the interface is based on part programming instructions (and therefore can be easily developed and modified)

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