"I" drive not available - 9067

Dear All,

As much as I love my Cincinnati Arrow 750, it's driving me nuts!
I program everything (and I mean everything) offline with my CAM software and have done so for at least the last 6 years.
I'm getting an error when calling up drive "I" (RS232A - Background edit - drive select - option 4). I use CNC_COM to sort out the transfer etc. It started just last week when the system stopped mid program and the control then showed the error. I changed the PC I use as the slave machine and the first time I turned it on to try it, it worked. I then restructured my file system to how I like it and then it failed again. Pig sick of the whole situation, I turned the machine off for the weekend. The following week I reinstalled the original slave PC because it had other stuff on it I use and everything worked again. It worked fine until this morning, same problem.
I checked the cable connections (again) wiggled this and that but no go. I'm fairly sure the PC is OK and the cable that connects it to the machine. So I have concluded it must be a fault within the main cabinet (der) but which bit?

Any ideas or comments on tests etc would be most welcome.

Please don't say "program it manually" as I machine a lot of 3D forms many thousands of lines long. (and I have forgotten how to).

Thanks,

RHK

Install a network card in the machine.

Hi, Thanks for your response. I shall look into it. It started working again this morning but its doing some strange things in the file management that I haven't seen it do before.

Regards,

RHK

I did a network install on my 750 today, and it's excellent!

I chose a 3Com Etherlink III ISA card, since I could find the driver for that specific card in the NT4 network adapter list.
Configured it with IRQ 11 and fixed IP crosswired to a laptop running Win7.

I'll be happy to do a detailed how-to write-up if necessary.

Cheers.

Hi Larspeed, I am constantly amazed at the clever people like you who can do these things! My particular problem solved its self somehow. I went through all that I could to no avail but it started working again a few days after I'd given up so I could earn some money on my other CNC.
I would be interested how you done as I haven't a clue.
Thanks,
RHK.

Hello again, Sir!

Yes, I feel likewise and urge to contribute with what I might come across -( in this neverending quest of avoiding being stuck with a Cincinnati paper weight in the shop/shed :)

Here goes;

1. Find a suitable TCP/IP network card and install it in one of the available ISA slots on the A2100 bridge board.

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...ff1a613b63.jpg

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...1e3a230144.jpg

2. Power up the controller.
Go to Program Manager -> Control Panel -> Network Settings and click 'Add adapter'

Pick the adapter in the drop down menu to install it.

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...8e58b7d968.jpg

Configure as shown;

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...495f594805.jpg

Add TCP/IP software;

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...48c1dddae6.jpg

3. Restart controller (A2100) and hit F1-key on boot-up to enter BIOS settings.
Go to 'Advanced' and choose 'Plug & Play (Pray?) Configuration'.
Set IRQ 11 to 'Used by ISA card'.
Save and exit to reboot.

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...61fe3120cb.jpg

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...9f9bacf817.jpg


4. When A2100 has started, go to 'Network Settings' again and choose TCP/IP Protocol this time.

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...999201d99c.jpg

Configure as shown;

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...59997c06df.jpg

Restart A2100 again and connect a crossed configured/terminated network cable between the A2100 and the (in my case) Win7 laptop.

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...fd472bfdc1.jpg

5. In win7, go to the 'Local Area Connection Properties' and choose Internet Protocol Version 4;

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...7877f91fa2.jpg

Configure as shown;

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...7323140eed.jpg

(Had to divide the post - Max 15 images allowed)


6. You should now be able to browse the shared folders on the A2100;

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...d7856f1bdc.jpg
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...8474caf720.jpg



Under 'User' I created a folder named 'NC' to upload files to from the win7 laptop.

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...5b2e46f18c.jpg

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...19e3711b02.jpg



Now you can upload files to this folder and transfer them to 'NC Part Programs' by selecting 'Browse...' in the 'Transfer programs' menu.

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...c2db82fde0.jpg

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...4b3323e918.jpg




The end :)

I will also add that you DO NOT need to have the networking option purchased to do this, and there is also a way to run large programs if you do not have the maximum storage option purchased as well.