Originally Posted by
DMF_TomB
you do no need to spend alot of money to connect a Prototrak Plus to a computer with USB
i use a null modem cable (normally <$20 on ebay Laplink or Interlink Serial type with 9 AND 25 pin plugs on each end is best type to get) to connect a old desktop computer that has a Serial port and a USB port. I can also use a laptop with a serial port and usb port. Buy a used computer for <$200 and that is not only your "adapter" from serial port to usb but it is a way to store programs. You could connect this computer to a network or even to WiFi but I just use a USB flash drive to transfer Gcode from other computers.
I have used the free Windows XP program Hyperterminal to transfer text / Gcode and I have used other programs too. I use
4800 baud, Parity Even, Stop Bit=1, Data Bit=7
File Size limit of about 20kb or 200-300 lines of Gcode
SWI also has another manual called Prototrak Plus CadCam Interface manual. I got it free from SWI so I am attaching it.
it explains what regular Fanuc Gcode is understood and how it is converted to SWI code. Also the 3 manditory rules.
1) G codes must be on every line
2) G codes must have spaces between them
3) End of Block character must be ; (semi colon)
no semi colon at end of lines and it will not get past 1st line on Gcode. End of file is % , if none it will not see file end
the regular Prototrak Plus manual explains error codes. For example Gcode with a Z axis will convert to SWI code with X0 and Y0 (it does not read Z axis changes) and generate an error message (because you are telling it to do nothing). you need to understand CR0 and CR- , or connecting radius 0 (continue with next line automatically) and CR- , at end of line pause and wait for GO button push to continue.
basically i do a few minutes editing Gcode (add ; at line ends etc) and after it goes through Prototrak Plus I send it back to the computer to read how it converted regular Fanuc code. I often have to eliminate lines with X and Y zero change (it does this when it sees a Z axis line in Fanac code) and I make sure to add a pause CR- (instead CR0) when ever i need it to pause so i can manually change Z
i admit engraving letters is easier if you keep it short. your not going to engrave hugh amounts without hitting file size limit. if nothing else saving programs saves time having to enter a identical program weeks later. normal text file transfer takes less than 15 seconds.