[Mazakdiver]

H ave just started work for a firm that has a Bridgeport VMC 1000 with an Hiedhain TNC 426 control - the manual is not pecific on transering programmes via the RS232 - It refers to some "soft keys" marked as "transfer" but these keys do not exist - Would appriciate any help or advice - Thank you

[elmerfud]

I know this one!
Download a pdf of the 'TNC426' from heidenhain website.
While your there, download a software called 'TNC remont'.
Solder a cable together, DB9 to DB25 with the length needed to reach from your workstation PC to your CNC - OR - if you have a CAT5 network port (in the TNC) use a network cable.
Go to the background edit screen on the TNC and press the button marked help.
A code entry will be asked for, type in 'NET123'.
This screen will let you set the network I.P address and handshake test if you use CAT5.
If you use the RS232 port its much easier, just match the baud rates to the recommended settings, only, it's much slower for transfer.

Hope it helps, Ciao.