[red zilla]

This seems to be the thread I need:

Im running the ProtoTrak Plus and attempting to use Hyperterminal to send/recieve the codes. After a week and a half of working with SWI, its come down to there being something wrong in the PT itself. Anyone else had this issue?

>Go to send file
>says RCV ERROR on module
>Mini-tester (RS232) is reading that there is NOTHING coming from the module
>Tester is able to notice the computer is trying to send through the cable when Hyperterminal sends test file.

Seems that there is an error within the module itself, but the boards look fine (no burns or solder breaks) and its clean as a whistle. Google has failed me when it comes to solving this and SWI refuses to give me any further information into the inner-workings of the module (they almost know me by name now I've bugged them so much).

when sending files from the your pc, you have to press the (tape rs232) key then the #(2) key then the #(1) key then the (+-) key on the PT plus then you hit send on the pc. also do you have your baud rate and every thing set right?
and make sure that you have a null modem cable if not it won't work trust me
I had to learn the hard way.

[red zilla]

one more thing to check I wonder if someone changed the pinout on the inside of your PT plus so they could use a printer cable? you might try a printer cable I'm pretty sure the only differance is 2 and 3 go strait thru on it.

[DMF_TomB]

in hyperterminal and other software for connecting a computer to a CNC by serial cable when you send text
.
look for send
NOT send file
.
it is different, usually send is just for text (in the Hyperterminal window)
.
send file is for sending other than text like a jpg or zip file and other computer would need to be programmed to deal with the file type.
......you usually copy and paste text to Hyperterminal and what shows in Hyperterminal window you send to CNC. i admit copy and paste seems to be a extra step. there are other programs besides Hyperterminal. Mastercam comes with excellent text editors for sending and receiving text by serial cable. Even in Mastercam text editor I use Send and NOT "SEND FILE"

[Bullnerd]

Red,thanks for all the tips,I would like to use the usb port also,similar to what you did.

Is your cable setup still working ok?

Do you think this cable would work with the null modem adapter you linked to?

Thanks for any more help,I'm kinda slow with computers.

[red zilla]

Red,thanks for all the tips,I would like to use the usb port also,similar to what you did.

Is your cable setup still working ok?

Do you think this cable would work with the null modem adapter you linked to?

Thanks for any more help,I'm kinda slow with computers.

yes my setup is still working fine.

if you make the cable in the diagram it is the null modem
so all you will have to get is the usb to db25 adapter
a null modem is a cable with pins 2 and 3 switched from end to end.

[Bullnerd]

DUH!I forgot to add the link to the cable I was reffering to!

Can I use this cable, http://www.cablestogo.com/product.as...=116&sku=22429 and the small null modem db25 adapter you linked to on e-bay?

I understand the null modem ,I have the PT manual.

Thanks again Red.

[red zilla]

DUH!I forgot to add the link to the cable I was reffering to!

Can I use this cable, 6ft USB Serial DB25 Adapter Cable - Cables To Go and the small null modem db25 adapter you linked to on e-bay?

I understand the null modem ,I have the PT manual.

Thanks again Red.

looks good to me just make sure it comes with the driver cd
any null modem will work just make sure you get it with the right ends for your application.

[Bullnerd]

Thanks again Red.

I was getting ready to make a standard female to female null modem cable( like the proto book says) and realized my thinkpad doesnt have a male db25 serial port?I think?Its female and the book says dont confuse a serial port with a parrelel port.Well I have no idea how to tell the difference.I think I'll just wait and buy the usb cable and null modem adapter like you suggest.

[rees2001]

WOW, this thread has been helpful. I am a teacher who has had the PT Plus and has just been using it as a stand alone unit for years. We had an Old Bridgeport with the PT Plus donated to our school in 2007 and I was told that it was only a stand alone unit. I have ordered the cables, downloaded a hyperterminal type program to run on my windows 7 laptop and gotten the communication to the mill. I can get it to the point where the machine lets me know it has received the file.... I can't get it to run. I made it as simple as I felt I wanted to test but still get no actual movement. Program Below. If anyone out there could help my kids would be psyched to start making robot parts using g&m code, not just standing in front of the machine punching in commands.

%:100;
N01 G20;
N02 G90;
N03 G80;
N04 G40;
N05 T1 M06;
N06 G100 X0.0000 Y0.0000 F10.00;
N07 G101 X0.2500 Y0.2500 F10.00;
N08 G01 X1.0000;
N09 G01 Y1.0000;
N10 G01 X0.2500;
N11 G01 Y0.2500;
N12 M02;
%;

[red zilla]

Hold down the start button for a few seconds then it will beep and ask what line you want to start at.

[rees2001]

Hold down the start button for a few seconds then it will beep and ask what line you want to start at.

Thanks, bit of a brain fart there on my part. Seems so obvious once written. I now have the ability to send files to the PT plus but only files under 1kb. I tried sending a 1.4kb and it sat for over a half hour with receiving on the PT Plus but never got to receive OK. Will the speed of my laptop really have much to do with it or should I just have waited longer?

thanks again to all for your help. My kids are really happy to start building robot parts from files rather than typing in for every part.

[BehemothDT]

This seems to be the thread I need:

Im running the ProtoTrak Plus and attempting to use Hyperterminal to send/recieve the codes.

>Go to send file
>says RCV ERROR on module

I am getting this same result. My cable matches the specs that SW I sent me. What ended up being your problem?

[BehemothDT]

Ok. Heres my experience.
I tried a 25 pin to usb adapter and got nothing.
I ended up using a printer cable that i rewired according to the attached diagram.
I used a 25 pin to 9 pin adapter at the pc end with a gender changer. It plugs into the PC's 9 pin COM1 not the 25 pin printer port.
Works perfect for about $20.
When sending files to the prototrak from hyperterminal, make sure that you disconnect after each file. I think this is what corrupted some of my files.
Hope that makes sense to someone.

[simracn]

We have a bridgeport series II with the prototrak plus system on it. So far this thread has been much help, thank you to those who have posted their findings. Have a laptop with win 8 on it and a 9 pin 232 port. So we purchased a 9pin to 25 pin serial cable and that is working fine.
Have tried both PUTTY and HyperTerminal for XP and like the HyperTerminal better. Also found out that our version of the plus likes .txt extensions on the files vs .cam. Our cad/cam program is enroute v5.1 and have been working with tech support there for a driver, but have ran into an issue.
I have tried the sample from the bobcad processor web site, and a sample from SWI themselves, they both upload and download fine, run fine with no issues. Our issue is I can run internal cuts and on center cuts for squares/rectangles, but if i try to do outside cuts on a square/rectangle, it loads in as a circle with a center point and gives an error 11 = not mathematically possible to do the cut. It does the same with circles.

Thanks for any help/suggestions may have.

[BehemothDT]

Where is a good source of info for editing my programs in notepad.
I keep getting "RCV BAD DATA" when i try to send it back to the PT+.
Help me out with this and ill show you guys how easy a live 4th axis is for the PT. I just got mine 100% operational.

[simracn]

Here are a cpl programs that work on mine. This is output from my new eroute 5.1 processor. What post processor are you using? If the bobcad ones, there are quite a few and i did notice some differences with some with close to the same name. You may have to try a few to get the correct one.
Are you sure you have tool numbers? the ';' at the end of each line?
You also have to make sure you have HyperTerminal set up correctly at the correct settings.there are a cpl of links in the thread for the proto cad/cam book which gives you editing tips and rules that need to be followed. COM1, 4800 baud, 7 stop, 1 (forget the name), even parity. and none. I use strictly .txt files to upload with HyperTerminal.
You may need to work with your cad programs support for the post processor and possibly SWI to get any kinks worked out.
P0000;
N1 G20 G90;
N2 G00 G17 G80 G90;
N2 T01 M06;
N4 G00 X1.109 Y-1.54;
N5 G01 X1.564 Y-1.54 F20.;
N6 G01 X1.564 Y-2.369 F20.;
N7 G01 X0.655 Y-2.369 F20.;
N8 G01 X0.655 Y-1.54 F20.;
N9 G01 X1.109 Y-1.54 F20.;
N10 G00 X4.336 Y-2.699;
N11 G01 X5.16 Y-2.699 F20.;
N12 G01 X5.16 Y-3.628 F20.;
N13 G01 X3.512 Y-3.628 F20.;
N14 G01 X3.512 Y-2.699 F20.;
N15 G01 X4.336 Y-2.699 F20.;
N16 G00 X2.5 Y-4.651;
N17 G01 X3. Y-4.625 F50.;
N18 G01 X6. Y-4.625 F20.;
N19 G03 X6.125 Y-4.5 I0. J0.125 F20.;
N20 G01 X6.125 Y-0.5 F20.;
N21 G03 X6. Y-0.375 I-0.125 J0. F20.;
N22 G01 X0. Y-0.375 F20.;
N23 G03 X-0.125 Y-0.5 I0. J-0.125 F20.;
N24 G01 X-0.125 Y-4.5 F20.;
N25 G03 X0. Y-4.625 I0.125 J0. F20.;
N26 G01 X3. Y-4.625 F20.;
N27 G01 X3.5 Y-4.651 F50.;
N28 M02;
%;

Hope some of this helps.

[BehemothDT]

I dont use cam or anything to generate the code. I program the prototrak plus manually. I can send and recieve files fine. Some files i modify in notepad and the upload to the prototrak plus perfectly. But some will only upload some lines of the program and stop and say RCV BAD DATA. Its always the same programs on the same lines.
Do you have a PT +? Or another version of PT?
My codes for position drill are G100.

I was thinking it was maybe file size. But the biggest file I have uploaded just fine.
I would like to have a list of the protocol for the program text. Just what is allowed in what is not allowed.

[simracn]

Forgot to add that i do have to prototrak plus.
Not sure if read this post and downloaded the cad/cam manual, but this post has a lot of good info in it along with the link for the book. You might post the lines of code that are giving you fits to see if anyone can help as well.

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.

[BehemothDT]

PN24130001 G20;
N001 G104 XC0A YC0A HL06 R3.563 A359.66 T01 ;
N002 G105 FE001 LE001 XO0 YO0 RE02 D0.563 T02 ;
N003 G100 X-1.164A Y3.197A T03 ;
N004 G100 X-0.591A Y3.35A T03 ;
N005 G100 X0A Y3.402A T03 ;
N006 G100 X0.591A Y3.35A T03 ;
N007 G100 X1.164A Y3.197A T03 ;
N008 G100 X2.149A Y2.637A T03 ;
N009 G100 X2.575A Y2.224A T03 ;
N010 G100 X2.922A Y1.743A T03 ;
N011 G100 X3.18A Y1.209A T03 ;
N012 G100 X3.342A Y0.638A T03 ;
N013 G100 X3.366A Y-0.495A T03 ;
N014 G100 X3.229A Y-1.072A T03 ;
N015 G100 X2.994A Y-1.616A T03 ;
N016 G100 X2.667A Y-2.112A T03 ;
N017 G100 X2.26A Y-2.543A T03 ;
N018 G100 X1.026A Y-3.244A T03 ;
N019 G100 X0.447A Y-3.373A T03 ;
N020 G100 X-0.146A Y-3.399A T03 ;
N021 G100 X-0.734A Y-3.322A T03 ;
N022 G100 X-1.299A Y-3.144A T03 ;
N023 G100 X-2.26A Y-2.543A T03 ;
N024 G100 X-2.667A Y-2.112A T03 ;
N025 G100 X-2.994A Y-1.616A T03 ;
N026 G100 X-3.229A Y-1.072A T03 ;
N027 G100 X-3.366A Y-0.495A T03 ;
N028 G100 X-3.342A Y0.638A T03 ;
N029 G100 X-3.18A Y1.209A T03 ;
N030 G100 X-2.922A Y1.743A T03 ;
N031 G100 X-2.575A Y2.224A T03 ;
N032 G100 X-2.149A Y2.637A T03 ;
N033 G105 FE003 LE032 XO0 YO0 RE02 D0.375 T03 ;
N034 G104 XC0A YC0A HL01 R4.12 A60.0 T03 ;
N035 G100 X0A Y0A T03 ;
N036 G104 XC0A YC0A HL03 R1.8 A270.0 T04 ;
N037 G105 FE036 LE036 XO0 YO0 RE01 D0.2 T05 ;
N038 G100 X0A Y1.4A T06 ;
N039 G105 FE038 LE038 XO0 YO0.1 RE02 D0.5 T06 ;
N040 G100 X0A Y0A T06 ;
%


On my XP computer in notepad there are 2 rectangle characters that appear in the line after the %. For some reason they didn't show up on this copy/paste.
I've tried ".;" at the end of lines, and tried it without the rectangles on my XP.
When sending this file to the PT from the XP it reads RCV BAD DATA, and it only uploads the first line. Some similar programs will upload 25 lines, read RCV BAD DATA, and leave off anything after the 25th line.
I'm sure its something simple that I'm doing wrong. Its just weird that some files transfer just fine, and these files will up load the first line only and error. It always uploads that bolt circle, and nothing else.

The 4th axis I built is very cool and super easy with the prototrak +.

[simracn]

The attached Ballpark file is what yours should look like. That is directly from SWI. Might want ot get rid of the excess 0's and is it the G104 and G105's that are giving problems, i dont see those an any other program or post have looked at for the Proto+
Only other thing i can think of is to contact SWI Tech/processors section and show them your posts to try and figure out what is wrong in your programs. Not that familiar with post processors, but thought some of the things had learned from earlier posts in here and in working with enroute and swi to get my enroute processor completed might help.