[Arnie_26]

Hi,

My name is Cade Arnel.

My company has recently updated our CAD/CAM system to NX7 to assist us in machining profile machining and to keep more jobs in-house.

We have an old Okuma MC-4va 3 axis Machining centre with a OSP5020M controller (with DNC-A and a Tape Reader) and would like to be able to drip feed our programs for machining.

I would like to find out our options in making our Machine capable of Dripfeeding. I understand DNC-B is one retrofit option, but is very expensive.

I have heard it is possible to utilize the DNC-A option/ Tape reader with a BTR card to allow drip feeding programs.

Has anyone had any success with a BTR upgrade on an Okuma MC-4VA/OSP5020M

Any assistance would be most appreciated


Kind Regards,

Cade

[Algirdas]

I can't help unfortunately. My question is close to the subject:
is it possible to read part program from floppy diskette for execution?

[mfugs]

DNC-B or DNC-T3 are the best option, and they are expensive but they pay for themselves. They requiere retrofitting the machine and reinstalling the updated software, which must be done by okuma. I looked into the BTR option, but they told me it doesn´t interfase with okuma controls. But maybe they have something new now.
Try http://www.memex.ca/ , they have BTR solutions.

[underthetire]

DNC B vs DNC A

DNC B was intended for remote operation of the machine. You should be able to drip feed a 5020M with DNCA, just got to set up the handshaking correctly. It's been 15 years since I messed with one, so I don't remember all the details anymore.

[Arnie_26]

Hi All,
Yes I have been getting conflicting reports on the solution for this problem.
I have heard the DNC-A will not allow Drip Feeding only direct File Transfer.

I have also inquired about a Dostek BTR the other day and the information I received back is below. So I presumed that if the Okuma had a Tape Reader with a Tape Reader interface, it should be able to drip feed. I'm not sure if I'm this is correct.

If anyone else can shed some more light on the situation that would be appreciated.

Regards,
Cade


The Dostek Model 440A Behind-the-Tape Reader (BTR) may be used for drip feeding with any CNC that provides a tape reader interface and a 'TAPE' mode of operation. We do not have an OSP5020 manual, and I have not been able to determine if this control has a TAPE mode. Please refer to the section of your OSP5020 manual that describes operating modes. We have supplied many BTRs for installation on the older Okuma OSP3000 control, and this control does have a TAPE mode that may be used for drip feeding using the BTR. Therefore, I believe it is likely that the OSP5020 also provides a TAPE mode. We have supplied some BTRs for installation on OSP5000 series CNCs, but it appears these were to replace a defective serial interface and the possibility of drip feeding has not come up previously.

[sertec]

DNC-B is the only way to Drip Feed on the OSP5020 Control. THE ONLY WAY!
Forget BTR/DNC-A - won't work, never will.
You will have to order the DNC-B Option from Okuma...

[Superman]

This is a conversation from "Calmotion" about DNC-B, increasing "Bubble memory" and drip-feeding
http://www.calmotion.com/usbpendant.html

Can your product satisfy our needs of handling larger programs by DNC ?
Yes. We can DNC a program directly from a USB key to your machine.We offer mid-tape start and insertion of preparatory data such as tool change,..

What modifications are required at our end ?
Using the USBCNC, none. You only need to plug power to our unit. We provide a serial cable and connector as well as a 2 GB USB key. The internal version, USBCNC-INT, requires modification to your machine. We have an installation manual on our web site if you wish to review. It mostly consists of drilling some holes on the pendant of the machine and putting our operator interface on it. From there it is pretty easy to pick up power from the machine and connect the serial port. A water proof panel mount USB connector is also provided. This should be placed where convenient for the operator.

Do we have to have the “Okuma DNC-B” option fitted before using your product ?
Yes. Without DNC functionality on your Okuma, our product will only allow you to transfer files back and forth from the machine to the USB key.

Is there a local user (Australia) that uses your product on an Okuma machine that we could view in action ?
Not that I am aware of. I know we have shipped our Fadal USB products to Australia, but it operates somewhat differently from the Universal version and might not be the best test case for you to view.

If this is not a possible solution for your Co.
Can you suggest another possible source or solution that may eliminate the need to retro-fit our machines by purchasing the DNC option ?
Or have the ability to run the larger programs from another data source ?
Based on what I know, I am afraid that unless you buy more memory that will handle your programs, you will be forced to purchase the DNC option from Okuma. Otherwise, you will have to cut your program into smaller pieces and load/run each one. Having a USB key with all the smaller programs could make this a little easier, but it is not an ideal solution.

It appears that:-
--For big big files----DNC-B option is necessary
--For large ( not exacty sure on how large ) ---- these products may fill the gap slightly , further info would be required before deciding. You could use a schedule program to string multiple programs together

Your file sizes are still restricted by how big your "Run Buffer" is.
-you are not achieving much if you have a 2Gb storage capacity, but can only select and run 60Kb at a time

[sertec]

If you have a large program that WILL fit into your machines Memory, then you can run that program . You are not limited by the "Run Buffer".
By default most Okuma's will select programs using "A Method". this means you can Edit the same program while running it.
If you use Method B then you will execute the Program directly, which means you cannot edit the program while running as the Control is accessing the Program. But this means you can run Large Programs as long as you can Store them in the Control.
To Select B Method do the following:
( Assume the program is called TEST.MIN )
Press PSELECT
Type TEST.MIN;B
Press Write and away you go!
There is also another way to get even larger files into the control.
Be careful when doing this!

Store the Files in BB0: not BB1: which is the default Directory.
Depending on what Memory you have, BB0: tends to have a lot more available Memory.
If its there, then use it.
So this time if you had a program in BB0: you would do this:

Press PSELECT
Type BB0:TEST.MIN;B
Press Write and away you go!

To save the program to BB0: in the first place you would type the following:

Press PIP
Press Read
Type CN0:, BB0:TEST.MIN

Enjoy!

[Algirdas]

Some controls are capable to read files (PIP from RS232 port) from the part program. If somebody played with that?

[sertec]

For Drip-Feed, DNC-B is only way. Period.
You cannot select program from RS232 Port or Floppy, etc