Communications

1
Communications in EdgeCAM
Comms is a feature of EdgeCAM that lets you send and receive NC programs through the RS232
communications port or parallel port of your computer to an external device (or Machine).
You can represent each of your machine tools within the EdgeCAM program group or folder by a separate
Machine icon similar to this:
A parameter file controls how data transmission and reception for a particular Machine is handled by the
EdgeCAM Comms system. You can create (or modify) these files to customise a collection of Machines to
match your actual machine tools and other devices. For example:
If you have administrator rights, the appropriate icon is placed within your EdgeCAM group or folder once the file
has been created.
Copyright 1988-2004 Pathtrace Engineering Systems. All rights reserved.

Microsoft, Windows and Windows NT are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation. Other brands and product names are
trademarks of their respective owners .
EdgeCAM User Guide
Communications Menu Options

Double-clicking on the icon for a Machine displays a menu of communications tasks associated with the
Machine, as shown here:
Each button launches either a Task or another Windows application, depending on how it has been configured
(a 'Task' is a set of communications instructions defined in a special way within EdgeCAM Comms).
Transmitting Programs to a Machine
Receiving Files from a Machine
has been created.

EdgeCAM User Guide
Transmitting Programs to a Machine

The Transmit File
button transmits one or more selected programs to the machine:
Click on the
button to show this standard Windows File Open dialog:
has been created.

Select the NC file(s) that you want to send to the machine tool or other device, and click on OK. The dialog
closes, and the NC files are transferred to the nominated machine using the configured communications
parameters.
Each transmitted file is preceded by a header string and followed by a trailer string.
Note that you can only communicate simultaneously to one machine at a time.
EdgeCAM User Guide
Receiving Files from a Machine

The Receive File
button lets you receive a specified program from the Machine.
To receive a program
1. Select file
the controlsbutton
fromtransmission
the receivingand
Machines
menu.
A dialog box
appears.
A parameter
how data
reception
for a particular
Machine
is handled by the
EdgeCAM
Comms
system.
You
can
create
(or
modify)
these
files
to
customise
a
collection
of Machines to
2. Specify the appropriate program file name.
3. Click on OK.
4. Transmit the program from the Machine Tool.
has been created.

EdgeCAM User Guide
Adding New Machines

When you are configuring EdgeCAM Comms to correspond to your collection of machine tools or other devices,
or if you have bought new machine tools and want to include them in your communications system, you will
need to create new machines within EdgeCAM Comms.
Before you start, make sure that you have your machine tool/controller documentation at hand to answer any
related questions.
You can create a new machine icon in one of several ways. The two most common methods are:
Start the Comms Setup Wizard by double-clicking on the Comms Set
icon. This application
guides you through the process of configuring the communications parameters for a machine.
Duplicate an existing machine by double-clicking on its icon. Select the Create New Machine (Machine
menu) command from the top bar:
has been created.
This will launch the Comms Setup Wizard, using the parameters of the existing machine as the defaults for the
new machine.

EdgeCAM User Guide
Modifying Existing Machines

If you have changed your actual machine tools or devices in some way you may need to modify the
corresponding Machine in EdgeCAM Comms.
Double-click on the Machine to be modified, and select the Modify Properties (Machine menu) command from
the top bar:
If you previously selected Use Wizard to Modify (shown as checked in the above example), when you click on
A
parameter
file controls
howthe
data
transmission
and reception
forcommunications
a particular Machine
is handled
by the
Modify
Properties
you use
Comms
Setup wizard
to alter the
parameters
for the
Machine.
If
you did
havemachine
Use Wizard
selected,For
when
you click on Modify Properties you are presented
match
yournot
actual
tools to
andModify
other devices.
example:
with this tabbed dialog:
has been created.

If you did have Use Wizard to Modify selected, when you click on ModifyProperties you are presented with
this dialog:
EdgeCAM User Guide
Typically, the Wizard only presents the most commonly used parameters. Click on the Advanced button to
display all related parameters.
has been created.

EdgeCAM User Guide
Configuring the Machine Parameters

SelectModify Properties (Machine menu) from the menubar of a Machine icon, and click on the Machine tab
to display this dialog:
If you selected Use Wizard to Modify, you will see the appropriate dialog for the Wizard instead of this tabbed
dialog. All of the parameters will be available, either directly or through the Advanced button.
has been
This
dialogcreated.
covers the naming and appearance of the machine. You only need to enter the Full Name and the
Machine Type, as the Description and the Directory are optional.
Machine Name - A Machine has two names: the name of the file (which can be up to eight characters long) and
a possibly more descriptive Full Name.
Machine Type- Select from a predefined list of machine types. Each type is represented by a different icon.
CNC Control Type is the name of the Machine controller. This masks out invalid options and sets defaults for
Copyright
1988-2004 Pathtrace
Engineering
All rights
reserved.
certain parameters.
The properties
of Systems.
the control
can be
modified through the Control tab dialog. For more
details see
the section
on Configuring
the Control
Parameters.
Microsoft,
Windows
and Windows
NT are registered
trademarks
of Microsoft Corporation. Other brands and product names are
Description- Enter further descriptive information about the Machine.
NC Program Location- The location of the NC files.
If you do not specify a control, Comms uses the default control called <Generic>.
Receive Location- Where the system puts any received files. This defaults to the NC Program Location.
Remote Commands- Check this box to enable the Remote Commands option. When selected an extra tab,
'Remote', appears on this dialog (see under Remote Communications for more details).
TheRemote Commands checkbox is greyed out for non-machine types such tape punch, computer, printer etc.
Checking the box also forces the EdgeRmt remote monitor application to be added to the common Startup
group (provided that the user has administrator privileges - otherwise an error message box is displayed) and
allows access to the Remote tab. See Using the Remote Command Monitor for details.
EdgeCAM User Guide
Specifying the Connection Parameters

SelectModify Properties (Machine menu) from the menubar of a Machine icon, and click on the Connection
tab to display this dialog:
The
Connection
dialog lets you configure the physical connection between the PC and the machine tool. This
has been
created.
can be either a serial or parallel device.
Device- Select any available Device port for communicating with the Machine controller.
If you select a serial port (COM1-COM4), the Serial (RS232) configuration can be defined, otherwise
these controls are greyed out.
If you
selectPathtrace
a parallel
port (LPT1-LPT3),
Serial
(RS232) controls are greyed out.
Copyright
1988-2004
Engineering
Systems. Allthe
rights
reserved.
Baud Rate- The baud rate (the number of bits of file transferred every second) to be used when a serial port is
opened to transmit data.
Different on Receive- Check this box to use a different baud rate when a serial part is opened to receive data.
Select the required baud rate from the adjacent list.
Parity- Specify the type of parity check to be used to determine whether the data has been corrupted. EIA is a
special parity type used in factory communications.
Check Parity- Mark this box to use parity checking.
Data- Select the number of data bits to be used (5-8). This setting is ignored if the Stop bits (below) have been
set to 1.5.
Stop- Specify the number of stop bits to be used (1, 1.5 or 2). If you select 1.5, the Data bit setting is changed
to 5 when the port is opened. If 5 data bits has been selected, only 1 or 1.5 stop bits is valid; for 6, 7 and 8 data
bits, only 1 or 2 stop bits is valid.
Handshaking- Select the handshaking to be used when a character is transmitted:
None - Ignores all handshaking.
EdgeCAM User Guide
10
Xon/Xoff- Stops transmitting when a <DC3> is received and starts on a <DC1>.
Xon+Wait- As Xon/Xoff, but starts transmitting on the first <DC1>.
RTS/CTS- Only transmits when the CTS line is high; only receives when RTS is high.
DTR/DSR- Only transmits when the DSR line is high; only receives when DTR is high.
Different on Input- Check this box to use a different type of handshaking to control incoming characters.
Select the handshaking from the adjacent list:
None - Does not attempt to control incoming characters.
Comms isXon/Xoff
a feature
of EdgeCAM
that
lets the
youinput
sendbuffer
and receive
NC programs
through
theisRS232
- Sends
a <DC3>
when
is full, and
a <DC1> when
there
space in the buffer.
Xon+Wait- As Xon/Xoff, but a <DC1> is sent when the port is opened.
- Sets
RTS low when the buffer is full, and sets it high when there is space in the buffer.
Machine RTS/CTS
icon similar
to this:
DTR/DSR- Only transmits when the DSR line is high; only receives when DTR is high.
Note that you should not confuse Input/Output with Transmit/Receive. Transmit/Receive implies the general
direction of file transfer, during which data can flow in and out of the PC. Transmit baud rate is used when the
device is opened for sending a file from the PC to the machine tool. Receive baud rate is used when the device
is opened for receiving a file from the machine tool. The input flow control affects characters being received into
the
PC in both
Similarly the
flow for
control
affects characters
sent
A parameter
fileTransmit
controlsand
howReceive.
data transmission
andoutput
reception
a particular
Machine is being
handled
byout
theof the
PC
in
both
Transmit
and
Receive.
match
your -actual
tools and
other devices.
example:
Local Only
showsmachine
what devices
are available
on theFor
local
PC
Show All- show all devices whether in use or not (for example, serial mouse)
Timeout- Used by both serial and parallel comms to determine how long the system should wait before
discontinuing the connection; the value is in seconds. In parallel comms, the timeout sets the timeout value in
the device driver.
has been created.

EdgeCAM User Guide
11
Specifying the Protocol Parameters

SelectModify Properties (Machine menu) from the menubar of a Machine icon, and click on the Protocol tab
If
you selected
Usemachine
Wizard tools
to Modify,
you devices.
will see the
match
your actual
and other
Forappropriate
example: dialog for the Wizard instead of this tabbed
This dialog defines the default protocol that is to be used for communication between the PC and the machine
tool. The default protocol is determined by the Control Type that you selected in the Machine tab dialog.
You can select one of five pre-defined protocols, or replace one or all of the standard tasks with a custom
Comms
task.
Depending rights,
on which
is selected,
you canwithin
also your
define
the control
strings
of characters
If you have
administrator
theprotocol
appropriate
icon is placed
EdgeCAM
group
or folder
once thethat
file
signify
the
start
and
end
of
the
transfer
(the
Header
and
Trailer),
and
the
termination
of
a
block
(or
line)
of NC
has been created.
code (the Interblock).
Standard protocol covers the majority of NC controls.
Heidenhain Blockwise protocol is available on most TNC controls, and is a form of ACK/NAK protocol that
provides a checksum to protect against data corruption.
Mazatrol 32 CMT is a special protocol peculiar to Mazak controls.
Copyright
1988-2004
Engineering
Systems.
All between
rights reserved.
ACK/NAK
protocolPathtrace
operates
by packaging
data
a start and end character and providing a checksum. If
data becomes
Microsoft,
Windows
corrupt,
and Windows
the checksum
NT are registered
will nottrademarks
match and
of Microsoft
a NAK character
Corporation.can
Other
bebrands
sent back
and product
to request
namesthat
are the
trademarks
of their Ifrespective
owners . match, an ACK character is sent to acknowledge the receipt of the package.
data be resent.
the checksums
Paper Tape is essentially the same as Standard but has the addition of man-readable messages that can be
punched out.
TheDefault used for indicates whether a Comms task is available for the three operations: Transmit, Partial
Transmit, and Receive.
Customised Protocols- The check box and selection menu at the lower left of the dialog provide an advanced
Comms feature, allowing you to associate custom Comms tasks to a Machine. Only users familiar with the
Comms task macro language should use this feature.
These parameters are initially greyed out. To activate them you must follow the instructions given here.
Ensure that you have a customised Comms task in your edge\dnc\lc directory which conforms to the standard
Comms naming convention, as shown below:
EdgeCAM User Guide
12
Comms Task File
Filename
Example
Transmit
*t.lc, *t.clc
hurcot.lc
Partial transmit
*p.lc, *p.clc
fagorp.clc
Receive
*r.lc, *r.clc
philipsr.lc
Now edit the existing edge\dnc\machines\control.ini file to include the name of the Comms task within the
[Custom Tasks] section, as shown here:
[Custom
Tasks]
Comms is
a feature
of EdgeCAM that lets you send and receive NC programs through the RS232
Task0=Hurco
communications
port or parallel port of your computer to an external device (or Machine).
Task1=Fagor
You can Task2=Philips
represent each of your machine tools within the EdgeCAM program group or folder by a separate
Note that the name must be the same as that of the Comms task, less the last t, p or r character before the
extension.
Once you have done this, these protocols will now appear in the list box:
has been created.

EdgeCAM User Guide
13
Configuring the Control Parameters

SelectModify Properties (Machine menu) from the menubar of a Machine icon, and click on the Control tab
dialog.
All ofadministrator
the parameters
will the
be available,
either
or within
through
theEdgeCAM
Advancedgroup
button.
If you have
rights,
appropriate
icondirectly
is placed
your
or folder once the file
has been
Here
and created.
elsewhere in the documentation, the term control refers to the Comms definition of a controllers
parameters. A controller is the hardware and software associated with a machine tool that interprets incoming
(or outgoing) program information into physical movement by the machine tool.
The Control dialog allows you to configure the Comms task corresponding to the protocol selected on the
Protocol dialog. The options on this dialog are only available when the protocol is Standard, ACK/NAK, Paper
Tape, or a custom Comms task.
Many
parameters
and options
will have
been set
by your
choice of Control type in the Machine tab dialog.
Copyright
1988-2004 Pathtrace
Engineering
Systems.
All rights
reserved.
TheHeader,
Microsoft,
Windows
Trailer,
and and
Windows
Interblock
NT are registered
are usedtrademarks
within the
of Comms
Microsoft Tasks
Corporation.
that Other
perform
brands
theand
transmit
productor
names
receive
are
trademarks
of Different
their respective
owners
operations.
strings
can. be used for transmit and receive operations.
Click on the
button to display this menu of options:
EdgeCAM User Guide
14
Header- Strings that are to be sent before the program.

Trailer- Strings that are to be sent after the program.
Note that the Header and Trailer strings should include the Interblock characters if this is required by the
control. If the Header or Trailer string requires the '*' character, use '<42>' instead.
SeeSpecifying Multiple Characters and Specifying Response Strings for further details.
Save on Receive - Check this box to save the Header/Trailer strings to the received file.
Interblock- Strings that are to be sent after each line of the program.
These
strings canport
consist
of ordinary
control
characters
(using
the ^letter convention; for
communications
or parallel
port ofASCII
your characters
computer tooran
external
device (or
Machine).
example '^J') or the mnemonic strings (for example, '<LF>').
See
Characters
and Strings
Machine
icon similar
to this:Used in Comms for further details.
Different on Transmit- Check this box to enable the Transmit section. This allows you to specify a different
Header and Trailer for the transmit operation.
TV Check- Check this box to enable testing the file transmission checksum (which is assumed to be positive).
If the transmission fails the test, a warning is displayed. This feature is usually only available on Fanucs.
NULL Translation- This controls the way NULL characters are treated when they are received. The drop-down
A parameter
menu
gives the
file following
controls how
options:
data transmission and reception for a particular Machine is handled by the
<None>
No translation occurs
<Ignore>
NULL characters are removed from the data.
<Space>
NULL characters are replaced by space characters.
User defined
Type a character to replace NULL characters as they are received.

Characters can be specified as ASCII, control characters or mnemonics.
has been created. When you save the machine configuration, control characters are saved as
mnemonics.
Translate on Transmit- Check this box to reverse the translation when characters are transmitted. For
example, if the space character replaces a received NULL on input, a space character in the file will be replaced
by a NULL on output.
Add man-readable message- This is only enabled if the protocol is Paper Tape. Checking this box enables
you
to enter an additional message. This message is punched out in man-readable form on the tape leader.
EdgeCAM User Guide
15
Customising the Machine Menu

When you click on a Machine icon, a popup menu of communications tasks appears for that Machine. A
standard menu is provided by default for each Machine, but you can customise this menu as required to provide
access to external programs, such as:
Comms Tasks (*.lc,*.clc)
Executables (*.exe,*.com)
Comms
Batch
is a feature
Files (*.bat,*.cmd)
You may also want to restrict some operations and so remove these from the menu.
To
customise
a Machine's
Machine
icon similar
to this:menu, select Modify Properties (Machine menu) from the menubar of the Machine
icon, and click on the Menu tab:
has been created.
Copyright
Pathtrace
EngineeringifSystems.
All rights
reserved.
Note
that1988-2004
this dialog
is not available
you selected
Use
Wizard to Modify.
Microsoft,
Windows
Windows
NTredefine
are registered
trademarks
Microsoft Corporation.
OtherYou
brands
and
product
are
The Menu
dialog and
allows
you to
the task
menuofdisplayed
by a Machine.
can
modify
ornames
delete
any of
trademarks
of
their
respective
owners
.
the default tasks, or add extra tasks. As well as the Comms tasks that can be added to the menu, you can also
specify executables and batch files instead of a .lc or .clc file.

Option- Lists the currently available menu options for the Machine. Select an option to display its parameters in
the other fields on the dialog.
Note that each option has an associated menu option button, which is shown as depressed when you highlight
the option in the list.
Button- Sets the default button associated
with the selected Task that appears in the
Machine menu:
Description- Enter a description for the task.
This description is displayed on the Machine
menu next to the button for the Task, and is
how a Task is listed in the Option field
described above.
EdgeCAM User Guide
16
Stay Visible- Check the box to keep the Machines menu window loaded while the task is run. If the box is
unchecked, the menu is removed when the task starts to run.
Task- This command-line field defines the task or tasks performed when a user clicks the Task button in the
Machine menu. This can be a Comms task (.lc or .clc), an executable (.exe .com), a batch file (.bat and on
Windows NT, .cmd), or one of a list of special tasks:
%Transmit% default transmit option Communications
using the configured protocol
in EdgeCAM
%Receive% default receive option using the configured protocol
Comms
isbutton
a feature
of EdgeCAM
The
to the
right of thethat
tasklets you send and receive NC programs through the RS232
communications
or parallel
port of your computer to an external device (or Machine).
provides a popupport
menu
listing these
default
You
cantasks:
Machine
icon similar
to this:
It also provides
a number
of parameters
that can be added to non-Comms tasks
which are filled in at run-time.
These parameters are:
%Machine%
the machine name
file (.mdv)
A %File%
parameter file controls how the
datamachine
transmission
and reception for a particular Machine is handled by the
EdgeCAM
Comms
system.
You
can
create
(or
modify)
these files to customise a collection of Machines to
%Control%
the control name
%Directory%
the default machine directory
Click here to view some examples of how to use these tasks and parameters.
has been
See
Also created.
Adding Menu Options
Changing Menu Options
Deleting Menu Options

EdgeCAM User Guide
17
Adding Menu Options

To customise a Machine's menu, select Modify Properties (Machine menu) from the menubar of the Machine
icon, and click on the Menu tab.
1. Click on the
button to display
and select from thisinmenu
of tasks:
Communications
EdgeCAM
2. Select the desired task.

3. Click onfileancontrols
appropriate
to use for the
A parameter
how Button
data transmission
andTask.
reception for a particular Machine is handled by the
EdgeCAM
Comms
system.
You
can
create
(or
modify)
these files to customise a collection of Machines to
4. Type in a Description of the Task.
5. Click on the Add button. The new menu option is added to the option list.
6. Click on OK.
The new option will appear when the Machine menu is activated in future.
has been created.
Instead of clicking on the
button, you could click on the Browse button to display this dialog:

This has a number of file types:
EdgeCAM User Guide
18
Possible Tasks (*.lc,*.clc,*.exe,*.com,*.bat,*.cmd)
Comms Tasks (*.lc,*.clc)
Executables (*.exe,*.com)
Batch Files (*.bat,*.cmd)
All Files (*.*)
Exampleis- Adding
Comms
a featurea of
Calculator
EdgeCAMOption
that lets you send and receive NC programs through the RS232
In the Task box, type:
c:\windows\calc.exe
This task starts the Windows Calculator program.
has been created.

EdgeCAM User Guide
19
Changing Menu Options

1. Select the menu option you want to change from the Option list:
has
created.
2.been
Reselect
the parameters for that option as required.
3. Click on OK.

EdgeCAM User Guide
20
Deleting Menu Options

1. Select the appropriate menu option from the Option list.
2. Click on the Delete button. The option is removed from the Option list.
3. Click on OK.
The
option will noport
longer
appearport
when
menu
is external
activateddevice
in future.
communications
or parallel
of the
yourMachine
computer
to an
(or Machine).
has been created.

EdgeCAM User Guide
21
Customising the Machine Menu - Examples
Example - Adding an Operator Worklist Option

<Excel path> %Machine%.xls
For example:
Comms is
a feature of EdgeCAM that %Machine%.xls
lets you send and receive NC programs through the RS232
c:\msoffice\excel\excel.exe
This task starts Microsoft Excel with an Excel file of the same name as the machine. This could be used as a
You
canfor
represent
each of your machine tools within the EdgeCAM program group or folder by a separate
worklist
the operator.
Adding a View Log File Option
<your editor path> %Directory%\%Machine%.log
For
example:file controls how data transmission and reception for a particular Machine is handled by the
A parameter
EdgeCAM
Comms system. You can create
(or modify) these files to customise a collection of Machines to
c:\edge\cam\edit\edgenc.exe
%Directory%\%Machine%.log
This task would run the EdgeCAM editor from a local drive and load up a file called machine.log found within the
path specified by the %Directory% parameter.
Example - Passing Through to a Batch File

If you
rights, the appropriate icon is placed within your EdgeCAM group or folder once the file
In
the have
Task administrator
box, type:
has been created.
d:\edge\tidy.bat %Machine%
This task would pass the %Machine% parameter string to the specified batch file as a variable, meaning that the
same batch file could be used for many machine tools.

EdgeCAM User Guide
22
Remote Communications
Remote Communications is an extension to the basic EdgeComms module that enables a user to upload and
download program files from the CNC control. This is achieved by running a Remote Command Monitor (called
EdgeRmt) on the computer. The EdgeRmt application interprets commands sent from the CNC control, and
runs the required NetCode task to perform the transfer.
Communications
in AEdgeCAM
You can define the command structure
for each machine tool.
wizard is provided to simplify the configuration
process.
communications
portmust
or parallel
of your computer
to anComms
external licence
device (or
Machine).
Note that you
have port
purchased
the Advanced
before
you can use Remote
Comms.
You
can represent each of your machine tools within the EdgeCAM program group or folder by a separate
See also
Configuring Remote Comms
Using the Remote Command Monitor
has been created.

EdgeCAM User Guide
23
Configuring Remote Comms

To configure Remote Comms for a Machine, select Modify Properties (Machine menu) without 'Use Wizard to
Modify' from the menubar of the Machine icon, and click on the Remote tab. This tab only appears in the
Machine Properties dialog after you check the Remote Commands checkbox in the Machine tab.
An example dialog is shown here:
has been created.
TheRemote Commands section of the dialog allows you to set up the commands the Machine will use with
Remote Commands.
A remote command string is made up of literal characters and variables. These literal characters can be either
ASCII characters, or control characters written using mnemonics (e.g. <ESC>) or the ^ character (e.g. Â).
Where two or more options are valid, the options are given as a comma-separated list surrounded by braces
(e.g. {O,:} to show that the identity can start with either O or :).
The variable data is identified by a variable name surrounded by % characters. If a % character is required as
Microsoft,
Windows
Windows
NT are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation. Other brands and product names are
a literal, you
mustand
write
it as %%.
You can enter a variable name at the current cursor location in a field by clicking on the appropriate
on the right of the field and selecting from the menu.
button
Program ID is not really a command, but a way of identifying the program ID. It is used to generate a file name
if the Save command is not used.
Transmit is the command string used to request that the named file be transmitted from the computer to the
CNC control.
Receive provides the name to save the subsequent file. The Save command is not always required as the task
normally saves any file received, using the identity to generate a file name.
Program List is the command that transmits a list of available files from the PC, in a form that can be viewed on
the CNC control. It is similar to the Load command, except that the file name is usually set to zero.
Wizard- Click on this button to let the Wizard create a command template for you. The button will be greyed out
if a Device is unavailable (for example, if EdgeRmt is running - see Using the Remote Command Monitor).
The Wizard analyses the existing configuration and creates the appropriate template for each of the Remote
EdgeCAM User Guide
24
Command strings. You must have correctly configured the connection parameters for this analysis to be
accurate.
Use the Reply Format fields to define how Comms formats the feedback when a user requests a Program List.
A Program List is actually a small NC file which lists the programs available in the NC Program Location.
In the example dialog shown above, the Reply Format settings were:
First Line O7777:
Reply Line (%DESC%)
%DESC% is replaced by the file name of each file available in the NC Program Location. Here is an example
Comms
a feature
of EdgeCAM
that lets you send and receive NC programs through the RS232
ProgramisList
file based
on this example:
%O7777:
You can (5875112.NC)
Machine(1002441.NC)
icon similar to this:
(3957751.NC)
(3957752.NC)
(3957753.NC)
(2544971.NC)
%
Note
that the file
% at
the beginning
and
end of the file
the header
trailer strings
that
have been
A parameter
controls
how data
transmission
andare
reception
for aand
particular
Machine
is handled
by configured
the
for
this
Machine.
has been created.

EdgeCAM User Guide
25
Using the Remote Command Monitor

When you enable remote commands for a Machine, the Remote Command Monitor application (EdgeRmt.exe)
is added to the Startup group and automatically executed.
When run, EdgeRmt loads all the local Machine files (.mdv). Only the Machines configured for Remote
Commands are run. For each Machine with remote command enabled, the monitor NetCode task is launched to
run in the background.
When a Monitor task is running, the output is not the same as that using a Machine menu. However, you can
get
feedback
on a Machine's
activities
by double-clicking
on the NC
Monitor.
The Monitor
minimised
Comms
is a feature
of EdgeCAM
that lets
you send and receive
programs
throughisthe
RS232 by default,
and
appears
as
an
icon
in
the
main
taskbar
status
area,
not
on
the
taskbar
itself:
Now select the required Machine from the list:
has been created.
The list shows all the local Machines that have remote commands enabled, and for which a monitor (m suffix)
task has been found and executed. The status line at the bottom displays the last message from the selected
Machines task.
Note that to close down the Monitor, click on the icon in the top left:
and select Exit from the menu. Do not click on the

minimises the application.
EdgeCAM User Guide
icon in the top right of the screen as this simply
26
Introduction to RS232 Comms

Communications from Comms to external devices is established through the individual Machine items in the
EdgeCAM program group. Additional information is provided here to help you in establishing communications
with specific RS232 devices. Some sample cable and Machine configurations are also included.
Comms is primarily intended for use in communicating with machine tool controllers, paper tape reader/punches
Communications
in EdgeCAM
and other transfer devices. For details
of RS232 communications
you should refer to the original EIA Standard.
During communications the PC is operating as a DTE (Data Terminal Equipment) device. In general, only eight
lines
canisbe
utilised of
in EdgeCAM
communications
to you
a device.
These
are described
below:
Comms
a feature
that lets
send and
receive
NC programs
through the RS232
You
can represent
program group or folder by a separate
9 Way
25 Way each
Ref of your machine tools
Line within the EdgeCAM
Description
N/A
1
FG
Frame Ground
This line can be connected to the
cable shielding.
3
Tx
Output
Transmit Data
Output data from the computer to

the device.
2
3
Rx
Input
Receive Data
Data received from the device by
theacomputer.
A parameter file controls how data transmission and reception for
particular Machine is handled by the
7
4
RTS
Output
Ready To Send
High during output,
low during input.
8
CTS
Input
Clear To Send
Must be high for output

(use for RTS/CTS handshake).
DSR
Output
Data Set Ready
Must be high for input.
If
the appropriate
icon is placed
youratEdgeCAM
4 you have20administrator
DTR rights,
Input
Data Terminal
Readywithin
Set high
all times group or folder once the file
has been created.
(use for link-outs).
5
SG
Signal Ground
Should be connected to the

signal ground at the device end.
See Also
Copyright 1988-2004
Engineering Systems. All rights reserved.
General
Notes on Pathtrace
Communication
EdgeCAM User Guide
27
General Notes on Communication

Firmware is software stored within the machine tool controller. The firmware version on machine tool
controllers can be significant. Always find out the version number of the firmware you are using.
Experience has shown that you cannot rely on the communications parameters on the machine tool
Communications
in EdgeCAM
controller being set up correctly.
Always check them before
you attempt any communications.
On some controllers, RS232 is sold as an option. A 25 pin D type connector on the machine is no
guarantee that there is an RS232 board fitted.
communications
The maximum
port distance
or parallel
recommended
port of your computer
in the RS232
to anstandard
external is
device
about(or
15m
Machine).
(50 feet). Even though
distances of up to 150m (500 feet) have been achieved, success is not guaranteed with distances over
15m (50 feet). When assessing a site, make allowance for possible sources of electrical noise.
Each port must use a unique IRQ setting in order to do simultaneous file transfer. This IRQ setting should
correspond to the IRQ setting on the hardware, unless special hardware is used (for example, multi-port
I/O cards).
Windows XP Example
The IRQ setting can be specified in the Windows Control Panel by double-clicking on the
System icon.
On the Hardware tab, click on the Device Manager button.
has been created.

EdgeCAM User Guide
28
Expand the Ports entry as shown below:
has been created.
Click on the port that you want to modify and click on the Properties button at the bottom of the dialog.
Now click on the Resources tab of the Properties dialog:

EdgeCAM User Guide
29
To change the settings, clear the checkbox marked Use automatic settings.
has been created.
Now double-click on the Resource you want to alter (in this case, the Interrupt Request).
Change the Value to reflect the hardware settings and ensure this does not conflict with any existing devices.
When satisfied that the chosen Value is satisfactory, accept the change by clicking on OK.

EdgeCAM User Guide
30
Troubleshooting Communications
The communications port is physically present but communications cannot beestablished.
This can be caused by the configuration for the IRQ or I/O address not matching the hardware. Typical settings
for the comms ports:
Port
IRQ
COM1
I/O
Communications
in EdgeCAM
3F8
COM2
3 that lets you
2F8
Comms
is a feature of EdgeCAM
send and receive NC programs through the RS232
COM3
4
3E8
COM4
2E8
Machine
icon similar to this: 3
Note that if you use COM1 and COM3 simultaneously or COM2 and COM4 simultaneously then they must have
different IRQ settings.
has been created.

EdgeCAM User Guide
31
Generalised Cable Configurations

These cable configurations are provided for guidance only. The precise configuration depends on the local
remote device and must be confirmed in consultation with the available documentation for the relevant device.
The following cable configuration works with many CNC controls including Fanuc, GE, Heidenhain etc. This
allows both Software (Xon/Xoff) and Hardware (RTS/CTS) flow control to take place. Pins 6, 8 and 20 are linked
Communications
in EdgeCAM
at the control end because most controls
need to see the secondary
Hardware line high (pin 8 is only needed on
Fanucs but is safe on other controls).
has been created.

EdgeCAM User Guide
32
Sample Configuration Files

A selection of machine configuration (MDV) files are provided with Comms.
These are:
eltropilot.mdv
Communications
fagor.mdv
fanuc.mdv
in EdgeCAM
ge.mdv
haas.mdv
heidenhain.mdv
okuma-osp.mdv
philips.mdv
siemens.mdv
Machine
The
example
icon configuration
similar to this:files given here are included purely for guidance. Most control systems have internal
parameters and switch settings, and so we CANNOT guarantee that any parameter file will work without being
modified. The screenshots below show the location of the appropriate parameters:
has been created.

EdgeCAM User Guide
33
See also
Settings
for administrator
a Fagor Control
If you have
rights, the appropriate icon is placed within your EdgeCAM group or folder once the file
has been created.

EdgeCAM User Guide
34
Settings for a Fagor Control

Control
Fagor
Baud rate
4800
Stop bits
Data bits
7
Parity
communications
port Even
or parallel port of your computer to an external device (or Machine).
You
can represent each
of your machine tools within the EdgeCAM program group or folder by a separate
Protocol
Standard
Different on Transmit
Header (A)
%<LF>
Header (B)
%<LF><CR><CR>
Trailer (A/B)
%
%
EdgeCAM
system.
InterblockComms
(A)
<LF> You can create (or modify) these files to customise a collection of Machines to
Interblock (B)
<LF><CR><CR>
Note: These controls can use various permutations of Header and Interblock. You can use any combination of
the options A and B given here.
If there is a 25-pin plug situated near the operator panel, it may be wired as a standard 25-pin DTE plug. If so,
use this wiring diagram:
has been created.

There is also another 9-pin connector mounted directly on the PLC unit inside the controller cabinet. This is
wired as DCE but with non-standard pin outs. Use this wiring diagram:
EdgeCAM User Guide
35
has been created.

EdgeCAM User Guide
36
Code Tables
ASCII Code Table
EIA Code Table
ISO Code Table
has been created.

EdgeCAM User Guide
37
ISO Code Table

ASCII Codes
ISO Code
CHAR
DEC
HEX
48
30
49
31
50
32
Meaning
2
DEC
048
0
Communications
in EdgeCAM
O
O
177
178
Comms
is51a feature
NC
3
33 of EdgeCAM
O that
O lets you
send
O and
O receive
051
3 programs through the RS232
4
52
34
180
You
can represent
machine
tools
within the
5
53
35 each of your O
O
O
O EdgeCAM
053
5 program group or folder by a separate
6
54
36
55
37
56
38
57
39
65
41
68
44
69
45
70
46
71
47
054
183
184
057
065
068
197
198
071
B
66Comms
42 system. You
O
modify)
O
066 filesBto customise a collection of Machines to
EdgeCAM
can create (or
these
match
C
your
67 actual
43machine
O tools
O
and other devices.
O For
O example:
195
C
O
If
rights,
icon is placed
H you have
72 administrator
48
O the appropriate
O
072 within
H your EdgeCAM group or folder once the file
has been created.
I
73
49
74
4A
75
4B
76
4C
201
202
075
204
M
77
4D
O
O
O
O 077
M
N
78
4E
O
O
O O
078
N
O
79
4F
O O
O
O O O 207
O
P
80
50
O
O
080
P
Q
81
51
82
52
83
53
84
54
EdgeCAM User Guide
209
210
083
212
38
U
85
55
86
56
87
57
88
58
89
59
90
5A
OCommunications
O
O
090in
97
61
98
62
O
O
085
086
215
216
089
Y
Z
EdgeCAM
065
066
c
99
63
O O
O O 195
c
d
100
64
068
e
101
65
102
66
103
67
104
68
105
69
106
6A
109
6D
110
6E
111
6F
198
071
072
201
A parameter file controls how data transmission and reception forj a particular Machine is handled by the
k
107
6B system. You
O
O
modify)
O Othese
075 fileskto customise a collection of Machines to
EdgeCAM
Comms
can create
(or
match
your
actual
machine
tools
and
other
devices.
For
example:
l
108
6C
O O
O
O
204
l
197
202
077
078
207
If
rights,
icon is placed
p you have
112administrator
70
O theOappropriate
080 within
p your EdgeCAM group or folder once the file
has been created.
q
113
71
114
72
115
73
116
74
117
75
209
210
083
212
085
v
118
76
O
O
O O
086
v
w
119
77
O O
O
O O O 215
w
x
120
78
O O
O O
216
x
y
121
59
122
7A
NUL
BS
HT
LF
10
CR
13
Space
32
20
"
34
22
35
23
O
O
089
090
136
Backspace
Horiz Tab
10
Line Feed
141
Carriage Return
160
Space
34
Quotation
163
Sharp
EdgeCAM User Guide
O
O
O
39
$
36
24
37
25
&
38
26
'
39
27
40
28
41
29
42
2A
43
2B
36
Dollar
165
Percent
166
Ampersand
39
Apostrophe
40
Left Bracket
O 169in EdgeCAM
Right Bracket
Communications
O
170
Asterisk
43
Positive Sign
,
44
2C
O
O
O
O
172
Comma
-
45
2D
45
Negative Sign
O
46
2E
47
2F
58
3A
59
3B
<
60
3C
61
3D
64
40
91
5B
93
5D
46
Decimal Point
175
Slash
58
Colon
187
Semicolon
60
Less Than
A parameter file controls how data transmission and reception forEquals

a particular Machine is handled by the
>
62Comms
3E system.
O YouOcanOcreate
O
Omodify)
O
190 filesGreater
Than
EdgeCAM
(or
these
to customise
a collection of Machines to
match
your
actual
machine
tools
and
other
devices.
For
example:
?
63
3F
O O O
O O O 63
Question Mark
189
64
Commercial At
219
Left Brace
221
Right Brace
If
you have
theOappropriate
your EdgeCAM group or folder once the file
DEL
127administrator
7F
Orights,
O O
O
O icon
O isOplaced
225 within
Delete
has been created.

EdgeCAM User Guide
40
EIA Code Table

ASCII Codes
EIA Code
CHAR DEC HEX
Meaning
DEC
32in EdgeCAM
0
Communications
48
30
49
31
50
32
52
34
53
35
54
36
55
37
56
38
57
39
O
O
01
02
04
21
22
07
08
25
3
51
33
O
O O 19
3
A
65Comms
41 system. You
O Ocan create (or
modify)Othese
97 filesAto customise a collection of Machines to
EdgeCAM
match
your
actual
machine
tools
and
other
devices.
For
example:
B
66
42
O O
O
98
B
C
67
43
68
44
69
45
O
O
115
100
117
If
rights,
the Oappropriate
F you have
70 administrator
46
O O
O icon
O is placed
118 within
F your EdgeCAM group or folder once the file
has been created.
G
71
47
72
48
73
49
74
4A
103
104
121
81
K
75
4B
O
O
O
82
K
L
76
4C
O
O O 67
L
M
77
4D
O
O
O
84
M
N
78
4E
O
O
O 69
N
O
79
4F
80
50
81
51
82
52
83
53
84
54
EdgeCAM User Guide
70
87
88
73
50
35
41
O
85
55
86
56
87
57
88
58
89
59
90
5A
97
61
52
37
38
55
56
O
41
97
Comms
is98a feature
NC
b
62 of EdgeCAM
O O that lets you
send
O and receive
98
b programs through the RS232
c
99
63
115
You
can represent
machine tools
within the EdgeCAM
d
100
64 each of your
O O
O
100
d program group or folder by a separate
e
101
65
102
66
103
67
104
68
105
69
107
6B
108
6C
109
6D
110
6E
117
118
103
104
121
82
67
84
69
j
106actual
6Amachine tools
O
O other devices.
O example:
81
j
match
your
and
For
O
has
been111
created.
o
6F
O
O O
70
o
p
112
70
113
71
114
72
115
73
O
O
O
O
87
88
73
50
Copyright
1988-2004
Systems.
t
116
74Pathtrace Engineering
O
All rights
O reserved.
O 35
Microsoft,
Windows
and Windows NT are
of Microsoft
Corporation.
Other brands and product names are
u
117
75
O registered
O
trademarks
O
52
u
v
118
76
O
O
O 37
v
w
119
77
120
78
121
59
122
7A
NUL
BS
HT
EdgeCAM User Guide
38
55
56
41
42
Backspace
62
Horiz Tab
42
LF
10
CR
13
128
Space
32
20
37
25
&
38
26
40
28
41
29
Carriage Return
Line Feed
16
Space
11
Percent
14
Ampersand
O
O
26
Left Bracket
74
Right Bracket
Comms
is43a feature
NC
programs
+
2B of EdgeCAM
O O that
O lets you
send and receive
112
Positive
Sign through the RS232
,
44
2C
59
Comma
You
can represent
program
45
2D each of your
O machine tools
within the EdgeCAM
64
Negative
Signgroup or folder by a separate
.
46
2E
47
2F
DEL
127
7F
107
Decimal Point
49
Slash
127
Delete
has been created.

EdgeCAM User Guide
43
ASCII Code Table

Ctrl
Dec
Hex
Code
^@
00
NUL
Â
01
SOH
^B
02
STX
Char
Comms
of ETX
EdgeCAM that lets you send and receive NC programs through the RS232
^C
3 is a feature
03
^D
04
EOT
Ê
5 icon similar
05
Machine
toENQ
this:
^F
06
ACK
^G
07
BEL
^H
08
BS
Î
09
HT
^J
10 Comms
0A system.
LF You can create (or modify) these files to customise a collection of Machines to
EdgeCAM
^K
11
0B
VT
^L
12
0C
FF
^M
13
0D
CR
^N
14
0E
SO
^P
16
10
DLE
^Q
17
11
DC1
^R
18
12
DC2
^S
19
13
DC3
Ô been
15 created.
0F
SI
has
^T
20
14
DC4
^V
22
16
SYN
^W
23
17
ETB
^X
24
18
CAN
^Y
25
19
EM
^Z
26
1A
SUB
^[
27
1B
ESC
^\
28
1C
FS
^]
29
1D
GS
^^
30
1E
RS
trademarks
owners .
Û
21 of their
15respective
NAK
EdgeCAM User Guide
44
^_
31
1F
US
32
20
'space'
33
21
34
22
"
35
23
36
24
Comms37is a feature
of EdgeCAM%that lets you send and receive NC programs through the RS232
25
38
26
&
40
28
41
29
42
2A
43
2B
45
2D
46
2E
47
2F
48
30
50
32
51
33
52
34
53
35
Machine
to this:
39icon similar
27
'
EdgeCAM
44 Comms
2C system. You ,can create (or modify) these files to customise a collection of Machines to
has been
49 created.
31
1
54
36
56
38
57
39
58
3A
59
3B
60
3C
<
61
3D
62
3E
>
63
3F
64
40
trademarks
55 of their
37respective owners .7
EdgeCAM User Guide
45
65
41
66
42
67
43
68
44
69
45
70
46
Comms71is a feature
of EdgeCAMGthat lets you send and receive NC programs through the RS232
47
72
48
74
4A
75
4B
76
4C
77
4D
79
4F
80
50
81
51
82
52
84
54
85
55
86
56
87
57
Machine
to this:
73icon similar
49
I
EdgeCAM
can create (or modify) these files to customise a collection of Machines to
78 Comms
4E system. You N
has been
83 created.
53
S
88
58
90
5A
91
5B
92
5C
93
5D
94
5E
95
5F
96
60
97
61
98
62
trademarks
89 of their
59respective owners .Y
EdgeCAM User Guide
46
99
63
100
64
101
65
102
66
103
67
104
68
Comms105
is a feature
of EdgeCAMi that lets you send and receive NC programs through the RS232
69
106
6A
108
6C
109
6D
110
6E
111
6F
113
71
114
72
115
73
116
74
118
76
119
77
120
78
121
79
Machine
icon similar
to this:
107
6B
k
EdgeCAM
112 Comms
70 system. You pcan create (or modify) these files to customise a collection of Machines to
has been
117created.
75
u
122
7A
124
7C
125
7D
126
7E
127
7F
"delete"
trademarks
123of their
7Brespective owners .{
EdgeCAM User Guide
47
About NETscope
NETscope is a diagnostic tool which allows you to examine incoming data from a device. While receiving data
from a device, you dynamically modify the communications parameters (such as baud rate, parity, data bits and
so on). This lets you identify the communications parameters actually being employed by the device.
has been created.

EdgeCAM User Guide
48
Starting NETscope
NETscope should be executed from within an MS-DOS Command window.
To start NETscope
1. Click
the Command
Prompt
iconreceive
from within
the Main through
programthe
group.
The following
Comms
is aon
feature
of EdgeCAM
that lets you send and
NC programs
RS232
window
is
then
displayed:
2. Now type
A parameter
file in:
controls how data transmission and reception for a particular Machine is handled by the
NETSCOPE <PORT>
and press the Enter key. <PORT> is the number of the comms port you want to use. For example,
NETSCOPE 2
would run NETscope using comm port 2. Unless you specify otherwise on the command line, the IRQ
and I/O address are assumed to be:
has been created.
Port
IRQ
I/O
COM1
3F8
COM2
2F8
COM3
3E8
Copyright 1988-2004
All rights2E8
reserved.
COM4Pathtrace Engineering Systems.
3
To change these defaults, the command line would be:

NETSCOPE <PORT> -P<I/O address in hex> -I<IRQ>
For example, to change to Com port 3 using I/O address 378H and IRQ5,
NETSCOPE 3 -P378-I5
EdgeCAM User Guide
49
Using NETscope
Once you have started NETscope, you should see this screen appear:
The various communications parameters can be toggled (switched) by pressing the keyboards function keys.
When your settings match those of the incoming data the appropriate received characters appear in the main
NETscope screen area.
Note that incoming characters are always shown highlighted; outgoing characters are displayed normally.
See
also created.
has been
NETscope Communication Parameters

EdgeCAM User Guide
50
NETscope Communication Parameters

The various communications parameters can be toggled (switched) by pressing the keyboards function keys.
When your settings match those of the incoming data the appropriate received characters appear in the main
NETscope screen area.
Function
Key
NETscope Parameter
Comms
is a featureMode
F1
Toggles between:
Terminal
Machine icon similar
to this: - This puts NETscope into terminal mode - any character you type is transmitted
immediately.
Capture - Saves incoming characters to the capture file.
Transmit - Transmits characters from the capture file.
Step - Transmits successive characters from the capture file, one for each keypress..
Baud how data transmission and reception for a particular Machine is handled by the
A F3
parameter file controls
EdgeCAM Comms Toggles
system. the
Youbaud
can create
(or modify)
these
customise
rate, starting
at 110
and files
goingtoup
to 38400.a collection of Machines to
F4
Parity
Toggles the parity between:
NONE
ODD
EVEN rights, the appropriate icon is placed within your EdgeCAM group or folder once the file
If you have administrator
has been created. MARK
SPACE
EIA
F5
Data Bits
Toggles the number of data bits between 7 and 8.
F6
Stop Bits
Toggles the number of stop bits between 1 and 2.
trademarks
of their respective
owners .
F7
Handshake
Toggles the handshaking between:

NON
ERTS/CTS
DTR/DSR
XON/XOFF
F8
RTS
Toggles RTS between on and off. The on state is shown by an

F9
icon.
DTR
Toggles DTR between on and off. The on state is shown by an
EdgeCAM User Guide
icon.
51
F10
XOFF
Toggles between XOFF and XON. The XON or XOFF character is sent when you toggle to
that setting.
Shift+F1
Echo
Toggles the echo Communications
between on and off.
in EdgeCAM
When Echo is on, all transmitted characters are displayed on the screen.
When Echo is off, only received characters are displayed on the screen.
communications
port
or parallel
port of your computer to an external device (or Machine).
Shift+F2
Leaving
NETscope
You can represent When
each of
your
machine
the EdgeCAM
program
or folder bykeys
a separate
you
want
to exit tools
out ofwithin
NETscope,
press Shift+F2
orgroup
the Alt+Shift+Q
at the
Machine icon similar
to
this:
same time.
You are asked if you want to exit to MS-DOS. Press N to say no and stay in NETscope.
Any other key press exits you out of NETscope.
You will then be returned to the MS-DOS Command window.
To return to another running application, press Alt+Tab until the name of the appropriate
application is displayed, then release both keys.
EdgeCAM Comms Alternatively,
system. You to
can
close
create
down
(or the
modify)
MS-DOS
thesewindow,
files to customise
type:
a collection of Machines to
EXIT
and press the Enter key.
has been created.

EdgeCAM User Guide
52
Copyright
(C)1988-2004 Pathtrace Engineering Systems. All rights reserved.
Pathtrace Engineering Systems and its registered resellers or sub-resellers shall have no liability or
responsibility to the licensee or any other person or entity with respect to any liability, loss or damage caused or
alleged to be caused directly or indirectly by this product, including but not limited to any interruption of service,
Communications
in EdgeCAM
loss of business or anticipatory profits
or consequent damages
resulting from the use or operation of this
software.
Comms is Windows
a feature of
EdgeCAM
you send and
receive NC
programsCorporation.
through the RS232
Microsoft,
and
Windowsthat
NT lets
are registered
trademarks
of Microsoft
communications
or parallel
port of of
your
computer
to an external
MemoHASP
is a port
registered
trademark
Aladdin
Knowledge
Systemsdevice
Ltd. (or Machine).
NetSentinel
is a trademark
of Rainbow
Technologies,
Inc.EdgeCAM program group or folder by a separate
You can represent
each of your
machine
tools within the
OpenGL(r)
and
Optimizer
are
trademarks
of
Silicon
Graphics
Inc.
Parasolid is a trademark of Unigraphics Solutions Inc.
Autodesk Inventor (tm) is a trademark of Autodesk Inc.
SolidWorks is a registered trademark of SolidWorks Corporation.
Solid Edge is a registered trademark of EDS Inc.
PTC, Pro/DESKTOP, Pro/ENGINEER(r), GRANITE (tm) One, are trademarks or registered trademarks of
Parametric Technology Corporation or its subsidiaries in the U.S. and in other countries.
AutoCAD and DXF are registered trademarks of Autodesk Inc.
MicroStation is a trademark of Bentley Systems Inc., an affiliate of Intergraph Corporation.
IGDS is a trademark of Intergraph Corporation.
EdgeCAM Simulator and EdgeCAM Verify use technology developed by Lightworks Designs Ltd.
ACIS is a trademark of Spatial Technology, Inc., and was developed in co-operation with Three-Space, Ltd.,
Cambridge, England, and Applied Geometry Corporation, Seattle, Washington.
Other brands and product names are trademarks of their respective owners.
The information contained within this document is subject to change without notice and does not represent a
commitment on the part of the vendor. The software described in this document is furnished under a licence
has been created.
agreement and may only be used or copied only in accordance with the terms of the agreement.
Pathtrace Engineering Systems

45 Boulton Road Reading Berkshire England RG2 0NH
Telephone +44 (0)118 975 6084 Facsimile +44 (0)118 975 6143
http://www.edgecam.com
EdgeCAM User Guide

Communications

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Copyright 1988-2004 Pathtrace Engineering Systems. All rights reserved.

EdgeCAM User Guide

Communications Menu Options

Copyright 1988-2004 Pathtrace Engineering Systems. All rights reserved.

EdgeCAM User Guide

Transmitting Programs to a Machine

button transmits one or more selected programs to the machine:

button to show this standard Windows File Open dialog:

Copyright 1988-2004 Pathtrace Engineering Systems. All rights reserved.

EdgeCAM User Guide

Receiving Files from a Machine

button lets you receive a specified program from the Machine.

Copyright 1988-2004 Pathtrace Engineering Systems. All rights reserved.

EdgeCAM User Guide

Adding New Machines

Copyright 1988-2004 Pathtrace Engineering Systems. All rights reserved.

EdgeCAM User Guide

Modifying Existing Machines

Copyright 1988-2004 Pathtrace Engineering Systems. All rights reserved.

EdgeCAM User Guide

Copyright 1988-2004 Pathtrace Engineering Systems. All rights reserved.

EdgeCAM User Guide

Configuring the Machine Parameters

EdgeCAM User Guide

Specifying the Connection Parameters

opened to transmit data.

EdgeCAM User Guide

Copyright 1988-2004 Pathtrace Engineering Systems. All rights reserved.

EdgeCAM User Guide

Specifying the Protocol Parameters

EdgeCAM User Guide

Comms Task File

Copyright 1988-2004 Pathtrace Engineering Systems. All rights reserved.

EdgeCAM User Guide

Configuring the Control Parameters

button to display this menu of options:

EdgeCAM User Guide

Header- Strings that are to be sent before the program.

NULL characters are replaced by space characters.

Type a character to replace NULL characters as they are received.

EdgeCAM User Guide

Customising the Machine Menu

specify executables and batch files instead of a .lc or .clc file.

EdgeCAM User Guide

the machine name

Copyright 1988-2004 Pathtrace Engineering Systems. All rights reserved.

EdgeCAM User Guide

Adding Menu Options

2. Select the desired task.

Copyright 1988-2004 Pathtrace Engineering Systems. All rights reserved.

This has a number of file types:

EdgeCAM User Guide

Copyright 1988-2004 Pathtrace Engineering Systems. All rights reserved.

EdgeCAM User Guide

Changing Menu Options

Copyright 1988-2004 Pathtrace Engineering Systems. All rights reserved.

EdgeCAM User Guide

Deleting Menu Options

Copyright 1988-2004 Pathtrace Engineering Systems. All rights reserved.

EdgeCAM User Guide

Customising the Machine Menu - Examples

Example - Adding an Operator Worklist Option