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Introduction

VistaDNC is a 100% Windows-based software package developed to simplify the often-difficult task of transferring data between personal computers and CNC controls via RS232. With VistaDNC you can, 1) create and edit CNC programs at your PC, 2) transfer programs and data between your PC and CNC, 3) DNC (drip-feed) programs larger than your controls memory capacity. dnc software free download

Testing Communications from CNC to PC

1. Set CNC control exactly as shown in Table A below.

2. Set VistaDNC exactly to: 4800, E, 7, 2.

3. Determine what COM number is assigned to the PC port the CNC is connected to and set VistaDNC to that number. The COM number has nothing to do with CNC, it is the port cable is connected to on PC.

4. On VistaDNC button bar, click Receive.

5. Set CNC to send (punch) a G-code program.

6. Wait for CNC to send entire data file, then click Done (End) button in VistaDNC.

7. Received file should appear in editor.

Table A CNC RS232 Settings
Haas Control
SETTING 11 BAUD RATE SELECT	4800 (After testing is complete, you may adjust as desired)
SETTING 12 PARITY SELECT	EVEN (E)
SETTING 37 DATA BITS	7
SETTING 13 STOP BIT	2
SETTING 14 SYNCHRONIZATION	DC CODES
SETTING 24 LEADER TO PUNCH	NONE
SETTING 25 EOB PATTERN	CR LF

Non-Haas Control
BAUD RATE	4800 (After testing is complete, you may adjust as desired)
PARITY BIT (If settable)	EVEN (E)
DATA BITS (If settable)	7
WORD LENGTH (If settable)	8
STOP BIT (If settable)	2
HANDSHAKING (If settable)	XON/XOFF
END OF BLOCK (EOB) (If settable)	CR LF or LF CR CR

To obtain exact settings for your control, email us. support@dncsoftware.com

Testing Communications from PC to CNC

1. Follow Steps 1 to 4 above, then go to Step 2 below.

2. On VistaDNC menu bar, click File, then click Open and open a G-code file.

3. Confirm that the file structure is similar (when applicable) to the following example:
   %
   O1234(PROGRAM DESCRIPTION)  
   (BODY OF PROGRAM)  
   %

4. Check G-code program to confirm letter O and digit 0 (zero) are not mixed up. Some machines accept : in the place of an O for program number.

5. On VistaDNC button bar, right-click on Send, then set CNC to receive (read), or set CNC to receive and then left-click Send. (Note: For safely reasons, always follow first sequence when drip-feeding to prevent CNC from starting while unattended.)

Testing Xmodem Drip-Feed (DNC) from PC to CNC (Haas Machines Only haascnc.com)

1. Maximize buffer size by deleting unneeded programs from CNC memory. (Poor performance may result if free memory is too small.)
2. If control is made by Haas, set it exactly as shown in Table B below. Otherwise, use Haas settings as a guide if your CNC supports Xmodem.
3. Disable PC screen saver.
4. On VistaDNC menu bar, click Machine, then click Settings
5. Set VistaDNC exactly to: 38400, N, 8, 1, Xmodem.
6. Determine what COM number is assigned to the PC port your CNC is connected to and set VistaDNC to that number.
7. On VistaDNC menu bar, click File, then click Open and open a G-code file.
8. Click Send on VistaDNC tool bar.
9. Set CNC to DNC mode.
10. When VistaDNC starts sending data, press cycle start on CNC then immediately press feed hold. Change Haas screen to display large axis position digits (buffer will fill faster when this screen is displayed). Wait a few minutes for CNC buffer to fill, then press cycle start again.

Table B Haas Control Settings
SETTING 11 BAUD RATE SELECT	38400
SETTING 12 PARITY SELECT	NONE (N)
SETTING 37 DATA BITS	8
SETTING 13 STOP BIT	1
SETTING 14 SYNCHRONIZATION	XMODEM
SETTING 24 LEADER TO PUNCH	NONE
SETTING 25 EOB PATTERN	CR LF
SETTING 55 ENABLE DNC FROM MDI	ON

Appendix

 

9-Pin Male Serial Port Computer Connector

Pin	Signal Function	Label	Signal Direction
1	Carrier Detect	CD	In
2	Receive Data	RD	In
3	Transmit Data	TD	Out
4	Data Terminal Ready	DTR	Out
5	Signal Ground	SG	--
6	Data Set Ready	DSR	In
7	Request to Send	RTS	Out
8	Clear to Send	CTS	In

 

25-Pin Male Serial Port Computer Connector

Pin	Signal Function	Label	Signal Direction
1	Protective Ground	PG	--
2	Transmit Data	TD	Out
3	Receive Data	RD	In
4	Request to Send	RTS	Out
5	Clear to Send	CTS	In
6	Data Set Ready	DSR	In
7	Signal Ground	SG	--
8	Carrier Detect	CD	In
20	Data Terminal Ready	DTR	Out

 

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Troubleshooting

If data is not received or is received garbled:

• Double-check settings.

• Check position of manual switch box, if applicable.

• Try each COM port, one-by-one.

• Check for missing %, if applicable.

• Set CNC to ASCII or ISO, not EIA.

• Set both CNC and VistaDNC to a lower baud rate.

• Check RS232 cable for correct wiring configuration.

• Make sure all connections are secure and fully seated.

• Avoid connecting/disconnecting cables while control is on.

• Check signals with Radio Shack RS232 Mini Tester.

• Try another brand of cable.

• Try another brand of switch box.

• Check Windows Device Manager for COM port resource conflicts.

• Check port at CNC, it may be disconnected or switched inside cabinet.

• Check CNC for ground faults (voltage between machine and ground).

• Reroute cable away from fluorescent lamps. Never run standard cable outside.

• If drip-feeding to a Haas (Haas Automation Inc.), try Xmodem instead of Xon/Xoff.

• Disable PC screen saver.

• Close DOS programs.

 

Table C Specifications
File types supported Send Receive	ASCII, ISO, BINARY ASCII, ISO
Supported controls	Any control that supports ASCII or ISO RS232 communications
Baud Rate settings	110, 300, 600, 1200, 2400, 4800, 9600, 19200, 38400, 115200
Parity bit settings	Even, None
Stop bit settings	1, 2
PC port settings	COM1 to COM16
USB to serial adapter support	Yes
Multiple serial port support	Yes
Rocketport multi-port hardware support	Yes, COM1 to COM16
DNC	Drip-feeding programs larger than control memory capacity supported
Simultaneous multiple communications	Supported (open program again)
Handshaking	Xon/Xoff, DC Codes, Xmodem

Software Limitations 

• VistaDNC only works with 32-bit Windows (9x, Me, NT, 2000, XP)

• RTS/CTS handshaking support optional.

• DOS programs may cause VistaDNC to slow down. It is highly recommended that no DOS programs are open while drip-feeding with VistaDNC. DOS programs tend to monopolize  CPU cycles and VistaDNC will be forced by Windows to slow down. This includes all versions of Mastercam as it is actually a DOS program.

• EIA support is extra cost option.

• Current version cannot receive in Xmodem.

• Some DNC packages allow CNC operator to interact with PC at CNC control without direct access to PC. VistaDNC does not support this due to lack of customer interest.

• VistaDNC only sends text to CNC, it does not process G-code in any way.

• Backplotting and CAD/CAM functions are not supported.

• VistaDNC will allow you to edit any size file. However, your computer may impose limits based on RAM size, etc. When VistaDNC opens a text file larger than 65,000 bytes, to save RAM space only the first 65,000 characters (approx.) are loaded into the editor window. You may edit choose to edit/view the entire file by pressing Ctrl+E or just edit/view the first section.

Tips

• Avoid using screensavers and anti-virus software while VistaDNC is running.

• If possible, get cables from Radio Shack rather than making yourself.

• Cascade manual switch boxes to increase number of port connections.

• Avoid connecting and disconnecting cables while control and computer are on.

• Never solder a wire while other end is connected to CNC or PC.

• Use lower baud rates for smaller files.

• Use Xmodem if CNC supports it.

• Delete unneeded characters after last percent sign before sending file.
  

Copyright )1995-2006 Sihler Engineering
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
No part of this manual may be reproduced
without the prior written permission of Sihler Engineering.

Sihler Engineering declaims and accepts no liability
for damages related to the use of this manual and
the included software program.
 

All trademarks, products, and company names are
the property of their respective holders.

Last Updated:07/10/2006