Re: Serial communicaions

How long is the run....I'd imagine a noisy environment.?!
Did you build the cable yourself? Is it shielded? What wires are used
(Tx,Rx,grnd?...which gnd? chassis or signal?)

We got hit with lightning a couple weeks ago and had a number of things
go down (not puffs but certain not working afterwards). If we had've
spent the few $'s on isolation we would've been ok!

I'd suggest an opto IC something like the 4n35's. Basically, it's a
little IC that will take the hit for you and will protect the computer.

Wiring them up is easy (would suggest putting them in a socket as it
would be easier to change them out in the future).

Cheers
sb

Steve J wrote:
No lightening - that's this week apparently!

Switching is using a manual switch box. This has been tested and is OK.

Read the Fanuc and Heidenhain links - useful stuff, will be saving them
for future reference.

Didn't get around to buying a breakout box but will do to assist with
any future problems.

The PC I'm using is one with a multitude of USB ports and no serial so
I am using a USB to serial convertor (which is working fine in two
other locations in the factory).

With regard to the faulty systemm, I have an identical setup and this
is OK. The only difference between the two is that the working setup
had surge protection. Added this to my faulty setup and it now works.

Our electrician is sceptical, but the only way I can prove this works
is to remove the surge protection and watch another (probably) PC get
messed up. Can't see the point in doing this and will therefore be
leaving well alone. Whilst I cannot say that this is the definitive
solution, it seems likely and at least the overall situation is
improved with the PC now having surge protection.

Thank you all for your interest and comments.

Regards,
Steve



samurai wrote:
On 26 Jul 2006 09:05:21 -0700, "Steve J" <s.jones@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
wrote:

Am having problems connecting to 3 of our CNC machines. Connection is
serial and we are using Pathtrace's Edgecomm to communicate. Parameters
have been checked as has the wiring but no errors found. The PC
providing this service has been replaced with a new one but the problem
persists. Edgecomm provides and error 18 unable to connect to device.
Other programs tried produce similar errors i.e. cannot connect to
device.

Last week we had no problems this week, with no apparent changes having
taken place, we have no connectivity.

Two of the machines have Fanuc controllers, one has Heindenhain.

Anyone get any ideas? The only idea I have is that it might be and
earthing problem that has possibly developed due to the exceptional
warm and dry spell of weather we have had. However, I wouldn't know how
to check this - see if there is a voltage difference between the PC's
earth and the CNC's???

Any ideas greatfully received since currently I'm stumped!

Steve

Try isolating the error by trial and elimination:
1) Make a new cable, new ends, clean the connector at the control
with a little air or vacuum. If you use electrical cleaner, be sure
everything is off, and then dry before turning anything on.
2) try a computer/laptop on the floor near the control with the new
cable, verify that it works on another machine before troubleshooting
the problem machines.
3) get a breakout box at any electronics supply store, and compare
the lights with a control that is verified to the trouble machines.
4) switch the cable ports at the PC, to test your switch box. What
are you using for switching?
5) Can a program be sent and not recieved?? Maybe one pin is
corroded or tarnished, and can't make a solid connection, this
includes th ground pins.
6) Check the parameter settings on the controls, making sure you are
using the correct port.
7) With the new PC, make sure the serial port works, and is connected.
How did you test this?
8) try different software, something simple for CNC machines, download
something like a CNC editor.

3 machines only, sounds like switch box to me. Take it apart, and
clean the switch with electrical contact cleaner.

Good luck, let us know what works and what didn't.

samurai.

.

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