RS232, Ethernet, Wireless, pcmcia or ATA memory card, and USB communications

These are the different ways to load programs and data to your machine tool. The most common is RS232. Many machine tool companies are now going to windows based operating systems with hard drives and USB ports. Below you will find communications with RS232 information. There will be more on the other communications devices to come.

Hardware set up for RS232 communications

I found that the quickest way to get a cable without going through the hassle of making one up, is to go to your local radio shack or electronics store. This has been tested on many controls, Mitsubishi, Fanuc and many others. Ask for a cable to go from a DB25 connector to 9 Pin serial. Lastly, ask for a null modem adapter to fit on either end of the cable. I have used this on Fanuc, Mitsubishi and several other controls without a problem. The total cost was approximately $20.

Most laptops now do not come with a serial port. In this case you must purchase a pcmcia card to a serial adapter or USB to a serial port adapter. There is a lot of mixed reviews on the USB to serial adapters. pcmcia card to serial adapter is your best bet for success. I currently use a USB to serial and have not had any problems for both CNC communication and PLC communication. The only thing using a USB to serial converter is to make sure you plug in the same USB port every time, so that it keeps the same COM Port number that you have set up in your software programs.
See how to find out what COM PORT number or communication port your device is registered as in windows.

Standard RS232 Fanuc serial port : (DB25 Female to honda)

I am surprised at the few people that actually understand on how to set up all the different parameters for communications. Once you get it to work most people write them down and use it on all of their machines. I myself still do not understand the full purpose of all the different settings, but I am usually able to get communications working without a problem. Unfortunately, there is little documentation on how all of the different settings are used. I will be adding a troubleshooting section on RS232 communications in the near future. I will also include some recommendations on software and parameters for the different controls. Lastly, it will include the use of ATA or SRAM, cards, and, how to configure computers and read them.

For free RS232 software see free CNC software

Communications standard non handshaking cable

Baudrate-Feet
2400-400ft
4800-200ft
9600-100ft
19200- 50ft
38400-25ft
57600-16ft
115200-8ft

The standard protocol for Fanuc controls is 4800 or 9600 Baud, Even parity, 7 data bits and either 1 or 2 stop bits (XON/XOFF, PUNCH ON/OFF). This is standard setting that will work in most conditions. Depending on environment and cable type and distance to DNC if used.

Fanuc-3 RS232

Fanuc 6 and 9 series RS232

Fanuc 0M RS232

Fanuc-
0i-M/0i-T RS232 communication

Fanuc RS232-10/11/12/15

To change parameters- Press the offset settings hardkey, then press settings softkey. To turn on PWE. To get to parameters press system hard key then the parameter softkey

Parameter backup procedure

ATA and SRAM card setup for more information

RS232 Communications Parameters settings

RS232C, RS232-c,USB to serial, Serial communications and protocol, pcmcia, Ethernet switch, and ATA communication

Cadem DNC- Many templates and parameters for DNC

http://www.lammertbies.nl/comm/cable/RS-232.html General information