Mazak M32B and DNC Mode?

sounds like a memory issue.....or lack of.

Doubtful. We download whole programs to memory all the time.

These guys usually cut in 2 1/2 axis with programs that easily fit in the on board memory. Recently I tried to get them to do a 3 axis surface machining job with over 4000 blocks of code. The machine doesn't have enough memory to store it in one complete program so I want to feed it from the programming pc.

I know all about comm parameters over a serial line; baud, xon/xoff, parity, etc, but I can't figure out if the Mazak has the capability to receive like this, or how to turn it on if it is capable.

I suspect that if I can't find the setup parameters on the controller that the capability doesn't exist but that doesn't preclude the possibility that there is a software switch or board jumper that may enable it that I'm not aware of.

Thanks for your response.

Hooker

Mazak has their propriety architecture,they do have one by the nadds. As AG mentioned a CNC site would be more helpful

Join some CNC Blogs on Yahoo, ask your questions there. Someone will know.....

Thanks, Andy. Kinda busts the "CR4 knows everything" mystique, doesn't it?

Hooker

I know, but there is not that much on CNC here, read most of it. Yahoo is definitely the best place to look, there are literally dozens of them.....try "DIY_CNC" for starters.....it might be "DIY-CNC" I forget.....there is only one......

If you need help, just ask. I own a few blogs there, but not that one......

Also, do you have a RS232 connector on the unit? You did not mention this.....

How is code usually loaded?

You really need to ask these guys:

www.mcadcentral.com

www.cnczone.com

http://cnc-professional-forum.com/machine-repair-troubleshooting

If they can't help you find a manual or figure out what the problem is than I think you need to call GE because they make the controller!

Good luck!

Thanks. I did find some info buried in the Mazak forum on cnczone. "Drip feed" (or DNC as I call it) is enabled by going to tape mode on the controller. It then listens on the serial port. Whoda thunk!!??!!

There are other parameters to set but they're certainly not insurmountable.

Cheers, All.

Hooker

I would search for manuals or copies as a first......try ebay also....

Look here for example:-

http://cgi.ebay.com/Mazak-Programming-Manual-Mazatrol-M32-8032-/190301172892?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item2c4ed5749c

http://cgi.ebay.com/Mazak-M32-High-Speed-Mode-Operating-Manual-AJV-25-405-/150503414479?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item230ab3dacf

http://cgi.ebay.com/Mazak-Mazatrol-M32A-H400N-H500-40N-40-N-Wiring-Manual-/150472850957?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item2308e17e0d

http://cgi.ebay.com/Mazak-CNC-Accura-Jigmatic-AJV-25N-404-405-Manual-M-32-/140435957514?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item20b2a2a70a

Thanks, Andy, it's under control. Once I understood that "drip feed" on the RS-232 port worked through Tape Input mode it all became clear.

Now it's just a matter of getting the comm parameters matched up with the pc comm.

Hooker

You should still search for manual, set up a search on ebay, it will look for you all the time and if one appears, you may pick it up cheap in the middle of the night using "Bid-O-Matic"...