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Topic: Software locks up after transmitting program to Okuma MC-50VA OSP500 controller

By: GuestPosted on: Oct 1 2012 at 01:39:55 PM
CNC machine is a Okuma verticle mill MC-50VA with OSP500M controller set for software handshake, 600 baud. EasyDNC software settings are MODE: OKUMA, 600 baud, 7 bits, even, stop bits 2, FlowControl: Xon/Xoff, Block End: CRLF, SmartPace: ON, Block Delay 200ms. Using RS 232 cable wired for software flow control.

I can send programs fine to the CNC machine using the read command on the CNC machine and send on the computer EasyDNC. However, when EasyDNC finishes sending the program it locks up (freezes). The CNC machine is fine, the program is complete and ready to run. I have to shut down the EasyDNC program and re-start it to load another program. If I change the MODE to either STANDARD or NONE, EasyDNC does not lock up, but the Okuma times out at the end of the program and doesn't receive it. In OKUMA mode it seems like the software is wating for a signal from the Okuma causing it to lockup. In the STANDARD or NONE mode it seems like the Okuma mill is waiting for a signal that the file is complete from the software. In the STANDARD and NONE modes, I tried different Advanced Options for end of file characters, but these did not work either.

What is the difference in the MODE settings between OKUMA, STANDARD, and NONE? Any thoughts on why the software locks up?

By: Support Posted on: Oct 1 2012 at 08:41:26 PM
The problem is that easydnc still has some data to send. Probably just simulating blank paper tape at the end of the program. But the okuma has closed the com port and left easydnc hanging with the last few bytes that the CNC doesn't actually want.

To clear it you can press the okuma's read button again and that opens the port allowing easydnc to clear its buffers.

Having said that, at 600 baud I'd say that you can probably run without flow control so in easydnc setup set flow control to NONE. No meed to change anything at the cnc. That way easydnc sends the whole thing and clears its buffers in one go even after the CNC closes the port.

EasyDNC version 5.0 is here

By: GuestPosted on: Oct 3 2012 at 01:32:52 PM
Thanks for the response. I need to run in flow control even at 600 baud. With long programs our Okuma CNC machine was losing lines without flow control.

Can you tell me what end of file character the OKUMA MODE sends? Maybe I can switch to STANDARD MODE and edit the advanced options to include this end of file code?

Thanks for the help.

By: HaukePosted on: Oct 3 2012 at 07:02:44 PM
We are having the same issue with a Fanuc Series 0 controller on a mid 90's Chiron VMC. All of the program transmits but the software stops at 98% and then has to be restarted. We are running this on a Windows 7 Enterprise Machine, SP1, connected through a serial cable custom built for flow control. Did not have this issue when running same EasyDNC on an XP machine. Any additional thoughts?

By: SupportPosted on: Oct 3 2012 at 09:43:03 PM
For the fanuc CNC you can try setting the mode in easyDnc to NONE.

What version of easydnc is it? Click the small yellow (?) question mark button near the top of the easydnc program window and it displays a version number. Is it 4.7a or 4.7b ? Or what version?

By: HaukePosted on: Oct 3 2012 at 10:08:56 PM
Same isue with software set to NONE mode. Program version is 4.7s.

By: Support Posted on: Oct 3 2012 at 11:22:05 PM
Would you download and install this version.

Version 4.7a
.

By: GuestPosted on: Oct 4 2012 at 02:51:54 PM
Is there an answer to my original question above for the OKUMA MODE? I think it got lost in the mix with the other questions.

Question:
Can you tell me what end of file character the OKUMA MODE sends? Maybe I can switch to STANDARD MODE and edit the advanced options to include this end of file code?


By: GuestPosted on: Oct 4 2012 at 07:21:42 PM
The answer to your original question is the post right after your original question.

Simplest solution as suggested by support is to disable flow control in easydnc. Okuma at 600 baud its really shouldn't be necessary and that's probably what's causing easydnc to hang up at the end of the file.

By: SupportPosted on: Oct 4 2012 at 07:28:50 PM
Did you see my reply to your original question about the okuma ?

It isn't just the start codes. The okuma mode does quite a bit of work at the start of the program as well.

What version of easyDnc do you have?

support at easydnc.com

.

By: GuestPosted on: Oct 4 2012 at 08:48:05 PM
For our Okuma we are using version 4.7s. I'll try the version 4.7a posted above. (The no flow control option does not work, the Okuma is losing data even at 600 baud. Cable is 20ft long.)

By: GuestPosted on: Oct 9 2012 at 09:14:38 PM
Okay, I tried version 4.7a and it did work better as the software no longer locks up. However, still a slight issue as the second line in the program is missing the first 20 characters when viewed on the Okuma after the transfer.

Here is a sample of the program file (viewed from EASYDNC):
1st line: $J230232-1.MIN%
2nd line: (ZERO IS X-Y CENTER OF WORK PIECE)
3rd: line: (REV B 3-19-12)
Etc., Rest of program

After transfer, the program looks like this at the Okuma CNC:
1st line: X-Y CENTER OF WORK PIECE)
2nd line: (REV B 3-19-12)
Etc., Rest of program

The first 20 characters, the 11 spaces and (ZERO IS, are missing.

Two work arounds I found.
1. Just add 20 spaces to the second line.
2. Delete the % at the end of the first line. (No idea why this works.)

Do either of these and the program comes over complete and ready to run.

Any thoughts on this issue? Version 4.7a does work better.
Thanks for the support. Sorry for my earlier confusion above.


By: Support Posted on: Oct 9 2012 at 10:50:15 PM
When you used 4.7s it locked up but did it successfully send the whole file without missing those chars on the 2nd line?

We'll then see what the difference is and see if we can get a fix to you.

By: GuestPosted on: Oct 10 2012 at 12:52:53 PM
Correct, version 4.7s succesfully sent the program complete without missing characters. (Locked up after the transfer.)

Thanks for the help.

By: SupportPosted on: Oct 10 2012 at 04:36:50 PM
Re: Okuma losing some data near the start of the program.

In easyDnc4.7a go into easyDnc setup and see an option "Step Size". I assume that is set to 'Fast'? If so change it to 'Smooth'.

Does that help ?

By: GuestPosted on: Oct 10 2012 at 07:05:24 PM
When I installed 4.7a the default setting was "Smooth" and I left it at that. I did not try the "Fast" setting. "Smooth" seemed like the correct setting.

When I installed 4.7a, I did not uninstall 4.7s, so 4.7a picked up the settings from 4.7s. In other words my machine settings were in 4.7a when I opened it and I didn't have to re-add it.

Did I do this correctly? Should I have unistalled 4.7s and then installed 4.7a?

Thanks.

By: Support Posted on: Oct 10 2012 at 07:11:49 PM
No, no need to uninstall. Are you saying that your 4.7a setting is smooth and your okuma is still losing that data?


By: GuestPosted on: Oct 10 2012 at 08:45:56 PM
Correct. Setting is "Smooth" and still losing data.

By: Support Posted on: Oct 10 2012 at 10:25:42 PM
It would probably be best if you emailed us so that we have your email address. We can then send an update for you to try.

support at easydnc.com


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