Configure DNC in CIMCO Edit

Configure DNC in CIMCO Edit

These steps will walk through the process to configure file transmission / DNC in Cimco Edit. (If more robust options and the ability to communicate with multiple machines simultaneously is desired, please contact us about the DNC-Max product.)

In order to communicate to the CNC machine there are 3 key pieces: 
1. Hardware configuration
2. Machine Controller configuration
3. Software configuration. 

1. Hardware Configuration

You will need a COM or serial port on the computer. Most computers do not have serial ports included anymore. If this is the case you will need to get a USB to Serial port adapter. We recommend the StarTech Part# ICUSB2321F. 

In addition you will also need a patch cable to go from the 9 pin computer side connection to the 25 pin CNC controller connection. The best success is to build your own cable so you know the internal wiring. Here is a wiring diagram of the pinout. (Note, 6,8,20 are jumpered on the 25 pin controller side and pay attention to the 9 pin diagram for the computer side.)

We recommend using these parts: 

Show-Me-Cables - 9 pin DSUB female to RJ45 (Ethernet) Part# 15-109-148

Show-Me-Cables -  25 pin DSUB make to RJ45 (Ethernet) Part# 15-125-112

Standard Ethernet cable to connect the two parts above. (Note, length should be the distance needed from the PC to the machine RS-232 port.)

Example of Standard RS-232C Cable Between PC and Control with Hardware Handshake


2. Machine Controller configuration

Due to the amount of controllers in use, this part is up to you. Navigate to your DNC settings and make note of them for the next step. You may have to reference your manuals and make specific setting changes to enable the port. 


3. Software Configuration

Once the hardware is setup and the controller settings are known, you can configure the CIMCO software for communication. 

1. Open CIMCO edit and navigate to the Transmission Tab and the DNC Settings Menu. 
2. Select the machine from the list that you are going to configure. 
3. Match the port settings to those in your machine controller. (The settings pictured are most common for Haas and Fanuc controllers.)



Once these steps are complete it is time to test your connection. The best way to test a connection is to send a file from the machine back to CIMCO. This will help pinpoint any issues. If the file transmits successfully, send a file back to the controller and you should be successful (assuming it is formatted properly, which is machine parameter specific). If you have errors, check the settings in CIMCO match those of the controller. Next check the cable for proper wiring. If this does not work, check everything again and confirm the DNC port is enabled on the machine. 

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