Sending files from Mastercam to CNC Machine - RS-232 for DNC

Sending files from Mastercam to CNC Machine - RS-232 for DNC

Configure DNC with Mastercam

These steps will walk through the process to configure file transmission / DNC in Mastercam. 

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

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. Cimco recommends the Coolgear High-Speed USB to RS-232 Serial DB9 Adapter Cable. Please ensure the adapter you select is compatible with the version of Windows you are running. We have seen examples in the past of an adapter that works fine on Windows 8 but does not work on Windows 10 correctly. DO NOT USE THE SAME ADAPTER FOR MULTIPLE COMPUTERS IF THEY ARE RUNNING A DIFFERENT OPERATING SYSTEM VERSION.

These adapters may also require drivers in some cases. You can typically find drivers for these devices by going to the website of the company who built the device. Adding a driver may add a COM port in Device Manager at a later point in the process.

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: 
  1. Show-Me-Cables - 9 pin DSUB female to RJ45 (Ethernet) Part# 15-109-148
  2. Show-Me-Cables -  25 pin DSUB make to RJ45 (Ethernet) Part# 15-125-112
  3. 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.)

Another alternative would be to purchase pre-built cables such as Predator Grizzly Cables.
You will not need the Predator Software for communications between Mastercam and your CNC, as that is built in.

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

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. 

Software Configuration

Once the hardware is setup and the controller settings are known, you can configure Mastercam, and potentially Windows, for communication. 
  1. Open the Windows Start Menu and type in Device Manager, then open that applicaiton
  2. Find Ports on the list and expand. You should see at least 1 COM port. If there are multiple COM ports one should have a name to indicate the adapter (this may happen if a separate driver had to be installed in the Hardware Configuration section of this guide)
  3. Right click the COM port and select Properties. Open the tab for Port Settings, and verify the info on this page matches the settings required by your machine controller. When finished click OK and close Device Manager.
  4. Inside Mastercam, Select Files > Configuration > Communications
  5. Make sure the communications option is set to CIMCO DNC, and then click on "Set external communications"
  6. From the Transmission window, Click Setup
  7. From the DNC Setup window, highlight the machine you're transferring to (default is Machine 1) and Click Setup
  8. Inside the setup window for your machine, verify you're using the correct Serial Port, Flow control, and any Advanced port settings.





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 Code Expert or CIMCO Edit. 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 the DNC Setup 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. 

If you need assistance and you're in the Greater Portland Area, we recommend Craig Daniels Consulting - (503) 407-2488