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Communication Troubleshooting
The
MultiCam
CNC machine is shipped with no connectors, and operators should purchase a 25’ serial cable
containing 9 wires to connect the
MultiCam
Controller to the Host PC. Data is sent from the computer to the
machine controller. The data leaves the computer, passes through the computer Com Port or serial port, and
moves through the serial cable and into the controller. Occasionally, operators experience difficulty when the
machine does not accept a file, is unable to access DNC, loses connection, never establishes connection, or cuts
off in a straight line in a manner that is not part of the original output file.
Most Common Reasons for Communication Failure
If the machine works some of the time but experiences random problems, then the machine may be experiencing
some sort of communication problem. Here is a list of the most common problems for communication failure.
Operators are encouraged to refer to this file before calling the local support technician or the
MultiCam
Technical Support.
* The Windows Com Port settings, especially the FIFO buffer, are not correct. See
* The serial cable is longer than 100ft and is used without a Line Amplifier. See
* The serial cable has been operated next to high voltage or fluorescent lights.
* The cable has been nicked, cut, or damaged in some fashion. See
* The wrong Com Port has been selected on the host PC.
* The Com Port IRQ conflicts with a modem installed in the host PC.
* The internal ribbon cable inside the machine control cabinet has been damaged or has lost its
connection.
* The Max202 chip on the control board has failed.
Troubleshooting
The process of elimination is often used when troubleshooting various communication problems as more than one
problem may have caused the current machine difficulty and different types of machines will respond differently
to similar communication problems. The serial ports in the machine and in the computer could be damaged by a
bad electrical storm or a comparable natural occurrence, and this damage will not always be fixed the same way
for each machine. Below are common sites for communication problems and suggested ways to repair the
damage.
Routers * Lasers * Plasma * WaterJets * Knife Cutters
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