Bridgeport Heidenhain CNC Mill
Programming & Operating Instructions

Chapter 9
Data Transfer:  PC <to/from> CNC

The Ins and Outs of Remote Data Input and Output Using PCs

PC to Heidenhain Data Transfer

The following procedures have been written to reflect the PC hardware and software available in the ETSU Machine Tool Lab (Room 103 Wilson-Wallis Hall).  As one or more of the computers in the lab will be undergoing serious upgrades, these directions may be out of date.  Ask your instructor for specific instructions on the current data transfer procedures.

1. Ensure the PC-Heidenhain Serial Communications Cable is connected to the back of the Heidenhain Controller and to either the appropriate COMM port on the PC or to the serial stitchbox.
2. If applicable, set the lab's serial A-B-D-E switch box to the Heidenhain/Bridgeport position (E).
   
3. If applicable, set the serial A-B switch box to the proper PC.
   
4. For PCs running DOS/Windows 3.x

• At the PC's DOS prompt, type in HEID-24 and press the [ENTER] key to run a batch file that sets up the correct communications parameters (MODE COMx 2400 E 7 2).
  
• Install the disk containing your program
  
• Use Norton Commander to locate and highlight your program's file name.

  • If the Norton Commander DOS shell is not active, type in NC and press the [ENTER] key.
    
  • Display your floppy disk's files in the left panel by pressing the [ALT] key and at the same time the F1 key. Then type in A (for 5-1/4" disk) or B (for 3-1/2" disk).
    
  • Press the TAB key to move back and forth between the left and right panels.
    
  • Use the cursor arrows to highlight your program's filename.

• If you do not know the program identifier number (the number at the top of the file immediately after the '%' character, view the file by pressing the F3 function key (press [ESC] key to exit).

4. At the Heidenhain controller

• Press the EDIT key.
• Press the EXTernal communications   key.
• Use the cursor keys to highlight the "READ-IN SELECTED PROGRAM" prompt and press .
• Key in the number to be assigned to the program by the controller—its identifier—and press .
  
  The number MUST be exactly the same as the program identifier number contained in the first (and last) statement in your program.
  
  The number must not already be in use.  If necessary, either (a) go back to the computer and edit the statement, changing the program number to one not already in use or (b) delete the conflicting program from the Heidenhain's memory.

5. Back at the PC, type in from the DOS prompt:

COPY <filename> COM2: and press the [ENTER] key.

6. At the Heidenhain controller

• The CRT will read "EXTERNAL DATA INPUT" and the program's number while the program is being "read-in" to the controller. Upon completion of the transmission, the program will be displayed on the CRT in the edit mode.
  
  It is possible that the transmission might be interrupted by a syntax or data error. Pressing the Delete Block   key will display the last line in the program that was accepted. The error lies in the following block.

• Transfer the program into the run buffer then dry run the program for an error check. If everything looks OK then go for broke.

Heidenhain to PC Data Transfer

1. Set the lab's serial A-B-D-E switch box to the Heidenhain/Bridgeport position (E).
   
2. Set the serial A-B switch box to the proper PC.
   
3. For PCs running DOS/Windows 3.x

• At the PC's DOS prompt, type in RECEIVE and press the [ENTER] key to run a batch file that runs the PROCOMM utility.
  
• Set the COM2 serial port parameters for 2400, E, 7, 2 by typing the following:
       Simultaneously press [ALT] - [ P ]
       3  [ENTER]
       19  [ENTER]
       21  [ENTER]
       [ESCAPE]

• Press the [PAGE DOWN]  key to activate the receiving (or DOWNLOAD) mode.

• Press 7 to activate the ASCII character mode.

• Type in the appropriate floppy drive (A: or B:  NOT C: or D:) and the filename you wish to use for the program and press the [ENTER] key. The filename need not be the same as the Heidenhain's program number identifier.

4. At the Heidenhain controller:

• Press the EDIT key
• Press the EXT   key.
  
• Use the cursor keys to highlight the "READ-OUT SELECTED PROGRAM" prompt and press .
• Use the cursor keys to highlight the file selected for export and press . The file is now being sent and should be appearing on the microcomputer's screen.

5. Back at the PC

• After the transmission is completed, press the [ESCAPE] key to close the file and release the Heidenhain from the PC.
  
• Simultaneously press [ALT] - [ X ] to exit from PROCOMM and return to the DOS prompt.
  
• Use the Norton Commander or the DOS DIR command to bring up a directory of your floppy disk's files. Verify that your file is contained therein.