Starmill software

[Knate1981]

I have a Starmill and Starturn 8 and need help with what software I need to run them. I have tried using older software from the Denford website using a Windows98 computer and did not have any luck. They both use a 25 pin RS232 port. I have pictures of the Starmill and hardware. I will post the Starturn when I get pictures of the hardware.

[Denford Admin]

The starmill has a Baldor Smartstep, so according to my very limited knowledge you use Fanucmd to run it (?)
There is also a possibilty to upgrade this controller to V5 milling with USB- see here:
Reasons to upgrade to v5:
viewtopic.php?t=101
Machine and control upgrade guide:
viewtopic.php?t=116

Here are other links to forum info that should help:

Pre-baldor control software /photos / drawings:
viewtopic.php?t=196

DOS Milling machine operating manual:
viewtopic.php?t=1636

DOS Operating software downloads:
https://www.denford.ltd.uk/index.php?opt ... &Itemid=51

DOS Software -> Machine selections:
viewtopic.php?t=738

Starturn problems:
viewtopic.php?t=1113

Dosbox:
viewtopic.php?t=844

[Knate1981]

I tried using the Fanucmd software and it gave me a keyboard error. Do I need the Denford keyboard for it to work?

[Martin]

I presume the software you sholud be using is "FANUCSMD"

Do you have a Desk Top Tutor or are you running from a qwerty keyboard? You may need to configure the "opt" file if you don`t have the desk top tutor.

[Denford Admin]

You may need to configure the "opt" file if you don`t have the desk top tutor

This post may help with that:
viewtopic.php?t=1084

[Knate1981]

I have a qwerty keyboard. The machines did not have the Desktop tutor when I bought them. I tried to use the Fanucsmd software and it gave me a 128 Error message, so what does that mean?

[Martin]

Have you tried the RS232 cable in both Com1 & Com2?

Alter the ".opt" file to use the Qwerty keyboard.

If you get the Blue control panel up then that means you are connected. Then you can try the keyboard.

Try

IBM.RS2 1
$2F8 3 MACHINE
QDENFORD.KBD 1
18.2 1
VGA.CRT 0
FANUCSMD.APP

[Knate1981]

No I didnt have the RS232 cable hooked up since I brought the computer home to put the correct software on it. I was looking at my computer's device manager and see that I have a Com1 and a LPT1 (ECP printer port).

[Martin]

The machine needs to be powered up with the correct RS232 lead connected to the computer in order for the software to instalise.

Check that the RS232 lead is connected to Com1 & not the printer port.

[Knate1981]

Com1 port is a 15 pin type or 9 pin, and the printer port is of course 25 pin type. Will I need to buy a RS232 25 pin Parallel Port Card?

[Martin]

You should be able to use the 9 way Com1 port on the pc.

[Knate1981]

I ordered a DB9F to DB25M serial cable and I will hook the computer up and go from there when it gets in.

I also have a Starturn 8 and having the same problems with what software I need to run it. I hadnt had time to take pictures of the hardware, but I do have a picture of the serial number if that helps.

[Knate1981]

I changed the "go" file and now I am getting an Error 240 Keyboard driver not correctly installed and then gives an Error 128 Software aborted.

[Knate1981]

I went to turn on the starmill and heard a pop and some smoke came out of the cabinet. The red LCD on the card wont work anymore. Think I am going to buy a breakout board and stepper drivers and use the existing stepper motors. What is the amps and voltage rating for the stepper motors?

[Denford Admin]

If you can find cause of the smoke (maybe a transformer ?) I'd be looking to fix that - the control you have is pretty good and I'd personally be wanting to spend money on newer stepper motors before anything else.

[Knate1981]

I looked at the board and noticed that a chip was broke. Would this cause the board to not work? In the picture its in the top, right corner of the board.

[Denford Admin]

Yep thats one of the stepper drivers - they're common and should be easy enough to get hold of
L298N
one here for £2:
https://cgi.ebay.co.uk/L298N-Dual-Full-B ... 7C294%3A50

[Knate1981]

That is why the LCD is not working? What would cause the driver to do that?

[Denford Admin]

oh - I forgot to say... check the motor winding resistances if you replace the chip - check from the 3 orange plugs at the right of the board. It could be a stepper motor or cabling short that has blown the driver chip.

[Knate1981]

This board has a Demint eprom. Doesnt that require it to use VR Milling?