Denford Software & Machines

This is my file fanucmd.go:

IBM.RS2 2
$3F8 4 COM1
$3E8 4 MACHINE
DENFORD.KBD 1
18.2 $2F8 3
EGA.CRT 0
FANUCMD.APP

when I launch the program fanucmd.exe, pc load the drivers, but it all hangs out with the file fanucmd.app

desk-top tutor in com1
machine in com2

WE HAVE CHANGED WITH THIS:

IBM.RS2 1
$2F8 3 MACHINE
DENFORD.KBD 1
18.2 $3F8 4
EGA.CRT 0
FANUCMD.APP

have you suggestions?

Have you put the EPROM from the old card into the new card ?

What does the LED light up with when powered on ?

Yes I have put the old eprom in a new card and the LED light up with when powered on write 8.

From my understanding your old .go file shows:
IBM.RS2 2
$3F8 4 COM1 - software uses COM1 ($3F8) - I think this will be for dripfeed from another pc - maybe not connected?
$3E8 4 MACHINE - COM3 ($3e8) for the machine connection - to the eurocard
DENFORD.KBD 1
18.2 $2F8 3 - use COM2 for the Tutor keypad
EGA.CRT 0
FANUCMD.APP

So I would say you need to change it to this to swap Tutor and machine (as we know tutor was working)
So tutor in COM3 and machine in COM2:
IBM.RS2 2
$3F8 4 COM1
$2F8 3 MACHINE
DENFORD.KBD 1
18.2 $3E8 4
EGA.CRT 0
FANUCMD.APP

We've done several tests, but without success.
Can I start the machine with a single COM?

I tested the COM1 and COM2 on my PC and I am ok.
I put the Machine in COM1 and Tutor in COM2, the same error.
This is the file .go it's ok?

IBM.RS2 2
$3F8 4 MACHINE
DENFORD.KBD 1
18.2 $2F8 3
EGA.CRT 0
FANUCMD.APP

I do not know what to do!
Help me please...

Yes that .go file looks ok for Machine in COM1 and tutor in COM2
There must be an issue with the RS232 cable or the card - unfortunately we have no way to test the cards here now

Have you double checked the cable from PC to Baldor card ?
From 9-pin to 9-pin the connections should match the diagram shown here:
viewtopic.php?t=544

I can not understand the pattern of the post.
the image refers to female cable seen from outside.

I've added another image to the post which should explain...
viewtopic.php?f=54&t=544

Thanks but maybe I expressed myself badly.
Mean to the electrical diagram of the cable.
However I did I asked a fellow electrician

Ignore the shape of the connector in the diagram- it is not as seen in real life. - just use the numbers stamped next to each pin of the connector to confirm the cable you have is ok (or make up the 9-9way as shown)

I will alter the diagram to show the connectors more clearly...

It's so much clearer, I try tomorrow.
Thank you very much.

Hello, built cable as pattern.
We launched the program with this file fanucmd.go:

ibm.rs2 1
3F8 $ 4 MACHINE
QDENFORD.KBD 1
18.2 0
EGA.CRT 0
FANUCMD.APP

I downloaded the file QDENFORD.KBD from your site and I put it in the folder

PC always shows the error <50> MINT controller disconnected

what advice?

I still doubt that he spoiled the old card by replacing the battery, it's possible?

ibm.rs2 1
3F8 $ 4 MACHINE
QDENFORD.KBD 1
18.2 0
EGA.CRT 0
FANUCMD.APP

I would make sure the file is exactly like this:

IBM.RS2 1
$3F8 4 MACHINE
QDENFORD.KBD 1
18.2 0
EGA.CRT 0
FANUCMD.APP

There is nothing else I can see wrong...
The original DOS, esMint, Mint328 EPROM is fitted ?
The RS232 cable from PC to Baldor is correct ?
The CARD lights up OK with 8 or L ?

It could be that the comport is faulty - can you connect the tutor to COM1 and does it still work in the software ?
If I wanted to try and test the card's RS232 I would:
Re-fit the new 2.1 EPROM that came with it.
Then download VRMilling version 2 from our website (>support>downloads) and install onto a windows XP PC with working RS232 ports.
Then run Mintman:

Firstly - make sure any other Denford software is closed and disconnected from the machine
Then run the file: MintMan.EXE which is located in the VR Milling 2 installation directory (C:\Program Files\Denford\windmill)
Go to menu Setup -> Comm Port
Set the parameters to:
COM 1 (whichever machine is plugged into)
Baud: 19200
Parity: None
Data bits: 8
Stop bits: 2
Handshaking: none
Press OK
Press Upload Version button
If it connects to control OK and finds the mint version, you know the RS232 is OK on the card

If this dosn't work, the next solution is probably to get the USB card upgrade.

I did the test EPROM 2.1 with MintMan.EXE and everything is ok then the RS232 cable from PC to Baldor is correct, right?
I have put the old eprom in a new card and the LED light up whith 8.
How can I test the old EPROM?
How can I test This: esMint, Mint328 EPROM is fitted
The new card supports the old EPROM?
Thanks again.

I did the test EPROM 2.1 with MintMan.EXE and everything is ok then the RS232 cable from PC to Baldor is correct, right?

Yes everything outside the card sounds good if Mintman connected OK - did it upload the version of the 2.1 EPROM ok then ?

How can I test the old EPROM?

I don't know - it is before my time at Denford.
The only way to be sure of EPROM is to create another, or compare it to the Hex files here: (both methods will need an EPROM reader/writer)
viewtopic.php?f=54&t=211&hilit=hex

I have just looked at that EPROM post and realised there could be an issue with the processor clock speed ... I think the old software used the clock speed to determine BAUD rate so if you have a 14Mhz compatible EPROM in a 16Mhz CPU board then it will never connect
Can you tell us what the clock speeds are on both of your boards ?

In the old card is installed the type processor KB12 and the silver clock crystal is 12MHz.
In the new card is installed the type processor KB20 and the silver clock crystal is 16MHz.

Exchanging the silver clock crystal from 16MHz to 12MHz this problem is resolved?

Exchanging the silver clock crystal from 16MHz to 12MHz this problem is resolved?

From looking at the EPROM post, someone else tried to fit 16Mhz crystal to an old card and it did not work
It would seem the processor on the card requires the matching clock speed.

The best solution is to blow a 512Kb EPROM with this file:
https://www.denfordata.com/downloads/dos ... 5_SJD5.HEX
Are you able to do this ?
If not I will look for an old EPROM with this version and send it to you

I wanted to try to change the 16 to 12MHz crystal and... It works!!!! YESSSSSS!!!!!
BUT?! It was too good to be true ...
The program starts but when I want to do the zero machine axes do not move.
The tutor works, I access to all menus but axes do not move.