CncGcoder Models HD & HDx Manual
Table of Contents WELCOME... 3 IN THE BOX... 4 Optional Accessories...4 HANDHELD OVERVIEW... 5 Overview...5 Charging the Battery...6 Turning On and Off...6 Plugging in Cable...7 Inserting SD Cards...7 USING THE HANDHELD... 8 Using the Stylus...8 Using the Keypad...8 Using File Explorer...9 Important Directory Icons... 9 Navigation Icons... 9 Device Desktop...10 Desktop Icons...10 Device Preferences...10 Setting Date and Time... 10 Setting Backlight and Contrast... 11 Configuring Stylus... 11 Setting the power... 12 USING THE CNCGCODER... 13 Opening the Program...13 Viewing On-Screen Keyboard...13 Setting up Machines...13 Adding a New Machine... 14 Selecting a Machine... 14 Editing an Existing Machine... 14 Deleting a Machine... 14 Setting the Advanced Settings... 15 Managing CNC Programs...15 Navigating the File Screen... 16 Loading a G-Code File... 16 Saving a G-Code File... 17 Deleting a G-Code File... 17 CncGcoder HD Manual 1
Table of Contents File Transfer between Computer...17 Transferring using the SD Card... 17 Transferring using ActiveSync... 17 File Transfer between CNC...18 Sending a Program to the CNC... 18 Receiving a Program from the CNC... 18 On-Screen Help...19 About CncGcoder Screen...19 Exit Program...19 BATTERY PRECAUTIONS... 20 Disposing of the Battery... 20 TROUBLESHOOTING... 21 Resetting the Device...21 Soft Reset... 21 Hard Reset... 21 Blank Screen...21 Recalibrate Screen...21 Trouble Communicating with the CNC...22 REVISIONS... 23 Version 1.1.0.2...23 TECH NOTE 1: CNCGCODER HD TO COMPUTER FILE TRANSFER... 24 Recommended Setups...24 Option A: Transfer from Newer Computer using SD Card... 24 Option B: Transfer from Older Computer using SD Card... 25 Option C: Transfer using Microsoft ActiveSync Cable... 26 Option E: Transfer using DNC Software... 26 CncGcoder HD Manual 2
Welcome Welcome Thank you for purchasing the CncGcoder HD or the CncGcoder HDx. You are now able to easily communicate with you Machine Tool CNCs right on the shop floor. Review the following manual for information on how to set-up and use the CncGcoder. New products, software, and updates will be available at www.cncgcoder.com. CncGcoder HD Manual 3
In the Box In the Box The CncGcoder HD package includes CncGcoder HD Shop-Hardened Handheld Unit AC Power Adapter Cord Heavy Duty CncGcoder HD RS-232 Serial Cable Setup Sheet The CncGcoder HDx package includes CncGcoder HD Shop-Hardened Handheld Unit AC Power Adapter Cord Extreme duty CncGcoder HD RS-232 Serial Cable W/ USB Jack Setup Sheet Optional Accessories USB SD Card Reader and SD Cards (available at electronics stores) Adds storage capabilities to the CncGcoder HD Adds ability to transfer files between computer and CncGcoder HD USB Microsoft ActiveSync Cable (available through RBR) (Not recommended for HDx Users) Mounts the CncGcoder to the computer as a drive Adds ability to transfer files between computer and CncGcoder HD CncGcoder HD Manual 4
Setting Up Handheld Overview Overview CncGcoder HD Manual 5
Setting Up Charging the Battery Connect the AC power adapter to the DC jack located on the top of the unit. When connected to the AC power adapter, the battery will recharge in four hours. The LED will flash orange while the battery is charging. Turning On and Off Press the Power key to turn the unit on and off. When the Power key is pressed to turn the unit off, the unit actually enters Suspend mode. In Suspend mode, the unit continues to supply power to all memory, but turns off power to most hardware. This feature is designed to prolong battery life. When the Power key is pressed to turn the unit back on, the unit exits Suspend mode. CncGcoder HD Manual 6
Setting Up Plugging in Cable Plug the CncGcoder HD RS-232 serial cable into the base of the unit with the arrows facing up. Tighten the two screws to ensure a secure connection. Connect the 25-pin end into the serial port on the machine tool CNC. (HD cable shown, HDx cable similar) Inserting SD Cards Insert the SD Card with the connectors down into the SDIO slot located at the top of the device. Press down on the top of the SD card to eject and remove the card. CncGcoder HD Manual 7
Using the Handheld Using the Handheld Using the Stylus The stylus replaces a computer s mouse and is used as follows: Tap Double Tap Drag Touch the screen once with the stylus to select options, close applications, or launch menus from the taskbar. Touch the screen twice with the stylus to launch applications, open files, and view the contents of folders. Hold the stylus on the screen and drag across the screen to select text and images. Using the Keypad The CNC-style keypad was designed for easier typing and screen maneuverability. Use the four arrow keys to navigate and scroll through screens Press the keys to type the white numbers Press Shift and the keys to type the yellow letters Press the Enter key to select OK to dialog boxes and to move to the next line of text. CncGcoder HD Manual 8
Using the Handheld Using File Explorer File Explorer lets you browse the contents of folders on your handheld. To activate an application, open a folder, or open a file: Use the stylus to double-tap on the icon Use the four arrows on the keypad to highlight the icon and then press Enter on the keypad to select the item Important Directory Icons The root folder on your handheld. Open My Device to view all the directories available on the handheld. On-Board Flash is the handheld s flash drive. Files saved to this location are non-volatile and will not be lost if the device loses power or is reset. An SD Card inserted into the handheld will display as a folder called Storage Card.. Files saved to this location are also non-volatile and will not be lost if the device loses power or is reset. Navigate to this folder to view the contents of the SD Card. Navigation Icons Navigate Backward and Forward through previously viewed folders Go up one directory level Delete file or folder View file or folder properties View the items as large icons, small icons, or a detailed list CncGcoder HD Manual 9
Using the Handheld Device Desktop Desktop Icons My Device is the root folder on the handheld. My Device is similar to My Computer on the computer. Recycle Bin is similar to the PC Recycle Bin. Drag files and folders to the Recycle Bin for deletion. The CncGcoder icon is a shortcut to the CncGcoder program. Open this icon to run the CncGcoder. The CncGcoder is the program that allows you to transfer CNC G-Code files Device Preferences The Control Panels are used to configure and customize the settings of the device. Use the Control Panels for such tasks as changing the speaker volume, adjusting the display, or monitoring the battery level. Open My Device Open Control Panel to view the handheld s settings and system information Setting Date and Time 1. Open Date/Time 2. Enter the correct date and time information. 3. Tap Apply 4. Tap OK to enter changes CncGcoder HD Manual 10
Using the Handheld Setting Backlight and Contrast Open Display Select the Backlight tab. Choose the amount of time backlight stays on while the device is idle. Slide the bar between dark and light to adjust the screen s brightness. Select the Contrast tab. Slide the bar to the desired screen contrast. Tap OK to enter changes Quick Tip: Press and hold the Power key for approximately one second to toggle the backlight on and off. Quick Tip: While the device is off, press and hold the Power and then Shift keys to launch the Contrast Control Panel. Use the Up and Down arrow keys adjust the contrast. Configuring Stylus Open Stylus Select the Double-Tap tab. Hold the stylus comfortably. Using the stylus, double-tap on the grid to calibrate speed and position. Select the Calibration tab. Tap Recalibrate. Hold the stylus comfortably. Tap on the targets to recalibrate the screen. Tap OK to enter changes Quick Tip: While the device is on, press and hold the Shift then Power keys together for approximately four seconds to launch the Calibration screen. CncGcoder HD Manual 11
Using the Handheld Setting the power Open Power Select the Battery tab to monitor the battery level. Charging will display on the screen while the handheld is plugged-in. Select the Schemes tab to set up the Power Schemes. Select how long the device stays on while the unit is not in use. Tap OK to enter changes CncGcoder HD Manual 12
Using the CncGcoder Using the CncGcoder Opening the Program There are two ways to open the CncGcoder program. Open the CncGcoder application on the desktop. The last G-Code program will display on the screen. Open any file with a.txt,.nc, or.g file extension. The CncGcoder program will open with the selected program displayed Viewing On-Screen Keyboard An on-screen keyboard is available for entering text and editing the displayed G-Code programs. 1. Select Keys on the menu bar to show the keyboard. 2. Position the keyboard by tapping on Input Panel and dragging 3. Use the stylus to select the keys 4. Select Keys on the menu bar again to hide the keyboard. Setting up Machines Tap the Machines button on the CncGcoder home screen to view the Machines screen. Machines store the serial communication settings for each CNC. The CncGcoder HD comes with the Default machine. The Default machine has standard settings that work with a majority of CNCs. Add new machines to match your CNCs. CncGcoder HD Manual 13
Using the CncGcoder Adding a New Machine 1. Tap on the machine name box under Machine Name to see a flashing cursor. Use the on-screen keyboard or the keypad to enter a machine name. 2. Select the communications settings from the dropdown menus along the right side of the screen. Select the baud rate, number of stop bits, and type of handshaking to match the CNC. Choose between ISO (7 data bits, even parity) and ASCII (8 data bits, no parity) data format. If necessary, change the advanced settings. (See Setting the Advanced Settings) 3. Tap the Save button to save the settings. Selecting a Machine 1. Select a machine from the list of machines. The selected machine will appear in the machine name box Machine Name. below 2. Tap the Select Machine button to choose the machine and return to the CncGcoder main screen. Editing an Existing Machine 1. Select a machine from the list of machines. The selected machine will appear in the machine name box below Machine Name. 2. Change the communications settings from the dropdown menus along the right side of the screen. Select the baud rate, number of stop bits, and type of handshaking to match the CNC. Choose between ISO (7 data bits, even parity) and ASCII (8 data bits, no parity) data format. If necessary, change the advanced settings. (See Setting the Advanced Settings) 3. Tap the Save button to update the settings. Deleting a Machine 1. Select a machine from the list of machines. The selected machine will appear in the machine name box below Machine Name. 2. Tap the Erase button to delete the machine. CncGcoder HD Manual 14
Using the CncGcoder Setting the Advanced Settings NOTE: These settings rarely need to be changed. Only change these settings if you are having trouble communicating with the CNC. 1. Select CncGcoder HD > Advanced from the menu bar. 2. Select Yes or No to turn the Strip CRs feature on and off. The Strip CRs feature will remove excess carriage returns from the G- Code program as it is received from the CNC. 3. Select Yes or No to turn the Leader feature on and off. When Leader is turned on, nulls will be sent at the beginning and end of the program. This may fix problems sending to the CNC. 4. Enter a number between 50 and 2,000,000 in the send delay box. The number represents the time delay between each packet of data sent to the CNC. Larger numbers will increase the delay and send the program at a slower speed. This may fix buffer overflow errors on the CNC. 5. Tap the OK button to accept changes Managing CNC Programs Select an option under the File menu bar to access the File screen. From this screen, you can access programs from the handheld s memory, the on-board flash, and the SD card. NOTE: Tap on the Complete Path icon to view the complete path and file name of the current G-Code program. NOTE: Program names can be entered while on the main screen. Tap on the box under Program Name: to see a flashing cursor. Use the onscreen keyboard or the keypad to enter a program name. The file will not be saved until Saving a G-Code File is completed. IMPORTANT: Save programs to the on-board flash drive or the SD card for non-volatile storage. (See Important Directory Drives for more information) Files saved to the memory of the device may be lost if the power is lost. CncGcoder HD Manual 15
Using the CncGcoder Navigating the File Screen Tips for navigating the File Screen include: The path to the current open directory is displayed after Look In: The name of the current file is displayed in the box after Name: Select a file extension from the dropdown menu next to Type: to view only certain file types. Select All Files *.* from the Type: list to view all the files in the current directory. Tap the Up One Level icon to move up one directory level. Tap on a Folder to view the contents of that directory Tap on a File to select the G-Code program Slide the scrollbar across the bottom of the screen to view the date and time the file was created as well as the size of the file. The root directory displays as \ Loading a G-Code File 1. Select File>Load File from the menu bar on the main screen. 2. Navigate to the G-Code program. Make sure the correct path is displayed next to Look In: displayed next to Name: and the correct file name is 3. Tap the Load button to load the program and return to the main screen. The G-Code program will display on the CncGcoder main screen. CncGcoder HD Manual 16
Using the CncGcoder Saving a G-Code File 1. Select File>Save File from the menu bar on the main screen. 2. Tap on the box next to Name: to see a flashing cursor. Use the on-screen keyboard or the keypad to enter a program name. Or, navigate to an existing G-Code program to overwrite with the current program. Make sure the correct path is displayed next to Look In: and the correct file name is displayed next to Name: 3. Tap the Save button to save the G-Code program and return to the main screen. Deleting a G-Code File 1. Select File>Delete File from the menu bar on the main screen. 2. Navigate to the program to delete. Make sure the correct path is displayed next to Look In: displayed next to Name: and the correct file name is 3. Tap the Delete button to delete the G-Code program and return to the main screen. File Transfer between Computer (See Tech Note 1) Transferring using the SD Card NOTE: SD Cards and SD card reader not included 1. Save the G-Code files to the SD card. The default location for an SD card is a folder called Storage Card on the root of the device. (See Saving a G-Code File) 2. Remove the SD card from the unit. 3. Insert the card into an SD card reader on the computer and transfer files. (View SD card reader manual for more information) Transferring using ActiveSync NOTE: USB ActiveSync cable available as an optional accessory 1. Download Microsoft ActiveSync software and driver. (Download link available on www.cncgcoder.com ) 2. Connect device to the computer using the USB ActiveSync cable. The device will be mounted as a drive on the computer. (View ActiveSync manual for more information) CncGcoder HD Manual 17
Using the CncGcoder File Transfer between CNC Files are transferred from the main screen of the CncGcoder. When transferring a program, make sure the receiving end is ready before any data is sent. NOTE: Tap the Abort to abort the send or receive. button at any time during the data transfer Sending a Program to the CNC 1. Select the correct machine.(see Selecting a Machine) 2. Load the G-Code program to send (See Loading a File) 3. Connect the CncGcoder serial cable to the RS-232 port on the CNC.(See Plugging in Cable) 4. Setup the machine tool to receive a program 5. Tap the Send button on the CncGcoder. The Characters Sent will count up at the bottom of the screen. 6. When the send completes successfully, a message box will display the total characters sent. Receiving a Program from the CNC 1. Select the correct machine.(see Selecting a Machine) 2. Connect the CncGcoder serial cable to the RS-232 port on the CNC.(See Plugging in Cable) 3. Tap the Receive button on the CncGcoder. While waiting to receive characters, the bottom of the screen will display Waiting 4. Send the program from the CNC. The Characters Received will count up at the bottom of the screen. 5. When the receive completes successfully, a message box will display the total characters received. 6. Save the G-Code program. (See Saving a File) CncGcoder HD Manual 18
Using the CncGcoder On-Screen Help A quick program reference guide is available in the CncGcoder. Select CncGcoder HD>Program Help from the menu bar on the main screen to view the help topics available. Tap on a topic to view more information. Select the OK topic list. Select Done main screen. button to return to the on the menu bar to return to the About CncGcoder Screen The CncGcoder HD version and serial number can be found on the About CncGcoder screen. 1. Select CncGcoder HD>About CncGcoder from the menu bar. 2. Tap OK to return to the previous screen. Exit Program 1. Make sure the G-Code program is saved. (See Saving a File) 2. Tap on the Close icon in the upper right-hand corner of the screen. CncGcoder HD Manual 19
Battery Precautions Battery Precautions The CncGcoder HD handheld computer uses a specially designed Lithium-Ion battery. Proper care and usage of the CncGcoder HD handheld computer will allow it to hold a charge longer and lengthen its overall life. Most of the precautions involved with handling the Lithium-Ion battery amount to simply using the same common sense you would use around any electrical equipment. Ignoring these warnings can lead to accidental ignition or explosion. Do not do anything to damage the battery. Keep it away from children. Do not puncture, mutilate, disassemble, solder, or alter it. Keep it away from any heat source above 140º F. Use extreme caution with any liquid residue from a leaking battery: Avoid contact with the residue. If you come into contact with it, wash the affected area immediately. If any of the residue gets into your eyes, do not touch or rub the area around your eyes. Rinse immediately and seek medical advice. Disposing of the Battery NEVER DISPOSE OF A BATTERY IN A FIRE. There is a danger of ignition or explosion. Discard of used battery in accordance with your local regulations. Contact your local waste management officials for information regarding environmentally sound disposal of Lithium- Ion (Li-Ion) batteries. CncGcoder HD Manual 20
Troubleshooting Troubleshooting Also view the current Tips and FAQs available at www.cncgcoder.com for more support. Resetting the Device A reset may become necessary when the device no longer responds to a tap or button press. For example, the device may require a reset after the battery power drops below a critical level. Soft Reset This is comparable to restarting a Windows PC. It re-launches the operating system and preserves any saved data. 1. Press the Reset button 2. Hold for 2 seconds 3. Release the Reset button Hard Reset In cases where the internal RAM is corrupted to the point that the unit will not boot, it may be necessary to perform a Hard Reset. NOTE: Files stored in the On-board Flash are NOT erased. 1. Hold down the Power key. 2. Press the Reset button (while continuing to hold Power Key) 3. Hold for 2 seconds 4. Release the Reset button 5. Release the Power key. 6. The Confirm Erase dialog box will appear. Press the up arrow to complete the hard reset. Any other key will perform a soft reset. 7. Tap OK to reinstall the CncGcoder program. 8. Once the CncGcoder has finished installing, perform a soft reset. Blank Screen When the information on the screen is not visible try the following tips. Plug in the AC power adapter to charge the battery. (See Charging the Battery) Adjust the contrast and the backlight. (See Setting Backlight and Contrast Quick Tip) Soft Reset the Unit Hard Reset the Unit Recalibrate Screen If the device isn t responding properly to presses on the touch screen, a recalibration may be required. (See Configuring Stylus Quick Tip) CncGcoder HD Manual 21
Troubleshooting Trouble Communicating with the CNC The CncGcoder HD will communicate with most CNCs with an RS-232 serial port. If you are having trouble communicating, try the following tips Send to the Palm first. If odd characters are received, most likely there is a parity or baud rate problem. Make sure both the CNC and the CncGcoder are set to ISO data format (7 data bits and even parity) Make sure the baud rates match. Make sure the handshaking on the CncGcoder HD and the CNC are the same. If they are different, the unit may time out with no data sent. If the unit times out after 30 sec., there may be a cabling issue. Check the pin out for the CNC serial port. If the CncGcoder HD receives the programs but can not send to the machine, try turning on the leader an increasing the send delay (See Setting the Advanced Settings) Make sure the receiving end is always ready first. CncGcoder HD Manual 22
Revisions Revisions Version 1.1.0.2 1. File name can now be up to 50 characters. 2. File list defaults to All Files. 3. Switching Machines does not automatically switch to the default directory. 4. When a directory cannot be found, switch to root directory. 5. When a file can not be found, go back to last entered file path. 6. Does not erase file name while navigating through file list. 7. File name editable on main screen. 8. New SD card write protect errors. 9. Receiving characters timeout increased from 2 seconds to 4 seconds. CncGcoder HD Manual 23
Tech Note 1: CncGcoder HD to Computer File Transfer Tech Note 1 Due to the change from Palm OS to the Windows CE OS, different options are available for transferring files to the computer. This change was prompted by the needs of the customers and provides the following benefits. G-Code programs are saved as standard PC files. NO file conversion software is needed on the computer or the handheld An unlimited number of SD memory cards can be used which translates to unlimited storage. Current program file structures and directories can be transferred directly to the handheld. NO limitations on program management. Recommended Setups Option A: Transfer from Newer Computer using SD Card SD Card Reader and SD Card supplied by customer NOTE: Windows 98 may need a driver installed. USB Port Required Required Desktop OS: Windows 98, Windows 2000, Windows ME, Windows XP, Mac OS 9, Mac OS X Save G-Code programs to an SD memory card. Insert the SD card into the CncGcoder HD to view files on the handheld Insert the SD Card into an SD Card reader to view files on the computer CncGcoder HD Manual 24
Tech Note 1 Option B: Transfer from Older Computer using SD Card SD Card Reader and SD Card supplied by customer NOTE: Windows 98 may need a driver installed. Transfer files from an older computer that does not meet the requirements. USB Port Required Required Desktop OS: Windows 98, Windows 2000, Windows ME, Windows XP, Mac OS 9, Mac OS X Use a CD-ROM, Floppy Disk, Network, or other method to transfer G-Code programs from an older computer to a newer computer. Use newer computer to save G-Code programs to an SD memory card. Insert the SD card into the CncGcoder HD to view files on the handheld Insert the SD Card into an SD Card reader to view files on the computer CncGcoder HD Manual 25
Tech Note 1 Option C: Transfer using Microsoft ActiveSync Cable ActiveSync Cable optional accessory available at RBR. USB Port Required Required Desktop OS: Windows 2000, Windows ME, Windows XP, Install Microsoft ActiveSync software on PC. (Link to download available at www.cncgcoder.com) Install CncGcoder ActiveSync driver software on PC. (Link to download available at www.cncgcoder.com) Connect ActiveSync Cable to the bottom of handheld and the USB port on the PC. ActiveSync will mount the CncGcoder HD as a drive called Mobile Device on the PC. Drag and drop G-Code programs into and out of the directories on the mobile device. (See Microsoft ActiveSync manual for more information) Option D: Transfer using DNC Software CncGcoder 25-pin to 9-pin Serial Adapter optional accessory available at RBR. Serial Port Required Connect the CncGcoder HD Serial Cable to the bottom of handheld and the CncGcoder 25-pin to 9-pin adapter. Connect the CncGcoder 25-pin to 9-pin adapter to the computer. DNC to the CncGcoder HD as if it was a machine tool CNC CncGcoder HD Manual 26
RBR Associates, Inc. 8408 Wilmette Ave. Darien, IL 60561 Phone: 630-971-8729 FAX: 630-971-2974 www.cncgcoder.com Updated 09/23/2008