Dostek 440A BTR Software Guide
Table of Contents Introduction... 1 Installing Dostek DNC... 1.1 Installing Dostek DNC... 1.2 Installing Your Software License Key... 1.2.1 Install Automatically (Recommended)... 1.2.2 Install Manually... 1.3 Understanding YourDostek DNC Software License... 2 Understanding Dostek DNC... Navigator (DDNav)... File Manager (DFileMgr)... Communication (DDNC)... Editor (DEditor)... Configuration (DConfig)... Touch DNC (DTouch)... Tools and Utilities... 1 2 2 4 4 5 6 7 7 7 8 8 9 9 9 3 Configuring Dostek DNC... 10 3.1 Configuring General and Communication Settings... 10 3.2 Configuring File Manager... 10 3.3 Configuring Editor... 10 4 Using Dostek DNC... 11 4.1 Sending a File to the CNC... 11 4.2 Receiving a File from the CNC... 12 5 Drip-Feeding with Dostek DNC... 13 5.1 Getting Started with Drip-Feeding... 13 5.1.1 Preparing the Computer... 13 5.1.2 Preparing the NC/CNC... 13 5.1.3 Configuring Dostek DNC... 14 5.2 Working with the BTR... 16 5.3 Starting a New Drip-Feed Session... 18 5.4 Restarting a Drip-Feed Session... 18 5.4.1 Restarting from the First Line... 18 5.4.2 Restarting from a Specific Line... 18 5.4.3 Restarting from Specific Text (Using "Find text")... 19 5.5 Choosing Between Loading or Drip-Feeding... 21 5.5.1 Overriding Transmit Repeat Setting... 21 5.5.2 Creating Separate Configurations for Loading/Drip-Feeding... 21 6 Getting Help... 23 6.1 Help Documents... 23 6.2 Application Notes... 23 6.3 Dostek Techncial Support... 24
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Dostek Model 440A Behind-the-Tape Reader (BTR) Software Guide This guide explains how to use Dostek DNC software with the Dostek Model 440A Behind-the-Tape Reader (BTR). Dostek DNC is a suite of applications that work together to let you manage and edit files, and transfer data between your computer and CNC machine tools. With Dostek DNC, you can: Transfer programs and data between a Windows computer and CNC machine tools. Upload, download, and drip feed with data transfer rates up to 38,400 baud. Edit files, including: copy and paste, search and replace, reformat and renumber. Manage files, including: view, search, copy, rename, filter, and delete. Configure communication parameters and protocols to work with virtually any CNC machine equipped with an RS-232C serial port or Dostek Model 440A BTR. Configure security and logging to control access and track activity. Work with standard Windows PCs (Windows XP through Windows 10). Work with multi-port serial cards and hubs (Ethernet and USB, wired and wireless). This guide explains how to use Dostek DNC to load, save and drip-feed NC/CNC part programs. For detailed information about using Dostek DNC file management and editing features, see the Dostek DNC User Guide. A PDF version of the User Guide is installed with the Dostek DNC software. To open the User Guide: 1. Open Dostek DNC File Manager. 2. Point to Documents in File Manager's Help menu, and then click Dostek DNC User Guide (PDF). Additional Resources For information about additional resources, including help documents, application notes and technical support, see Section 6, "Getting Help," at the end of this guide.
Page 2 Dostek 440A BTR - Software Guide 1 Installing Dostek DNC This section explains how to install the Dostek DNC software for the first time. To update, replace or move an existing copy of the Dostek DNC software, see the Dostek DNC User Guide. 1.1 Installing Dostek DNC To install Dostek DNC: 1. Insert your Dostek DNC software CD in your computer's CD or DVD drive. Setup opens automatically within a few seconds. Notes The method for opening Setup depends on whether you are installing using a software CD or a software download file: Software CD If you received a software CD, insert it in your computer's CD drive. Setup opens automatically. If Setup fails to open automatically, use Windows Explorer to manually open Setup.exe. The software CD is packaged in a plastic sleeve inside the front cover of the printed User Guide. Software Download File Open the software download file. The download file is named with the prefix "DDW" followed by a five-digit software version. For example, the file for version 15.10A is "DDW1510A.exe". For information about downloading Dostek DNC software, visit www.dostek.com. You are permitted to download software updates for one year from date of purchase. Thereafter, you must subscribe to software support, or purchase a software update.
Dostek 440A BTR - User Guide Page 3 2. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation. When finished, Setup automatically opens the Dostek DNC First-Time Setup Wizard. Dostek DNC First-Time Setup Wizard guides you through: Installing your software license key. Viewing the Getting Started Guide. Setting up file locations and program shortcuts. Selecting from the supplied sample CNC configurations. Learning about backing up your data. 3. When the Wizard prompts you to "Choose setup mode,", choose one of the following options: If you are installing Dostek DNC for the first time, select New Installation and continue following the wizard's on-screen instructions. If you are updating an existing, working, copy of the software, select Keep existing configuration. If you are replacing a previous copy of the Dostek DNC software (to use a new computer, or to use the same computer after removing Dostek DNC), select Load previously-saved configuration and continue following the wizard's on-screen instructions. 4. When the Wizard prompts you to "Choose a sample CNC configuration," select the configuration indicated in the "Install and Configure Software" section in the 440A BTR Installation Guide included in the box with your BTR. 5. Complete the remaining Wizard steps, carefully following the on-screen instructions. When First-Time Setup wizard is finished, it automatically opens the Dostek DNC Navigator application, DDNav.
Page 4 Dostek 440A BTR - Software Guide 1.2 Installing Your Software License Key If you install Dostek DNC using the software CD, your software license key file is included on the disk and is installed automatically by Dostek DNC First-Time Setup Wizard. If you downloaded Dostek DNC, you received your software license key by email. You can install it automatically (recommended), or you can manually type in your license key data. Dostek DNC must be installed on your computer before you install your license key. 1.2.1 Install Automatically (Recommended) To automatically install your Dostek DNC software license key: 1. Open the license key file attached to the email message you received from Dostek. Dostek DNC License Registration Wizard opens automatically, and displays your license key data. 2. Confirm that your license details are correct, and then click Finish. If your name, address or license details are incorrect, contact Dostek to obtain a new license key. Note: To automatically install your software license key on a computer that does not have access to your email, save the license key file to a portable media device (USB memory) or a shared network folder.
Dostek 440A BTR - User Guide Page 5 1.2.2 Install Manually If you are unable to install your license key file automatically, you can install it manually: 1. On the Windows Start menu, point to All programs. The Windows programs menu opens. 2. Point to Dostek DNC, and then click Install new license key. Dostek DNC License Registration Wizard window opens. 3. Type your license key data provided in the email message you received from Dostek. You must type the data EXACTLY AS SHOWN, including punctuation and upper/lower case letters. Notes: Your license key text includes 7 items, and looks something like this: (1) Company name (2) Street address (3) City, State (4) 20123867 (5) EPZLFWLL (6) 41533 (7) F5D0-D205-902B-30C2-4493 Items (4) and (6) are all numbers. Item (5) is all uppercase letters. Item (7) contains numbers 0-9 and letters A-F only. Omit the printed item number when typing license data. For example, type "Company name", not "(1) Company name". 4. Click Next. The Wizard displays your license key data. 5. Confirm that your license details are correct, and then click Finish. If your name, address or license details are incorrect, contact Dostek to obtain a new license key.
Page 6 Dostek 440A BTR - Software Guide 1.3 Understanding Your Dostek DNC Software License To view your current Dostek DNC software license status: Click About in Dostek DNC's Help menu. The "About" window opens, and displays the software edition and number of seats licensed. To view the Dostek DNC software license agreement, choose either of the following methods: Click License in the "About" window. Open Dostek DNC Navigator, and then click License in the "Introduction" tab. Your Dostek DNC software license key includes the following information: Company name and address. Your company name is displayed in the title bar of Dostek DNC windows. Number of computers licensed. Purchase an additional license for each additional computer. Support expiry date. Free software updates and limited support are provided until your support expires. Thereafter, you can purchase support, one-time software update, or an annual support subscription. License type: Standard. License never expires (see item 1 below). Trial. Expires after the trial period (usually 30 days). Demo. Dealer demonstration license. Must be renewed annually. The terms and conditions of your software license include: 1. Your standard Dostek DNC software license key never expires. You can use the software version you purchased forever. However: Software updates are free for one year from the date of purchase. Thereafter, you must either purchase an update or annual support subscription to obtain a newer software version. Your license does not entitle you to free replacement. You are responsible for making backup copies of your Dostek DNC software CD and software download files. Only the current software version is available from Dostek. If you lose your Dostek DNC software, you must purchase a software update to obtain the current version. For more information, see Section 8, "Protecting your Investment." 2. You may use Dostek DNC software on the number of computers specified by your software license key. To use Dostek DNC on additional computers, contact Dostek to purchase additional software licenses. 3. Purchasing an additional license (for an additional computer) does not include a software update. 4. You are permitted to install your Dostek DNC software on one spare computer for backup or testing purposes only (for example: to permit you to quickly replace your primary computer if it stops working).
Dostek 440A BTR - User Guide Page 7 2 Understanding Dostek DNC Dostek DNC is a suite of applications that work together to let you manage and edit files, and transfer data between your computer and CNC machine tools. The following paragraphs introduce the Dostek DNC software components. Navigator (DDNav) Dostek DNC Navigator provides links to Dostek DNC applications, documents, help files, and more. Links are categorized by tabs so you can quickly find what you need. To guide new users, Navigator opens automatically each time Windows starts. You can clear this option when you become familiar with the software. File Manager (DFileMgr) Dostek DNC File Manager has the familiar look and feel of classic Windows Explorer, but is easier to use and provides many enhancements and security features. With File Manager, you can: Organize your files. Browse folders and select files. View, print, copy, rename and delete files. Restrict access to specific folders and file types. Decide which folders to view. You can include folders on the computer's hard drive, a network drive or removable media. Customize viewing preferences and command buttons.
Page 8 Dostek 440A BTR - Software Guide Communication (DDNC) Dostek DNC Communication transfers files between the computer and CNC machine tools. With Dostek DNC Communication, you can: Load, save and drip feed with transfer rates up to 38,400 baud. Stop, start, repeat, or restart anywhere in the file when drip-feeding. Automatically store received programs according to the program name or part number. Automatically select a machine configuration according to the current folder. Display customized on-screen operator instructions. Editor (DEditor) Dostek DNC Editor (Figure 4) is a multiple-document editor for CNC part programs and text files. With Dostek DNC Editor, you can: Open multiple files of virtually unlimited size. Copy text between files. Search and replace text. Undo and redo changes. Reformat CNC part programs (expand, compress, resequence and reformat numbers).
Dostek 440A BTR - User Guide Page 9 Configuration (DConfig) Dostek DNC Configuration lets you quickly configure software options and communication parameters. With Dostek DNC configuration, you can: Configure general settings including file locations, security settings and global options. Configure CNC communication settings including baud rate, parity and flow control options. Choose from sample configurations for most CNC models. Create a separate configuration for each CNC. View a detailed help page, with practical examples, for each configuration category. Record notes for each configuration. Use the New Device Setup Wizard to guide you through CNC communication configuration options. Use the Configuration Manager Wizard to quickly back up and restore configuration information. Dostek Touch DNC (DTouchDNC) Dostek Touch DNC is a simplified user interface for touch-screen users. With DTouchDNC, you can: Work with touch-screen computers and tablets. Browse and select a subfolder. Select a file by touch, or by typing a file name. Preview content of the selected file. Send or receive a file, opening the Dostek DNC Communication window. DTouchDNC provides: A full on-screen touch keyboard you can hide when not needed. Large fonts and controls for convenient touch operation. A choice of three window sizes to accommodate a range of touch-screen and tablet devices. Tools and Utilities For more information about Dostek DNC's tools and utilities, open Dostek DNC Navigator and click Getting Started Guide.
Page 10 Dostek 440A BTR - Software Guide 3 Configuring Dostek DNC You can configure dozens of Dostek DNC settings to suit your needs and preferences. 3.1 Configuring General and Communication Settings To use the Dostek DNC Configuration application (DConfig) to change general settings and CNC communication settings: 1. Open Dostek DNC File Manager. 2. Do one of the following: To change general settings such as file locations and security settings, click Dostek DNC general settings in the Configure menu. To change CNC settings such as baud rate, flow control and data format, click Communication (CNC) settings in the Configure menu. Settings are organized by "tabs" to make it easy to find the setting you need. Detailed help is provided. To learn about settings found on a particular tab, click Help in the Help menu, or click the Help icon in the toolbar. Notes: Sample device configuration files are provided for a variety of CNCs. To use a sample configuration, click Import sample configuration in DConfig's File menu. You can also start the Dostek DNC Configuration application from the Configuration tab in Dostek DNC Navigator, and from the Windows Start menu. 3.2 Configuring File Manager To change File Manager options: Click File Manager options in the Configure menu, and then do one of the following: Select the View Preferences tab to change display preferences. Select the File Type Filters tab to change the types of files that are displayed. Select the QuickButtons tab to add or change QuickButtons. Select the Utilities tab to add or change commands on the Utilities menu. 3.3 Configuring Editor To change the Editor font, which is also used for printing and viewing, click Preferences in the Editor's File menu. To change the page layout and font size used for printing, click Page Setup in the Editor's File menu.
Dostek 440A BTR - User Guide Page 11 4 Using Dostek DNC Before you get started, here are a few things you should know about Dostek DNC: Multi-Tasking. Dostek DNC's modular design means you can simultaneously open multiple windows. For example, you can have the File Manager, Editor and Communication windows all open at the same time. Switch between windows by clicking in the Windows taskbar or by pressing Alt+Tab. Single Instance. You can only open one copy (instance) of most applications. If you try to open a new copy of an application that is already open, the existing window automatically pops to the top. Although you can only open one Editor window, you can open multiple files within the editor. Tooltips. You can get a hint about the purpose of most of the software features (toolbar and command buttons, lists and text boxes, and so on) by hovering the mouse over them. 4.1 Sending a File to the CNC Sending a file to the CNC is a simple 3-step process with Dostek DNC: STEP 1 - Select a File. Open Dostek DNC File Manager. Folders are listed in the left window, and files in the right window. Select the file you wish to send to the CNC. Notes: Click [+] or [-] in File Manager's folder window to expand or collapse a folder tree. Click a file in the file window to select it. For more information about selecting files, see Section 7.1, "Selecting Files and Folders." Click an icon in the toolbar or the View menu to choose from one of four file viewing formats. To quickly find a file in the current folder, click Go to File and start typing the file name.
Page 12 Dostek 440A BTR - Software Guide STEP 2 - Click "Send." Click Send. File Manager opens the Dostek DNC Communication window (DDNC) to send the file to the CNC. If you created more than one CNC configuration file, DDNC first displays the "Communication Settings" window to let you pick a configuration. The transfer continues according to your Dostek DNC configuration: If you are using a Dostek 440A Behind-the-Tape Reader (BTR), DDNC immediately starts sending to the 440A BTR, and the BTR stores the data in it's memory. Progress is shown in the status panel at the bottom of the window. You don't need to wait for the transfer to finish; proceed to step 3. If you are not using a 440A BTR (your computer is connected directly to the CNC's RS-232C serial port), DDNC pauses and indicates "Waiting for trigger" or "Press [Start Now] to begin" in the status panel at the bottom of the window. STEP 3 - Go to the CNC, and start a Load or Run transfer. Execute a read, load or run command on the CNC. If you are using a 440A BTR, the CNC starts reading from the BTR and DDNC displays the progress in the status panel. If you are connected to the CNC's serial port, DDNC starts sending automatically. If DDNC does not start automatically, click Start now. 4.2 Receiving a File from the CNC Receiving a part program file from the CNC is also easy: 1. In Dostek DNC File Manager, select a folder, and then click Receive. File Manager opens the Communication (DDNC) window to handle the transfer. 2. Go to the CNC, and start a punch transfer. The received data scrolls in the DDNC window. Notes: You can configure Dostek DNC to automatically name received files according to the program number or a description stored in the first line of the program. To receive a file from the CNC, the CNC's puncher output must be connected to the computer, either directly to a COM port or indirectly via a Dostek 440A BTR.
Dostek 440A BTR - User Guide Page 13 5 Drip-Feeding with the 440A BTR This section explains how to drip-feed (run) programs directly from the Dostek 440A BTR using the Dostek DNC software. Note: Some CNC models do not permit drip-feeding or running programs using the tape reader interface. You can not use the 440A BTR to drip-feed with these models. 5.1 Getting Started with Drip-Feeding To get started with drip-feeding, you will: Prepare the computer (Section 5.1.1). Prepare the NC/CNC (Section 5.1.2). Choose a BTR Protocol (Section 5.1.3) 5.1.1 Preparing the Computer To ensure reliable operation when drip-feeding CNC part programs using the 440A BTR, configure your computer as follows: Disable all power-saving (hibernation) and screen-saving features. Allowing the computer to hibernate during a drip-feeding session will disrupt critical data communication between the computer and BTR. Secure your computer to prevent anyone from disturbing software operation. If the computer is disrupted, drip-feed operation will be affected. 5.1.2 Preparing the NC/CNC To ensure reliable operation when drip-feeding CNC part programs using the 440A BTR, always prepare the NC/CNC before you start. Preparation requirements vary with the type of NC/CNC you are using. In general, for example: 1. Clear the CNC tape reader buffer. Ensure that no program blocks from the previous machining session remain in the CNC. For more information about the tape reader buffer, see the note below. 2. Set the machine controls, such as the feed rate override. 3. Manually execute any necessary preparatory functions or positioning. 4. Update any required tool offsets or machining parameters. About the Tape Reader Buffer Most NC or CNC machine tools "read ahead" one or more program blocks from the tape reader, and store the data in it's "tape reader buffer." When you stop the machine before it reaches the end of the program, the buffer contains the data that was read ahead. To run a different program, or restart the same program at a different position: Using the CNC's control panel, be sure to clear the remaining data from the reader buffer. The procedure depends on the CNC model. If you do not know the procedure for your CNC model, refer to its operating manual. To verify that the CNC buffer was cleared, and to verify that the correct program was loaded into the BTR's memory, always examine the first several blocks of the program on the CNC's control panel display before execution.
Page 14 Dostek 440A BTR - Software Guide 5.1.3 Configuring Dostek DNC To configure Dostek DNC for continuous drip-feeding using the 440A BTR: 1. Open Dostek DNC Configuration (click Communication (CNC) settings in Dostek DNC File Manager's Configure menu), and then select your configuration. 2. On the Port Settings tab, select a protocol in in Flow Control: Choose "BTR440A-Echo" to use the BTR's "tracking" mode. For more information about tracking mode, see Section 5.3.2, "Tracking Mode," in the Dostek 440A BTR User Guide. Tracking mode allows you to monitor the actual transfer between the 440A BTR and the CNC, and is more convenient for stopping and restarting drip-feeding. Choose "BTR440A" to use the BTR's "standard" mode. For more information about tracking mode, see Section 5.3.1, "Standard Mode," in the Dostek 440A BTR User Guide. 3. On the Transmit Options tab, choose Continuous in Repeat Mode. 4. To display an optional count of the number of times the program is repeated, select Parts counter on the Transmit Options tab. You can edit the part count to preset or adjust the count. 5. Click Save in DConfig's File menu. Your configuration changes are saved. 6. Click Exit in DConfig's File menu. The DConfig window closes.
Dostek 440A BTR - User Guide Page 15 When Dostek DNC is configured to use continuous repeat mode, Dostek DNC works with the BTR to emulate a "tape loop." That is, when the end of the program is reached, Dostek DNC automatically starts over from the beginning. Notes: If you choose Dostek DNC's "BTR440A-Echo" flow control, Dostek DNC scrolls and highlights the part program in the computer display as the machine reads it from the BTR. You don't need to wait while the program loads into the CNC's memory; you can start running it right away. This is particularly useful for small runs of larger programs. You can drip feed files of unlimited size. You can easily stop drip-feeding, and restart at any point in the program by clicking Stop and Start from in the Dostek DNC software. If you use your 440A BTR to drip-feed as well as to load part programs into the CNC's memory, you can create separate Dostek DNC configurations for loading and for drip-feeding. For more information, see Section 5.5, "Choosing Between Loading or Drip-Feeding."
Page 16 Dostek 440A BTR - Software Guide 5.2 Working with the BTR When using the 440A BTR for drip feeding, keep the following in mind: The BTR must be idle for at least 5 seconds before you send a new file from the computer to the BTR. Ensure the CNC is not reading or punching before you send a file. Using the BTR is a two-step process: 1. Send a file from the computer to the BTR. This is equivalent to mounting a tape on a tape reader. It does not load any data into the CNC. 2. Read the data from the BTR into the CNC. You can begin immediately. You do not need to wait for the entire file to be loaded into the BTR. The BTR is ready after receiving only 10 characters from the computer. You can drip-feed files of any size. To drip-feed from the BTR, always clear the machine's reader buffer before you start. The CNC "reads ahead" from the BTR, and stores the data in it's "reader buffer." If you restart without first clearing the CNC's reader buffer, you may execute data that is left over from the previous operation. See your CNC manual for information about clearing the reader buffer. The data transfer rate from the computer to the BTR is about 950 characters (bytes) per second. The data transfer rate from the BTR to the CNC depends on the CNC, but is never more than 300 characters per second. Because the BTR to CNC transfer is slower, the computer to BTR transfer will never fall behind. The 440A BTR displays it's operating status on it's 7-segment LED display. If a problem occurs while drip-feeding, note the BTR status. For more information about 440A BTR status symbols and messages, see Table 6 in the Dostek 440A BTR User Guide. Symbol BTR Status Display Description Empty. BTR memory is empty. Start. BTR memory contains data, and BTR is positioned at the start of the file and ready to send to CNC. End. BTR memory contains data, but the BTR is positioned at the end of the file. This may indicate a problem, similar to when the machine reads past the end of a tape. Pause. CNC paused or stopped reading from BTR. Rotating pattern A clockwise or counter-clockwise rotating pattern is shown while the CNC is reading from BTR in the forward or reverse direction. To easily remember the meaning of the Start, Pause and End symbols, think of them representing a punched tape:
Dostek 440A BTR - User Guide Page 17 5.3 Starting a New Drip-Feed Session To start a new drip-feed session: 1. Start Dostek DNC File Manager. The Dostek DNC File Manager window opens. 2. Select the file you wish to drip-feed to the CNC. The selected file is highlighted in File Manager's preview window. Review the file content to ensure you selected the correct file. 3. Click Send. Dostek DNC Communication (DDNC) opens in a new window, and begins sending the part program data into the BTR's memory. You can begin execution of the program immediately; you don't need to wait for the entire program to load into the BTR memory. Transferred data is highlighted depending on the flow-control protocol you configured. If you selected "BTR440A" or "Xon/Xoff," data is highlighted as it is sent to the BTR. The window scrolls continuously until the entire file is loaded into the BTR, or until the BTR memory is almost full. If you selected "BTR440A-Echo," data is highlighted as the CNC reads it from the BTR, allowing you to monitor program execution. 4. Prepare the CNC (see Section 5.1.2). This includes verifying that the program data is correct before you execute. 5. Carefully start the machine using a reduced feed rate until you are confident the program is executing properly. View the program data on the machine's display screen to ensure the correct program data is being fed from the BTR. Notes: In step 3 in the above procedure, when you click Send, DDNC displays the Communication Settings dialog if more than one CNC configuration file is available. To continue, select a CNC configuration and click OK. For more information about BTR communication protocols, see Section 5.1.3, "Configuring Dostek DNC." If a problem occurs during drip feeding, see Section 5.4, "Restarting a Drip-Feed Session."
Page 18 Dostek 440A BTR - Software Guide 5.4 Restarting a Drip-Feed Session When a problem occurs while drip-feeding, you can: Restart from the first line in the file (Section 5.4.1). Restart from a specific line in the file (Section 5.4.2). Restart from specific text in the file, using "Find text" (Section 5.4.3). 5.4.1 Restarting from the First Line To restart a drip-feeding session from the first line of the file: 1. Stop the machine. 2. In Dostek DNC Communication, click Stop. Dostek DNC stops sending data, and displays "Transfer cancelled" in its status panel. 3. Click Restart. Dostek DNC sends the same file from the start of the file. 4. Prepare the CNC (see Section 5.1.2, "Preparing the CNC"). Ensure the CNC read buffer is empty. 5. Carefully start the machine. Single-step at a reduced feed rate until you are confident the program is executing properly. View the program data on the machine's display screen to ensure the correct program data is being fed from the computer. 5.4.2 Restarting from a Specific Line To restart a drip-feeding session from a specific line within the file: 1. In Dostek DNC Communication, click Stop. Dostek DNC stops sending data, and displays "Transfer cancelled" in its status panel. 2. Position the cursor to the line you wish to restart from. You can position the cursor using the mouse, the scroll bar, the cursor keys and the Page Up, Page Down, Home and End keys. 3. Click Start from. The restart menu appears.
Dostek 440A BTR - User Guide Page 19 4. In the restart menu, click From current line. A confirmation message appears. 1. Click Yes. The computer prepares to send the file, starting from the selected line. 2. Prepare the CNC (see Section 5.1.2, "Preparing the CNC"). Ensure the CNC read buffer is empty. 3. Carefully start the machine. Single-step at a reduced feed rate until you are confident the program is executing properly. View the program data on the machine's display screen to ensure the correct program data is being fed from the computer. 5.4.3 Restarting from Specific Text (Using "Find text") To restart a drip-feeding session from a line containing specific text within the file using "Find text:" 1. In Dostek DNC Communication, click Stop. Dostek DNC stops sending data, and displays "Transfer cancelled" in its status panel. 2. Click Start from. The restart menu appears. 3. In the restart menu, click Find text or N-block number. The Find dialog opens. 4. Type the text to search for. You can type an N-block number, comment or other text contained within the file. For more information about search options, see "Using the Find Dialog," below. 5. Click Find next. Dostek DNC searches for the text you entered. If the text is found, it is highlighted in the Dostek DNC window. If the text is not found between the current position and the end of the file, you can search again from the start of the file. 6. Examine the search result carefully. Ensure you have found the correct starting point. The file may contain more than one instance of your search text. To find the next instance, click Find next again.
Page 20 Dostek 440A BTR - Software Guide 7. When you are certain that the correct starting position is highlighted in the Dostek DNC window, choose one of the following actions: a) To immediately start drip feeding from the selected (highlighted) line, click Start here. A confirmation message appears. Click Yes. b) To start drip feeding from a different position (for example, from a line or two before or after the selected line): click Cancel to return to the Dostek DNC window click on the desired starting line click Start from, and then click From Current line. 8. Prepare the CNC (see Section 5.1.2, "Preparing the CNC"). Ensure the CNC read buffer is empty. 9. Carefully start the machine. Single-step at a reduced feed rate until you are confident the program is executing properly. View the program data on the machine's display screen to ensure the correct program data is being fed from the computer. Using the Find Dialog The Find dialog provides two options to help you find text. Check Line starts with to find text that begins at the start of a line. Check Find whole word to find text that is preceded and followed by either a line break or a space. When searching for an N-block number: Type the N-block number exactly as it appears in the file. Include leading zeros. For example, searching for "N120" does not find "N0120". Account for block skip characters (/). If Line starts with is checked, searching for "N0120" does not find "/N0120".
Dostek 440A BTR - User Guide Page 21 5.5 Choosing Between Loading or Drip-Feeding If your NC/CNC model has memory for program storage, can you use the Dostek 440A BTR to drip-feed or to load programs into memory. However, the configuration described in Section 5.1.1, "Configuring Dostek DNC," is not suitable for loading programs into memory because the "Repeat" mode is set to "Continuous." You can: Override the transmit repeat setting when sending the file from the computer to the BTR (Section 5.5.1). Create separate configurations for drip-feeding and for loading programs into memory. Set the "Repeat mode" to "Continuous" and "None" in the drip-feeding and loading configurations, respectively (Section 5.5.2). 5.5.1 Overriding Transmit Repeat Setting To override the transmit repeat setting: 1. In Dostek DNC Communication (DDNC), click Stop and then click Settings. The Dostek DNC Communication Settings window opens. 2. Select No Repeat in the drop-down list, and then click OK. 5.5.2 Creating Separate Configurations for Loading and Drip-Feeding To create separate configurations for loading and drip-feeding: 1. Open the drip-feed configuration you created in Section 5.1.3, "Configuring Dostek DNC." 2. Click Rename in DConfig's File menu. The File Rename prompt appears. 3. Add "(Drip-Feed)" to the end of the existing name. For example, if your configuration name is "MCV500," change the name to "MCV500 (Drip-feed)." 4. Click Save as in DConfig's File menu. The File Save dialog opens. 5. Change the "(Drip-feed)" in the file name to "(Load)." For example, change the name to "MCV500 (Load)." 6. Select the "Transmit Options" tab, and then select "None" in Repeat mode. You now have two Dostek DNC configurations: one to use for loading programs in the CNC memory, and one to drip-feed from the BTR.
Page 22 Dostek 440A BTR - Software Guide To use the separate configuration files: 1. In Dostek DNC File Manager, select a file and click Send. The Dostek DNC Communication Settings window opens. 2. Select the drip-feed or load configuration. The file is sent to the Dostek 440A BTR. 3. Execute a "run" or "load" command on the CNC. For example, with a typical Fanuc CNC, select EDIT mode and press INPUT or READ to load a program into memory, or select TAPE mode and press CYCLE START to drip feed.
Dostek 440A BTR - User Guide Page 23 6 Getting Help This section explains how to get help understanding Dostek DNC software or resolving problems. Resources include help documents, application notes, and technical support. 6.1 Help Documents Dostek DNC includes more than a dozen detailed help documents to help you understand, configure and use Dostek DNC, and troubleshoot CNC communication problems. To view help documents, use any of the following methods: Open Dostek DNC Navigator, and then select the Help tab. Click Help in the Help menu of a Dostek DNC application. Click the Help icon in the toolbar of some Dostek DNC applications. Help documents include a side panel with Contents and Search tabs, and a toolbar with a Print icon. Help topics are listed in the Contents tab. To expand or collapse subtopics, click the [+] or [-] symbol beside the topic. Select the Search tab to search for specific words or phrases. Click the Print icon in the toolbar to print an entire help document, or a specific help topic. Note: To search all Dostek DNC help topics for a specific word or phrase, open Dostek DNC Navigator (DDNav), select the Help tab, and then click the Master Help link. The master help document containing all Dostek DNC help topics opens. 6.2 Application Notes To view application notes covering a variety of topics: Open Dostek DNC Navigator, select the Application Notes tab, and then click Application Note Selector.
Page 24 Dostek 440A BTR - Software Guide 6.3 Memex Technical Support When contacting Memex for support, provide the following information: Your name, company name, telephone, and email. Your Dostek DNC software serial number and software version number. This information is displayed when you click About in Dostek DNC's Help menu, and is also recorded on the media page at the front of the optional printed User Guide. If the CNC machine or Dostek DNC displays an alarm or error message, include the exact message (write it down, or take a computer screen image or photo of the CNC screen). Web Site The Memex Web site provides all the information you need to recover from a problem. Type the following address into your Web browser, and then click Support. memex.ca/dostek View the Dostek Support Guide. It helps you with emergency or after-hours support and helps you collect and submit information about a problem. Contact Memex E-mail: support@memex.ca Phone: 519-742-5721 Hours: 8 am to 5 pm EST