Alternative Backup to Network Based Program Upload/Downlod

We have a network based "DNC" system for transferring programs to/from machine tools. (Not overly impressed with, and currently looking at other alternatives.)

As a backup, we also use USB, PCMCIA/CF, and a handheld "GCoder" unit for RS232 connections.

We are trying to aquire an additional handheld unit for the RS232, but the current ones that we have, are apparently no longer available.

My guess is, the demand for RS232, no longer has a viable customer base. As ethernet and wireless is the new norm. And, USB and PCMCIA is the backup process, for the most part.

We would really like to stay with our current setup (learning curve, and ease of use), but also looking for viable alternatives.

We currently are using the Trimble Nomad with the GCoder software.
CncGcoderHD-T

Anybody have a viable source for these, or recommendations on good alternatives?

Again, this is just a backup for our network based. So, we are looking for one, maybe two units.

TIA!

sagande said:

As a backup ...

Click to expand...

There are usb-serial converters, with varying degrees of quality. Why not just find one brand that works and use a laptop ? Test thoroughly then write the instructions down carefully and since it's just for backup, ease of use doesn't really matter.

@EmanuelGoldstein

This is under consideration.

However, it is not being very well accepted as the answer.

If that happens to be the alternative we have to go to, we are looking for suggestions from others, based upon their experiences.

Personally, I have seen some alternative setups, like you mention, that are more trouble than they are worth.

That is partially why we like the current setup.

It's self contained, a small package, user friendly, and straight forward. (Though extremely overpriced/overkill on the base piece of hardware.)

Thanks for your input!

EmanuelGoldstein said:

There are usb-serial converters, with varying degrees of quality. Why not just find one brand that works and use a laptop ? Test thoroughly then write the instructions down carefully and since it's just for backup, ease of use doesn't really matter.

Click to expand...

FTDI makes high quality USB to RS232 adapters. Many of the cheaper brands won't work with some serial chipsets.