anglew,
Thanks for all the information. I would like to establish a DNC link, but at this point haven't. The machine doesn't have a "tape mode" on the control as such, but it has an RS-232C switch down in the tape reader cabinet with the settings "tape reader" and "ext system," along with the auto/release/manual mode switch next to it. I have a 9 to 25pin RS-232 null modem cable I am trying to use to establish a link. When I first tried to load a program I got a BG830 error. I'm not sure what that entails (I have the manuals on order, but they are taking their sweet time getting here). If you could give me some directions, and perhaps an address in which to ship beer, it would be much appreciated.
Thanks,
Mike
Mike,
Check and set the following parameters; note that bit numbers start at bit "0" at the extreme right and count to bit "7" at the extreme left.
#0000
TVC = 0 - bit 0
CTV = 1 - bit 1
ISP = 0 - bit 2
NCR = 1 - bit 3
EIA = 0 - bit 4
#0020 = 1
#0021 = 1
#0022 = 1
#0023 = 1
#5001 = 3
#5110 = 3
#5111 = 1
#5112 = Baud Rate (10 = 4800) - Starting point
Now to the error number and cable.
Are you sure the error is a BG error number? I can't remember ever encountering a BG error, but if it were a SR830 error it would make perfect sense, particularly if you get this error when trying to transfer a program.
SR830 indicates that that the Data Set Ready is Down. The DSR is a hardware handshaking line and even if you are using Software Handshaking, this pin must be set high at the machine end.
Setting parameter 5110 to 3 will set the machine for Software Handshaking (Xon Xoff), meaning that the Control will send DC1 (Ascii 17, Xon) and DC3 (Ascii 19, Xoff) to control the data flow. The cable needed for Software Handshaking only requires 3 wires, a data send, data receive, and a signal ground. There are derivations of the so called Null Modem cable, and a little time spent making sure that the pin out is correct can often save a lot of head scratching time. If you're able to take the Back Sheilds off the connectors, exposing the wires where they join to the pins of the connector, make sure that at least following pins are connected.
Machine End-------------------PC End
DB25 Male-------------------DB9 Female
2------------------------------2
3------------------------------3
4
| bridged
5
7------------------------------5
6
|
8 all bridged
|
20
The bridged pins of the connector at the machine end will keep the controls Uart happy and will stop the Data Set Ready is Down error occurring if my assumption that the BG830 is the same as the SR830. Your control has Background Editing; perhaps the BG has some reference to that and that your machine is in that mode. Background Editing is selected via a Soft Key accessed at the bottom of the CRT screen.
If the cable has moulded ends, the cable pin out can be checked using a Multi Meter.
At the PC end, your software needs to be set to equal the settings of the machine. Set the baud rate at 4800, 7 data bits, even parity, 1 stop bit and the handshake method to Xon Xoff, or Software, depending on how your software describes it.
You should be now set to go if the cable is correct. Start by trying to send a program from the control to the PC. If that is successful, try sending one to the control; remember to change the program number if sending the same program back. Sending a program having the same number as one already loaded, will result in an error, or the existing program being overwritten, depending on the setting of a parameter relating to this.
Try just communicating with the machine using Edit Mode at the control. Once communication with the machine has been successfully established, deal with the DNC then.
Post back with your result.
Regards,
Bill