RS232 Communications and Pinout

There are 3 ways you can do this:

1. Floppy Disk
If you have another computer near your machine tool acting as a file server go to the
BobCAD N.C. database and there is a facility to copy your N.C. file to a floppy disk
which you can take to your machine tool.
2. Tape Punch
If you have a tape punch, BobCAD will run your tape punch from COM port 1, 2, 3 or 4
or from your printer ports LPT1 or LPT2.
3. Direct from Computer to Machine Control
BobCAD provides direct connection of the IBM compatible computer to C.N.C. machine
tools through an RS232 cable. An RS232 cable can be bought from your local computer
store or C.N.C. machine tool suppliers. It does require that your C.N.C. controller has an
RS232 port and the required interface, then you use BobCAD communications software
which we have provided with BobCAD to transfer files directly to your machine tool from
your computer. You should check to see if your machines have RS232 connections and
the interface.

RS232 Ports
On the back of your IBM compatible computer you will find various connection ports.
Generally there are 2 COM ports and one printer port.
COM ports are also called RS-232 or Serial ports, they are male and have 25 or 9 pins.
The printer port is 25 pin and female and is also called the parallel port. It is used for the
printer or the tape punch, not for RS-232.
If you have only 1 COM port you will need to get a switch box or install an additional
COM port. You will need one for your mouse and one or more for your RS-232 cable.
The mouse normally goes on COM port 1, the cable going to your C.N.C. controller
goes on COM port 2. If you have more than one C.N.C. machine tool, you would
normally use a switch box to switch the various machines.
Be careful not to plug into the parallel (printer) port which has the 25 pin female. This
could do some damage to your computer or to the C.N.C. control, punch or reader, due
to voltages being present. For proper operation of RS232 the cables need to be
correctly connected and should be done by someone experienced in RS-232
cable connection.

Cable Connection
Typical RS-232 (Serial Cable) Pinouts for 25 and 9 pin
Connectors Eg. FANUC> For 25 Pin Systems Using
Software Handshaking. (XON/XOFF)

For 25 Pin Systems Using Software Handshaking. (CTS/RTS)

For 9 Pin Systems Using Software Handshaking. (XON/XOFF)

For 9 Pin Systems Using Software Handshaking. (CTS/RTS)

"There are many short cuts with BobCAD software that decrease your programming
time as you become familiar with the system. When we purchased the system, we did
not know what a bargain BobCAD was in price when you compare it to other CAD-CAM
systems. If you are thinking about a CAD-CAM system, make it easy on yourself. Look
into BobCAD. It's that easy!"
GLM - Tucker Industry

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