WinLauncher:  Setup - Com Setup

This window records the communication settings for all CNC machines.

Number.  Machine number you need to define when you Send G-code files to CNC machines or Receive files from CNC machines.  This number is automatically set by WinLauncher; you can have up to 100 machines.

Name.  Description or name to identify the CNC machine.   The first one is reserved for the "switchbox" setup.

Port.  COM port (serial port) number through which CNCs are connected with the computer.  This number can be any number from 1 to 25.

Baud.  Communication speed.  Choose from any standard baud rate between 110 and 28800.  Default baud rate: 1200.

Data.  Data bit should be either 7 (seven) or 8 (eight).   Default data bit: 7.

Parity.  Parity should be either EVEN or ODD.   Default parity: EVEN.

Stop.  Stop bit should be either 1 (one) or 2 (two).   Default stop bit: 1.

Flow.  Flow control (communication protocol) can be XON/XOFF, Hardware controlled, or Both.  Default flow control: XON/XOFF.

Format.  Code format should be either ASCII/ISO or EIA.   Default code format: ASCII/ISO.

To add a new machine: 

The last line is always empty to allow you to enter a new machine.

1.  Click on the corresponding box for Name, and type in the name or description of the new machine.

2.  Key in or choose the rest of the communication setup values for the new machine.  If you leave any box empty, WinLauncher will assign the default value.

3.  Click on the OK button when done.

 

To remove a machine: 

1.  Use your mouse to select the name of the machine you want to remove.  If a machine name is not selected, WinLauncher will remove the machine that corresponds to the selected communication setup value.

2.  Click on the "Remove Selected Machine" button.  WinLauncher will automatically resequence the machine numbers.

3.  Click on the OK button when done.

 

To change a machine name: 

1.  Click on the machine name you want to change.

2.  Use the standard editing keys (backspace, delete, arrow keys) and enter the new name.

3.  Click on the OK button when done.

Note:  You cannot edit the "switchbox" name.

 

To change communication setup values: 

1.  Click on the setup value you want to change.

2.  Different options are going to appear in a pull-down menu.

3.  Select the option that best suits your arrangement.

4.  Click on the OK button when done.

 

To change a machine number: 

Machine numbers are automatically setup by WinLauncher so you cannot edit them.  However, you can move the whole row to the machine number you wish.

• To move a machine one row up:

  1.  Click on the machine name you want to move.

  2.  Click on the Arrow-Up button located on the right side of the window.  WinLauncher will automatically resequence the rest of the machines.

  3.  Click on the OK button when done.

• To move a machine one row down:

  1.  Click on the machine name you want to move.

  2.  Click on the Arrow-Down button located on the right side of the window.  WinLauncher will automatically resequence the rest of the machines..

  3.  Click on the OK button when done.

Note:  Machine numbers have to be unique values; no duplicate machine numbers is allowed.

Advanced button 

The Advanced button adds three columns of communication settings:

• ICD.  Inter-character delay:   number of milliseconds of delay between characters when sending files to CNCs (required by some machines).  Default value: 0 (zero)

• ILD.  Inter-line delay: number of milliseconds of delay between lines when sending files to CNCs (required by some machines).  Default value: 0 (zero)

• EOL.  End of Line: Default value: NONE

Note for Heidenhein machines:   WinLauncher automatically adds the Heidenhein special numbering sequence to the tape file before sending it to the machine that requires it.