Calmotion Announces: LANCNC Controller for All CNCs
Calmotion, a leading motion control engineering organization, today announced the LANCNC controller, which allows fast drag and drop bi-directional file transfers between any CNC and PCs on a network without additional software. Also, the LANCNC uses a 2 GB SD card to store programs at the CNC, allowing the CNC to access program information without using network resources. In the event of a network outage, operations such as file transfer and DNC are unaffected. Using the SD card, files can be transferred from the machine to the server without requiring network resources.
The LANCNC operates with standard PC software, such as MS Internet Explorer. The LANCNC can be given a name and added to the “My Computer” window of a Windows PC. There are no additional licenses or additional interface software requirements for the controller. A programmer can simply drag and drop a file from a PC to the controller. Once loaded on the controller, an operator can load the file into CNC memory or drip feed a program directly from the file server. Also, programs can be saved from CNC memory to the controller.
Should the network crash, machine operators can add new files by plugging the LANCNC’s SD memory card into the PC for an update. The standard 2 GB SD memory card can then be reinstalled into the LANCNC for immediate use. Larger memory options can be achieved by purchasing off the shelf SD cards.
File selection and transfer are accomplished via a LCD display with keypad module mounted on the CNC pendant eliminating the need coordinate file transfer with a remote PC on the shop floor. A search and mid-tape start function allows the start of a program at a specific location. For example, if a tool were to break, the program can be restarted at the exact location where the break occurred. Prior to executing a mid-tape start, preparatory data can be entered. X-Modem protocol is available to ensure the highest level of data packet transmission communication with the CNC.
The LANCNC can operate as a wireless server with the addition of a low-cost wireless router. This cuts the substantial cost of installing Ethernet wiring between the server and machines, as well as allows machines to be located further from the network server. Additionally, for shops that frequently move machines, it cuts the time and cost of rerouting cables.
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