DNC-In-The-Box (DITB)®

Smart network adapter for CNC controllers

DITB-601	SCD-D Smart Communications Device

DNC-In-The-Box® is the name of a series of network adapters with integrated DNC capabilities for CNC controllers that only have serial interfaces. The adapter ensures communication by using FTP protocol on the network. On the RS-232 side, it uses the connected CNC's own protocol. This way, for little money, a complete DNC system can be achieved, as there is only a simple FTP server program necessary on the computer. The Internet standard FTP is available on any computer platform. DNC-In-The-Box® adapters can be ordered pre-configured for many different controllers.

The new SCD adapter also incorporates a serial interface that is configurable via software and it has a built-in line analyzer that helps to find the correct DNC parameters. Soldering bridges in the cables will no longer be necessary; all machine tools can be connected with the same straight RS-232 cable. The SCD also has a built-in PCMCIA adapter. This is used with standard wireless PC cards to connect to wireless LANs or to insert a Compact Flash Card for off-line operation.

The DITB is especially useful to: tool and mold makers, job shops, high precision part makers, production plants, etc.

DNC Functionality

DNC-In-The-Box® automatically recognizes whether a program has to be saved or loaded. The Load and Save Path, on the target computer, are configured in the box, together with all necessary transmission parameters for the connected CNC.

DNC-In-The-Box® allows you to:

• Request NC programs directly from the control's keyboard
• Transfer simultaneously to many different CNCs
• Transfer with 100% data integrity over long distances via the network
• Save programs in the target directory of the computer
• Save modified programs in a separate directory
• Load programs from the machine's own directory or the machine group's directory
• Manage data with the facilities of the operating system (e.g. Explorer, File Manager, etc.)
• Communicate with any computer and any operating system as long as it supports FTP (e.g. Windows, Unix, Linux, AIX, Apple, AS/400, etc.)
• Use any kind of transfer mode: drip feed mode (continuous data transfer), simple file transfer and transfers with specific protocols (Heidenhain FE1 und FE2, Mazatrol, Selca, Fidia)

MDC Functionality

The SCD is available with digital I/Os that can be used to gather status information directly from the PLC of the controller. It's second serial interface is used to connect a handheld terminal or a barcode reader for manual input of order #, operation # or downtime reasons, etc.

See also DNC4000 + DNC-In-The-Box® and Ethernet Network Adapters.