RBR CncGcoder HD User manual

CncGcoder® Models HD & HDx Manual

Table of Contents
CncGcoder® HD Manual 1
WELCOME........................................................................................................................... 3
IN THE BOX ......................................................................................................................... 4
Optional Accessories........................................................................................................................... 4
HANDHELD OVERVIEW ..................................................................................................... 5
Overview................................................................................................................................................ 5
Charging the Battery ............................................................................................................................ 6
Turning On and Off............................................................................................................................... 6
Plugging in Cable ................................................................................................................................. 7
Inserting SD Cards ............................................................................................................................... 7
USING THE HANDHELD ..................................................................................................... 8
Using the Stylus.................................................................................................................................... 8
Using the Keypad ................................................................................................................................. 8
Using File Explorer............................................................................................................................... 9
Important Directory Icons ................................................................................................... 9
Navigation Icons ................................................................................................................. 9
Device Desktop................................................................................................................................... 10
Desktop Icons ...................................................................................................................10
Device Preferences ............................................................................................................................ 10
Setting Date and Time...................................................................................................... 10
Setting Backlight and Contrast ......................................................................................... 11
Configuring Stylus ............................................................................................................ 11
Setting the power.............................................................................................................. 12
USING THE CNCGCODER®.............................................................................................. 13
Opening the Program......................................................................................................................... 13
Viewing On-Screen Keyboard ........................................................................................................... 13
Setting up Machines........................................................................................................................... 13
Adding a New Machine..................................................................................................... 14
Selecting a Machine ......................................................................................................... 14
Editing an Existing Machine ............................................................................................. 14
Deleting a Machine........................................................................................................... 14
Setting the Advanced Settings ......................................................................................... 15
Managing CNC Programs .................................................................................................................. 15
Navigating the File Screen ............................................................................................... 16
Loading a G-Code File ..................................................................................................... 16
Saving a G-Code File ....................................................................................................... 17
Deleting a G-Code File ..................................................................................................... 17

Table of Contents
CncGcoder® HD Manual 2
File Transfer between Computer....................................................................................................... 17
Transferring using the SD Card........................................................................................ 17
Transferring using ActiveSync®........................................................................................ 17
File Transfer between CNC................................................................................................................ 18
Sending a Program to the CNC........................................................................................ 18
Receiving a Program from the CNC ................................................................................. 18
On-Screen Help................................................................................................................................... 19
About CncGcoder®Screen ................................................................................................................ 19
Exit Program ....................................................................................................................................... 19
BATTERY PRECAUTIONS................................................................................................ 20
Disposing of the Battery ................................................................................................... 20
TROUBLESHOOTING ....................................................................................................... 21
Resetting the Device .......................................................................................................................... 21
Soft Reset ......................................................................................................................... 21
Hard Reset........................................................................................................................ 21
Blank Screen ....................................................................................................................................... 21
Recalibrate Screen ............................................................................................................................. 21
Trouble Communicating with the CNC.............................................................................................22
REVISIONS ........................................................................................................................ 23
Version 1.1.0.2..................................................................................................................................... 23
TECH NOTE 1: CNCGCODER®HD TO COMPUTER FILE TRANSFER.......................... 24
Recommended Setups....................................................................................................................... 24
Option A: Transfer from Newer Computer using SD Card .............................................. 24
Option B: Transfer from Older Computer using SD Card................................................ 25
Option C: Transfer using Microsoft®ActiveSync® Cable ................................................. 26
Option E: Transfer using DNC Software ......................................................................... 26

Welcome
CncGcoder® HD Manual 3
Welcome
Thank you for purchasing the CncGcoder®HD or the CncGcoder®HDx . You are
now able to easily communicate with you Machine Tool CNCs right on the shop floor.
Review the following manual for information on how to set-up and use the CncGcoder®.
New products, software, and updates will be available at www.CncGcoder.com.

In the Box
CncGcoder® HD Manual 4
In the Box
The CncGcoder®HD package includes
¾CncGcoder®HD Shop-Hardened Handheld Unit
¾AC Power Adapter Cord
¾Heavy Duty CncGcoder®HD RS-232 Serial Cable
¾Setup Sheet
The CncGcoder®HDx package includes
¾CncGcoder®HD Shop-Hardened Handheld Unit
¾AC Power Adapter Cord
¾Extreme duty CncGcoder®HD RS-232 Serial Cable W/ USB Jack
¾Setup Sheet
Optional Accessories
USB SD Card Reader and SD Cards (available at electronics stores)
¾Adds storage capabilities to the CncGcoder®HD
¾Adds ability to transfer files between computer and CncGcoder®HD
USB Microsoft®ActiveSync Cable (available through RBR)
(Not recommended for HDx Users)
¾Mounts the CncGcoder®to the computer as a drive
¾Adds ability to transfer files between computer and CncGcoder®HD

Setting Up
CncGcoder® HD Manual 5
Handheld Overview
Overview

Setting Up
CncGcoder® HD Manual 6
Charging the Battery
Connect the AC power adapter to the DC jack located on the top of the unit. When
connected to the AC power adapter, the battery will recharge in four hours. The LED will
flash orange while the battery is charging.
Turning On and Off
Press the Power key to turn the unit on and off. When the Power key is pressed to turn the
unit off, the unit actually enters Suspend mode. In Suspend mode, the unit continues to
supply power to all memory, but turns off power to most hardware. This feature is designed
to prolong battery life. When the Power key is pressed to turn the unit back on, the unit exits
Suspend mode.

Setting Up
CncGcoder® HD Manual 7
Plugging in Cable
Plug the CncGcoder®HD RS-232 serial cable into the base of the unit with the arrows facing
up. Tighten the two screws to ensure a secure connection. Connect the 25-pin end into the
serial port on the machine tool CNC. (HD cable shown, HDx cable similar)
Inserting SD Cards
Insert the SD Card with the connectors down into the SDIO slot located at the top of the
device. Press down on the top of the SD card to eject and remove the card.

Using the Handheld
Using the Handheld
Using the Stylus
The stylus replaces a computer’s mouse and is used as follows:
Tap Touch the screen once with the stylus to select options, close
applications, or launch menus from the taskbar.
Double
Tap
Touch the screen twice with the stylus to launch applications, open
files, and view the contents of folders.
Drag Hold the stylus on the screen and drag across the screen to select
text and images.
Using the Keypad
The CNC-style keypad was designed for easier typing and screen maneuverability.
¾Use the four arrow keys to navigate and scroll through screens
¾Press the keys to type the white numbers
¾Press Shift and the keys to type the yellow letters
¾Press the Enter key to select OK to dialog boxes and to move to the next line of text.
CncGcoder® HD Manual 8

Using the Handheld
Using File Explorer
File Explorer lets you browse the contents of folders on your handheld.
To activate an application, open a folder, or open a file:
¾Use the stylus to double-tap on the icon
¾Use the four arrows on the keypad to highlight the icon and then
press Enter on the keypad to select the item
Important Directory Icons
The root folder on your handheld. Open My Device to view all the
directories available on the handheld.
On-Board Flash is the handheld’s flash drive. Files saved to this
location are non-volatile and will not be lost if the device loses
power or is reset.
An SD Card inserted into the handheld will display as a folder called
Storage Card. . Files saved to this location are also non-volatile
and will not be lost if the device loses power or is reset. Navigate to
this folder to view the contents of the SD Card.
Navigation Icons
Navigate Backward and Forward through previously viewed folders
Go up one directory level
Delete file or folder
View file or folder properties
View the items as large icons, small icons, or a detailed list
CncGcoder® HD Manual 9

Using the Handheld
Device Desktop
Desktop Icons
My Device is the root folder on the handheld.
My Device is similar to My Computer on the computer.
Recycle Bin is similar to the PC Recycle Bin. Drag files and folders to the
Recycle Bin for deletion.
The CncGcoder icon is a shortcut to the CncGcoder program. Open this icon
to run the CncGcoder®. The CncGcoder®is the program that allows you to
transfer CNC G-Code files
Device Preferences
The Control Panels are used to configure and
customize the settings of the device. Use the
Control Panels for such tasks as changing the
speaker volume, adjusting the display, or
monitoring the battery level.
Open My Device
Open Control Panel to view the handheld’s
settings and system information
Setting Date and Time
1. Open Date/Time
2. Enter the correct date and time information.
3. Tap Apply
4. Tap OK to enter changes
CncGcoder® HD Manual 10

Using the Handheld
Setting Backlight and Contrast
Open Display
Select the Backlight tab. Choose the amount of
time backlight stays on while the device is idle.
Slide the bar between dark and light to adjust the
screen’s brightness.
Select the Contrast tab. Slide the bar to the
desired screen contrast.
Tap OK to enter changes
Quick Tip: Press and hold the Power key for
approximately one second to toggle the backlight
on and off.
Quick Tip: While the device is off, press and hold
the Power and then Shift keys to launch the
Contrast Control Panel. Use the Up and Down
arrow keys adjust the contrast.
Configuring Stylus
Open Stylus
Select the Double-Tap tab. Hold the stylus
comfortably. Using the stylus, double-tap on the
grid to calibrate speed and position.
Select the Calibration tab. Tap Recalibrate.
Hold the stylus comfortably. Tap on the targets
to recalibrate the screen.
Tap OK to enter changes
Quick Tip: While the device is on, press and hold
the Shift then Power keys together for
approximately four seconds to launch the
Calibration screen.
CncGcoder® HD Manual 11

Using the Handheld
Setting the power
Open Power
Select the Battery tab to monitor the battery level.
Charging will display on the screen while the
handheld is plugged-in.
Select the Schemes tab to set up the Power
Schemes. Select how long the device stays on
while the unit is not in use.
Tap OK to enter changes
CncGcoder® HD Manual 12

Using the CncGcoder®
Using the CncGcoder®
Opening the Program
There are two ways to open the CncGcoder®
program.
Open the CncGcoder application on the
desktop. The last G-Code program will display on
the screen.
Open any file with a .txt, .nc, or .g file
extension. The CncGcoder®program will open with
the selected program displayed
Viewing On-Screen Keyboard
An on-screen keyboard is available for entering text and editing the
displayed G-Code programs.
1. Select Keys on the menu bar to show the keyboard.
2. Position the keyboard by tapping on Input Panel and dragging
3. Use the stylus to select the keys
4. Select Keys on the menu bar again to hide the keyboard.
Setting up Machines
Tap the Machines button on the CncGcoder®home screen to
view the Machines screen. Machines store the serial communication
settings for each CNC. The CncGcoder®HD comes with the Default
machine. The Default machine has standard settings that work with a
majority of CNCs. Add new machines to match your CNCs.
CncGcoder® HD Manual 13

Using the CncGcoder®
Adding a New Machine
1. Tap on the machine name box under Machine
Name to see a flashing cursor. Use the on-screen keyboard or
the keypad to enter a machine name.
2. Select the communications settings from the dropdown menus
along the right side of the screen. Select the baud rate,
number of stop bits, and type of handshaking to match the CNC.
Choose between ISO (7 data bits, even parity) and ASCII (8 data
bits, no parity) data format. If necessary, change the advanced
settings. (See Setting the Advanced Settings)
3. Tap the Save button to save the settings.
Selecting a Machine
1. Select a machine from the list of machines. The selected machine
will appear in the machine name box below
Machine Name.
2. Tap the Select Machine button to choose the machine
and return to the CncGcoder®main screen.
Editing an Existing Machine
1. Select a machine from the list of machines. The selected machine
will appear in the machine name box below
Machine Name.
2. Change the communications settings from the dropdown menus
along the right side of the screen. Select the baud rate,
number of stop bits, and type of handshaking to match the CNC.
Choose between ISO (7 data bits, even parity) and ASCII (8 data
bits, no parity) data format. If necessary, change the advanced
settings. (See Setting the Advanced Settings)
3. Tap the Save button to update the settings.
Deleting a Machine
1. Select a machine from the list of machines. The selected machine
will appear in the machine name box below
Machine Name.
2. Tap the Erase button to delete the machine.
CncGcoder® HD Manual 14

Using the CncGcoder®
Setting the Advanced Settings
NOTE: These settings rarely need to be changed. Only change these
settings if you are having trouble communicating with the CNC.
1. Select CncGcoder®HD > Advanced from the menu bar.
2. Select Yes or No to turn the Strip CRs feature on and off. The
Strip CRs feature will remove excess carriage returns from the G-
Code program as it is received from the CNC.
3. Select Yes or No to turn the Leader feature on and off. When
Leader is turned on, nulls will be sent at the beginning and end of
the program. This may fix problems sending to the CNC.
4. Enter a number between 50 and 2,000,000 in the send delay
box . The number represents the time delay
between each packet of data sent to the CNC. Larger numbers
will increase the delay and send the program at a slower speed.
This may fix buffer overflow errors on the CNC.
5. Tap the OK button to accept changes
Managing CNC Programs
Select an option under the File menu bar to access the File screen. From
this screen, you can access programs from the handheld’s memory, the
on-board flash, and the SD card.
NOTE: Tap on the Complete Path icon to view the complete path and
file name of the current G-Code program.
NOTE: Program names can be entered while on the main screen. Tap on
the box under Program Name: to see a flashing cursor. Use the on-
screen keyboard or the keypad to enter a program name. The file will not
be saved until Saving a G-Code File is completed.
IMPORTANT: Save programs to the on-board flash drive or the SD card
for non-volatile storage. (See Important Directory Drives for more
information) Files saved to the memory of the device may be lost if the
power is lost.
CncGcoder® HD Manual 15

Using the CncGcoder®
Navigating the File Screen
Tips for navigating the File Screen include:
¾The path to the current open directory is
displayed after Look In:
¾The name of the current file is displayed in
the box after Name:
¾Select a file extension from the dropdown
menu next to Type: to view only
certain file types. Select All Files *.* from
the Type: list to view all the files in the
current directory.
¾Tap the Up One Level icon to move up
one directory level.
¾Tap on a Folder to view the contents of
that directory
¾Tap on a File to select the G-Code
program
¾Slide the scrollbar across the bottom of the
screen to view the date and time the file
was created as well as the size of the file.
¾The root directory displays as “ \ “
Loading a G-Code File
1. Select File>Load File from the menu bar on the main screen.
2. Navigate to the G-Code program. Make sure the correct path is
displayed next to Look In: and the correct file name is
displayed next to Name:
3. Tap the Load button to load the program and return to the
main screen. The G-Code program will display on the
CncGcoder®main screen.
CncGcoder® HD Manual 16

Using the CncGcoder®
Saving a G-Code File
1. Select File>Save File from the menu bar on the main screen.
2. Tap on the box next to Name: to see a flashing cursor. Use
the on-screen keyboard or the keypad to enter a program name.
Or, navigate to an existing G-Code program to overwrite with the
current program. Make sure the correct path is displayed next to
Look In: and the correct file name is displayed next to Name:
3. Tap the Save button to save the G-Code program and
return to the main screen.
Deleting a G-Code File
1. Select File>Delete File from the menu bar on the main screen.
2. Navigate to the program to delete. Make sure the correct path is
displayed next to Look In: and the correct file name is
displayed next to Name:
3. Tap the Delete button to delete the G-Code program and
return to the main screen.
File Transfer between Computer
(See Tech Note 1)
Transferring using the SD Card
NOTE: SD Cards and SD card reader not included
1. Save the G-Code files to the SD card. The default location for an SD card is a folder
called Storage Card on the root of the device. (See Saving a G-Code File)
2. Remove the SD card from the unit.
3. Insert the card into an SD card reader on the computer and transfer files. (View SD
card reader manual for more information)
Transferring using ActiveSync®
NOTE: USB ActiveSync®cable available as an optional accessory
1. Download Microsoft®ActiveSync®software and driver. (Download link available on
www.cncgcoder.com )
CncGcoder® HD Manual 17
2. Connect device to the computer using the USB ActiveSync®cable. The device will
be mounted as a drive on the computer. (View ActiveSync®manual for more
information)

Using the CncGcoder®
File Transfer between CNC
Files are transferred from the main screen of the CncGcoder®. When
transferring a program, make sure the receiving end is ready before any
data is sent.
NOTE: Tap the Abort button at any time during the data transfer
to abort the send or receive.
Sending a Program to the CNC
1. Select the correct machine.(See Selecting a Machine)
2. Load the G-Code program to send (See Loading a File)
3. Connect the CncGcoder®serial cable to the RS-232 port on the
CNC.(See Plugging in Cable)
4. Setup the machine tool to receive a program
5. Tap the Send button on the CncGcoder®. The
Characters Sent will count up at the bottom of the screen.
6. When the send completes successfully, a message box will
display the total characters sent.
Receiving a Program from the CNC
1. Select the correct machine.(See Selecting a Machine)
2. Connect the CncGcoder®serial cable to the RS-232 port on the
CNC.(See Plugging in Cable)
3. Tap the Receive button on the CncGcoder®. While
waiting to receive characters, the bottom of the screen will display
Waiting…
4. Send the program from the CNC. The Characters Received will
count up at the bottom of the screen.
5. When the receive completes successfully, a message box will
display the total characters received.
6. Save the G-Code program. (See Saving a File)
CncGcoder® HD Manual 18

Using the CncGcoder®
On-Screen Help
A quick program reference guide is available in the
CncGcoder®.
Select CncGcoder® HD>Program Help from the
menu bar on the main screen to view the help
topics available.
Tap on a topic to view more information.
Select the OK button to return to the
topic list.
Select Done on the menu bar to return to the
main screen.
About CncGcoder®Screen
The CncGcoder®HD version and serial number can be found on the
About CncGcoder®screen.
1. Select CncGcoder®HD>About CncGcoder®from the menu bar.
2. Tap OK to return to the previous screen.
Exit Program
1. Make sure the G-Code program is saved. (See Saving a File)
2. Tap on the Close icon in the upper right-hand corner of the
screen.
CncGcoder® HD Manual 19