Q: What does this sim wrapper error mean?

A: Troubleshooting Sim Errors

Sim Wrapper error 0 (0) - No Error

Sim Wrapper error 1 - No Driver
SimProceed to troubleshooting steps listed under "Sim Wrapper error 5 (0)"

Sim Wrapper error 2 - No Sim
Check the physical installation of the Sim adapter.
Try to install the device to a different port available on the PC.

Sim Wrapper error 3 " Bad Sim
Contact Shop Floor Automations at support@shopfloorautomations.com or toll free (877) 611-5825

Sim Wrapper error 4 " Expired
Contact Shop Floor Automations at support@shopfloorautomations.com or toll free (877) 611-5825

Sim Wrapper error 5 (0) " Drivers corrupt or not installed for the Sim or invalid codes.
Follow these steps if you have a Sim from Predator.

1. Sentinel Protection Drivers must be installed locally on the PC running Predator (Remote Desktop / VNC or any other remote program will not work during the initial setup)
   
2. Remove the Sim from the USB or Parallel port on your PC.
   
3. Go to Control Panel > Add/Remove Programs and remove the Sentinel Protection Installer and remove.
   
4. Insert the CD that you received from Shop Floor Automations in the CD-Rom drive and navigate to "Drivers\Sentinel System Driver" folder and double click the "Sentinel Protection Installer 7.1.0.msi"
   
5. After this is completed, insert the Sim into the USB or parallel port on the PC and watch for the Windows notification that the new hardware was been detected.
   
6. Open Predator and if the registration window opens, enter the serial number and access code in the provided spaces.
   
7. If Predator opens, go to the Options menu and choose Upgrade. Enter the serial number and access code here.
   
8. If no errors, verify in the title bar of Predator that it does NOT say "Predator/DEMO".
   
9. If you do get an error again, proceed to the troubleshooting steps for the Sim Wrapper Error 5 (56) below.
   
   

Sim Wrapper error 5 (56) - The serial number or access code is invalid.
Symptom: Codes seem to not update; you are entering the correct codes, but keeps coming up with an error.

1. Enter "dncdemo" for the serial number. Leave the access code blank.
   
2. This should bring you up to Predator. Shut down Predator and relaunch.
   
3. Go to the Options menu > Upgrade
   
4. Enter the correct serial number and access codes and hit "OK."
   
5. If this still does not work, go to Start > All Programs > Predator DNC > Repair All
   
6. If you still get this error code, call our technical support department.
   
   

Sim Wrapper error 17 - Wrong Version

1. Launch Predator and check the version by clicking "Help" > "About"
   
2. If you have version 4.x.x.x, you should be using a serial number beginning with "04"", if you have version 3.x.x.x installed, you should be using a serial number beginning with "03""
   
3. If you do not have the correct version that matches your installed version, verify that the codes you are using are the correct ones.
   
   

Sim Wrapper error 18 - Wrong Product
Follow the above steps for the Sim Wrapper Error 17.

Keywords: sim wrapper error dnc editor

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Q: What are Predator's minimum system requirements?

A: Article 2000009

All Predator products require the following minimums:

• Intel Pentium-based CPU or equivalent
• 64 MB RAM*
• 40 MB HD
• VGA Graphics
• Parrallel Port
• Mouse or similar pointing device

The above are minimums and certainly Predator runs better with more hardware, memory, etc.

NOTE: Predator DNC requires one and typically multiple serial ports. Predator CNC Editor also requires at least one serial port for communications. Predator Virtual CNC runs a lot faster with an OpenGL based graphics card.

*NOTE: All Predator applications under Windows 2000 and Windows XP should have at least 128MB RAM. For a complete list of minimum system requirements for Windows refer to Microsoft's knowledge base article #304297.

Keywords: Windows Predator install CNC DNC Editor

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Q: Why does predator takes 3 minutes to load?

A: Article 2000001

To solve this problem run Microsoft Internet Explorer and from the Tools menu select Internet Options. A dialog will appear, click the Advanced tab and scroll down to the Security section. Uncheck the "Check for publisher's certificate revocation" option and click the OK button.

This problem only occurs when PCs are configured to have access to the Internet and then in reality don't have access to the Internet. Predator applications are digitally signed just like every other program that is downloaded on the web. The digital signature is used to certify that Predator has not been infected with a virus etc.

NOTE: This problem can happen with any Predator application.

Keywords: Windows Predator install CNC DNC Editor

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Q: Unable to uninstall Predator Software products?

A: Article 2000002

If you can't uninstall a Predator application step through the following:

1. Log into Windows as an Administrator
2. Select Control Panel from the Start Menu
3. Select Add/Remove programs
4. Select the appropriate Predator application
5. Click the Remove button

Keywords: Windows Predator install CNC DNC Editor

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Q: I get an error when trying to launch the Predator CNC Editor that it is currently already running.

A: When trying to launch the Predator CNC Editor, a license check occurs and customers can experience an error message generated by the Predator CNC Editor, ie: "An instance of this application is already running". This message will appear 3 times and then prompt for registration screen.

This occurred most likely due to a recent update from an older version already installed and the update failed to apply the lastest .dll to the Predator directory.

To fix this, shut down any Predator Application running, ie. DNC or Editor. Then rename the following files:

Located in: "C:Program Files\Predator SoftwareEditor 6.1" PVEditorSIMLibrary.dll to PVeditorSIMLibrary.old

Located in: "C:Program Files\Predator SoftwareDNC 4.1" PVDNCSIMLibrary.dll to PVDNCSIMLibrary.old

Then copy the following .dlls into the correct product location.

PVDNCSIMLibrary.dll
PVEditorSIMLibrary.dll

Make sure you are running v6.1.0.145 of the CNC Editor and v4.1.0.51 of the DNC. Both applications can be checked by selecting HELP | ABOUT from the menu.

Furthermore, the latest Sentinel System Driver 7.4 should also be used.

You can refer to the following FAQ for the instructions on how to upgrade the Sentinel Drivers.

Keywords: an instance, editor error, can not launch, CNC Editor

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Q: Sim Wrapper Error 18 (0) Wrong version

A: Symptom: "I purchased DNC with Editor included, and when I install Editor, I get this error when typing in the codes."

Answer: When Editor is included with DNC, Editor is licensed through DNC. DNC codes will not work if entered into Editor. You cannot take Editor and put it on another PC without getting new codes for that seat of Editor.

This is also true for DNC. If you purchased Editor, you cannot use these codes for DNC.

Keywords: Sim Wrapper Error, Error code, Error 18 (0), Editor, DNC, Wrong Version

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Q: What are the command line options for installing Predator?

A: Article 2000006

Every Predator installation is built using Microsoft Windows Installer technology. There is extensive documentation available on Microsoft's web site. The following primary command line options are available.

/i	Installs or configures a product
/f	Repairs a product, has 10 options
/a	Administrative install on the network
/x	Uninstalls a product
/j	Advertises a product
/l	Specifies the log file path
/p	Applies a patch
/q	Sets the user interface level
/y	Calls API register server to install
/z	Calls API register server to uninstall

A sample command line follows

msiexec /i "predator CNC editor v6.0.msi" /fv

For a complete list of command line arguments search for Article Q227091 on Microsoft's web site.

Keywords: Windows Predator install CNC DNC Editor

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Q: Can I use the Predator CNC Editor on a different PC not tied to the DNC Networking System?

A: The Predator CNC Editor bundled with the DNC Networking Software is controlled by the license of the Predator DNC Software. The SIM and the serial number from the DNC will enable the full version of the CNC Editor. Currently there is no option to split the seat from the DNC Networking license. However, you may install the Predator CNC Editor on as many PCs as you wish and use the "light" version of the product for general editing purposes. A stand-alone full version is available if needed. Contact our sales department.

Keywords: CNC Editor, Stand Alone Seat, Licensing

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Q: Cannot install some Predator applications under Windows 98?

A: Article 2000008

Several Predator applications including Predator CNC Editor, Predator DNC, Predator Desktop, Predator MDC, Predator Tracker, Predator Gage Crib and Predator Travelers require MDAC from Microsoft. MDAC under Windows 98 requires two seperate Y2K service packs. Both of these Windows 98 Y2K service packs are distributed on CD13 or higher. These service packs can also be downloaded from Microsoft's web site.

Once both of the Windows 98 Y2K service packs are installed proceed with a normal Predator installation.

Keywords: Windows Predator install CNC DNC Editor

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Q: Where did RS232 come from?

A: In the early 1960s, a standards committee, today known as the Electronic Industries Association, developed a common interface standard for data communications equipment. At that time, data communications was thought to mean digital data exchange between a centrally located mainframe computer and a remote computer terminal, or possibly between two terminals without a computer involved. These devices were linked by telephone voice lines, and consequently required a modem at each end for signal translation. While simple in concept, the many opportunities for data error that occur when transmitting data through an analog channel require a relatively complex design. It was thought that a standard was needed first to ensure reliable communication, and second to enable the interconnection of equipment produced by different manufacturers, thereby fostering the benefits of mass production and competition. From these ideas, the RS232 standard was born. It specified signal voltages, signal timing, signal function, a protocol for information exchange, and mechanical connectors.

NOTE: If a proprietary or special high speed transfer method is required by the CNC control the customer may have to be upgraded to Predator DNC. Unlike the editor, Predator DNC is designed to support proprietary and special high speed transfer methods. Refer to our DNC Objects section for more details.

Keywords: rs232 editor

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Q: Can the editor communicate to multiple machines?

A: Yes, the editor supports an unlimited number of different machines. Each machine can have unique COM port, baud rate, and numerous other properties. The editor supports switch boxes, intelligent switch boxes, and the entire line of Predator DNC and series Flex hardware.

NOTE: The Predator CNC Editor can only communicate to one machine at a time and is not designed for simultaneous multitasking operation to multiple machines. If this is desired upgrade to Predator DNC which is designed to support up to 256 machines simultaneously.

Keywords: multiple machines editor DNC

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Q: Does the editor support Remote Request?

A: No, the editor does not support Remote Request. Remote Request eliminates walking back and forth and allows operators to request files from the CNC control.

NOTE: If this is desired, upgrade to Predator DNC which is designed to support Remote Request for up to 256 machines simultaneously.

Keywords: Remote Request editor

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Q: Missing lines of my program in Editor

A: If you open your program in a text editor like Notepad, and your program is intact, but when you open it in Editor, you are missing one or more lines of your program, this could be caused by null characters.

For instance, if you have a null at the beginning of the line, Editor will view that line as being a blank line. You can remove these characters while receiving a file from the machine by using a Receive Translate Link in DNC, or the Receive Translate Options in Editor's communication properties. For the null character, for the "Action" select "Remove".

Keywords: Editor, Missing Lines, Stripping lines

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Q: How do I configure Dr. Watson?

A: Dr. Watson provides detailed information about a program crash or driver crash. Perform the following steps to set up Dr. Watson:

1. Start >Help
2. Search for "Dr. Watson"
3. Open "Using Dr. Watson"
4. Click on "Open [arrow] Dr. Watson"
5. Take note of the "Log File Path" and "Crash Dump" paths. C:\Debug, and C:\Debug\user.dmp, are recommended
6. Set the crash dump type to "Full"

Keywords: DNC Editor Setup Dr Watson Trouble Shoot

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Q: Adding a custom menu in Editor

A: Creating a custom menu is for creating a shortcut to launch a desired program within Editor. Instead of going to your desktop or Start menu to start a common application, we can make a "bookmark" type link, which will reside in the options menu of Editor. To add a new custom menu:

1. From the File menu select New Custom Menu...
   
   
2. The New Custom Menu Wizard will appear:
   
   

   Field Name	Description
   Menu Name	Type a name for the new custom menu item.
   Command Line	Enter a command line to execute or click the ... button to browse the Windows File System for a command line.

   
   -Examples of the command line parameter would be "PDnc.exe" for Predator DNC-
   
   
3. When finished, click Finish to save the new custom menu. It will appear under the Options menu.
   
   

At any time, click Cancel to discard the new custom menu.

NOTE: A limit of four custom menu items exists.

NOTE: The Menu Name must be unique.

Keywords: Editor, Menu

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Q: How do I setup "Wait" in CNC Editor?

A: You can access the DNC Com Port configuration one of two ways.

1. In the Edit menu, Click "Template" > Click "Next" > Click "DNC Properties."
2. On the DNC Menu, click "Properties."
   
3. Once you get to the "DNC Properties" window, check the "Wait For CNC" box and click Next until Finish is available and click "Finish."
4. You will then need to hit "Next" again until the finish is available and click "Finish."
   
   

Keywords: Editor, Setup, Wait

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Q: How can I use CNC Translate to control program formatting?

A:

Translation tables allow comprehensive configuration of every character sent or received. ASCII to EIA, EIA to ASCII, ASCII to ISO, ISO to ASCII and custom translations are possible using the Translate tab within the Properties dialog box.

To remove or add characters, choose DNC | Properties from the Menu bar. Then select the Translate Tab. To remove characters upon receiving data back from the CNC, change the option from NONE to REMOVE on the Receive column. To delete double spacing, change the option from NONE to REPLACE and input the appropriate value.

For more details please view our dedicated CNC Translate page.

Keywords: CNC Editor translate program format

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Q: How do I back up my Editor configuration?

A: Your Editor configuration is held in three files. One file defines the machine, another defines the control and the third is the communication parameters, which are held in the data base file called "PEditor.mdb".
All the reverse post parameters reside in the both the machine and the control files.
The control files have an extension of .rp5, .rpl, .rpm, depending on the type of machine you have.
The machine files have an extension of .mch.

When you launch Editor, what you have populated in the "Template" field will be your machine (or .mch) file, and in the "Control" field is the control (or .rp5, .rpl, .rpm).

You may need to open your "Template" or Machine file to find the exact Control file. Approximately 11 lines into this file, you will see a line that reads "Control = FADAL.RPM". Where you see "FADAL.RPM", that is the file you need to backup. It will need to go into exactly the same directory when replaced.


How to find your Machine (Template) file:
All Templates are held in "C:\Program Files\Predator Software\Common Files\Machines"

How to find your Control File:
All Control files are held in "C:\Program Files\Predator Software\Common Files\RPost 5.1"
Depending on the file you find by viewing the Machine file, like above, we had a "FADAL.RPM"
-.rpm's will be in the "Mill" folder under the RPost 5.1 directory
-.rpl's will be in the "Lathe" folder under the RPost 5.1 directory
-.rm5's will be in the "Mill-5" folder under the RPost 5.1 directory

All Editor database files are held in "C:\Program Files\Predator Software\Editor 6.1" and called "PEditor.mdb"


-NOTE- If you have to backup a ".rpl" file, it needs to go back into the Lathe folder, as it came from. This is the same for ALL files saved when doing this.

Keywords: Backup Editor, rpl, rpm,rp-5, mdb, Editor, Configuration

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Q: Does the editor support long filenames?

A: Yes, the editor supports long filenames, long directory names, names with spaces, shared network drives, and UNC names. Refer to the following examples:

• Job 1234.NC
• H:CUSTOM PARTSJOB 4567.NC
• \\SERVER1\C\LARGE CUSTOMER\PART No 1234-5678.NC

Keywords: long filenames editor

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Q: How do I get the backplot feature to work in Predator CNC Editor?

A: Begin by visiting our Support Section and Downloads select the "Documentation":

1. Locate and download the PDF File called "Creating Templates in CNC Editor 6.0.
2. Locate and download the PDF File called "Predator CNC Editor Animation Setup"
3. Review each file to setup the template correctly
4. You must create a machine template .MCH file (2 axis turning, or 3-5 milling machine) and then specify the CNC control (Fanuc 16M, Okuma 700L).RPM or .RPL
5. Add the Template by selection FILE | NEW Template
6. Select the .MCH you just created and then review the details on the following screens for the correct parameters for the CNC
7. Once defined, select the Template from the down arrow menu list
8. Open your NC program
9. Select the Backplot Icon and begin to verify the G & M Code
10. If an error occurs, be sure the G & M Code is defined in the .RPL or .RPM file

Keywords: Backplot, Back Plot, Editor, CNC Editor, Templates

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Q: What operating systems does the editor require?

A: Windows 98SE, Windows NT v4.0, Windows 2000, Windows XP, or Windows 2003 Server

NOTE: Any Microsoft service pack or maintenance release is also supported. However, anyone using Windows NT v4.0 Service Pack 2 should upgrade to Service Pack 3 immediately.

NOTE: Microsoft Life Cycle stopped supporting Windows 98 (March 31,2004) and NT (June 30, 2003). We strongly recommend you upgrade to the latest Windows Operating System to allow complete compatiability with Predator Software Products.

Keywords: OS operating system editor

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Q: What is the purpose of "Wait" in CNC Editor?

A: Wait is a function designed to allow the operator to queue a file at the PC to send to the machine and then receive at the machine.

The steps would be similar to the following:

1. At the PC, send a file out to the machine.
2. Walk out to the machine and manually receive that file.

Enabling this, Editor will wait for an "XON" character before sending files. Note that this checkbox is enabled only when flow control is set to either Software or None.

This is different because typically, you would set the CNC control to receive, walk to the PC and send the file out. Not all machine controls support this option. Consult your control operator's manual for compatibility.

Keywords: Wait, Editor

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Q: Why does the Editor keep sending even though the transfer is complete?

A: When using the CNC Editor and trying to transmit a CNC program, the control receives the complete file, however, Predator is still trying to send. Check the end of the CNC program to make sure there are no spaces or other invisible characters after the % sign.

Keywords: CNC Editor sending file

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Q: I get an error when I backplot

A: If you get an error when you backplot, Editor needs to know where the files reside that hold the machine parameters, otherwise known as Template files. These files are located under the Editor folder in Program Files.

An example of an error you may get is:



Copy and paste the following text in the run line ( Start Menu > Run ): "C:\Program Files\Predator Software\Editor 7.0\PVViewer.exe" to run the utility to define these directories.


The above picture shows the utility. You may have some, or all fields blank. Fill in each field respective to the name of the field. For each field, there will be a folder in the C:\Program Files\Predator Software\Common Files folder. For example, The first one is called "Machines" so fill it in with C:\Program Files\Predator Software\Common Files\Machines. It should look like this:

Keywords: Backplot, Automation error, Editor, Error

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Q: How do I delete extra spaces/carriage returns?

A: The following example will automatically delete extra carriage returns during a Receive from CNC command.

Receive Translation Characters	Translation Action
\013	Remove
\010	Replace with \013\010

Keywords: editor line breaks spaces

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