Front view of a Haas CNC controller, which is compatible with DNC software.Are you trying to figure out how to transfer programs to your Haas CNCs? Many clients have experienced problems loading and saving programs to the CNCs with Windows 10 and don’t know where to get help. Shop Floor Automations is your resource to connect any version of the Haas CNC controller.

Why should I use Predator DNC Software with my Haas CNC?

The biggest benefit of using Predator DNC is that it provides a complete CNC network solution, RS232 transfer, drip-feeding, wireless, and Ethernet communication for all Haas CNC controller models. Predator DNC Software includes protocols to send at maximum baud rates that support up to 115,000 baud while leveraging RS232 serial communications in combination with our Grizzly RS232 industrial cabling solution. The software can be used to communicate to one or multiple Haas CNCs from a computer running Windows 10 or Windows 2016/19 Server operating systems.

When running a newer Haas Next Generation controller, many clients have experienced problems linking their controller over ethernet. With Predator Software, you can connect wirelessly using our Wireless Connect device by attaching it to the RJ45 port. This allows you to transfer programs bi-directionally with ease. Optionally, you can connect an Ethernet cable to your network switch/hub and use the software while leveraging user and password security.

Can I use my Haas CNC controller to remotely call part programs from the DNC Software?

The great thing about Predator DNC Software is that the application can save you time and money with the remote request feature in the application. Eliminating the need to walk back and forth between your CNC and PC allows the operator to call for the desired part program by sending a short message with the part program name. The PC receives the message from the specific CNC and returns the desired part program in seconds to the control. This can be done with any version of the Haas CNC controller using RS232 or Ethernet using wired or wireless connection.

Can Predator DNC drip feed my Haas CNC?

Predator DNC Software includes the ability to drip-feed part programs that are larger than the CNC controller memory via RS232 serial. Instead of breaking up the program into several files, the Haas CNC control allows the program to run in real-time like streaming music versus downloading the song to your device. Predator can also use protocols such as X-Modem to maximize performance and reliability when transferring part programs. Baud rates are supported up to 115K as well to reduce the time to run the program.

Shop Floor Automations can help you implement Predator DNC Software!

At Shop Floor Automations, we can help you implement Predator DNC Software in your shop. With Predator DNC Software with your Haas CNC control, you gain access to a more user-friendly interface that allows you to operate the program without leaving the CNC controller as well as high-speed transfer over RS232 and Ethernet. If you are interested in learning more about Predator DNC Software and how it might be able to help improve your shop floor efficiency, contact Shop Floor Automations today at (619) 461-4000!

Are you trying to figure out how to run DNC software on Windows Server OS? While most customers have to leave the computer unlocked, logged in with a Windows Users to run their DNC software, Predator Software has a unique feature in the application to run as Windows Service.

Why should I use Predator DNC Service?

The biggest benefit of using Predator DNC Service is that it offers a secure environment to work it. Typically, users need to leave a computer unlocked and logged into a Windows User account to get the DNC software to run properly, but with Predator DNC Service that is no longer necessary. In addition to enhanced security, Predator DNC Service also provides an easy user interface. When starting and stopping the Predator DNC Service, it is similar to Startup All and Cancel All.

What are the requirements to run Predator DNC Service?

The minimum requirements to run Predator DNC Service are Windows 2016 Server, or 2019 Server. You will also need v3.5 of the Microsoft .NET framework installed to operate Predator DNC Service. The .NET framework is included with the Predator DNC Service installation CD so you will not need to purchase it on your own.

The great thing about Predator DNC Service, is that you don’t need to install it separately. Both v10 and v11 of Predator DNC come with the Predator DNC Service as a component of the normal installation process. It is also included as a standard feature with no additional charge if you have current software maintenance.

Can Predator DNC Service be set up to start automatically?

Though Predator DNC Service is not set up to start automatically, you can enable the feature. To do so, work through the following steps:

  1. From the Start Menu select Control Panel
  2. Double click on Administrative Tools
  3. Double click on Services.
  4. Find the Predator DNC Service
  5. Right Click and select Properties
  6. Within the Startup type pulldown select Automatic
  7. Press the OK button
  8. Restart the PC

Shop Floor Automations can help you implement Predator DNC Service!

At Shop Floor Automations, we can help you implement Predator DNC Service into your operation. With Predator DNC Service, you gain access to a more user-friendly interface that allows you to operate the program without leaving the computer unlocked and logged into a Windows account. If you are interested in learning more about Predator DNC Service and how it might be able to help improve your shop floor efficiency, contact Shop Floor Automations today at (619) 461-4000!

To learn more about the machine automation, hardware, and software services that we offer, visit us on the web at Shop Floor Automations.

A CNC tech working directly with a controller to download an NC program via ethernet.

If you are looking to improve the efficiency of your shop floor there are many ways to do so. One of these ways is looking at your NC program downloads and seeing if there is room for improvement.

What are the typical transfer speeds?

There are different transfer speeds depending on the setup that you have. Typical transfer speeds are:

  • RS232 Performance: Predator DNC RS232 performance depends on both your file size and baud rates. The higher your baud rates, the quicker your NC program will download. For files that are 50,000 bytes, it can take between 3 minutes and 50 seconds to 29 seconds depending on your baud rates. Going up to 200,000 bytes, it can take anywhere from15 minutes and 40 seconds to 1 minute and 55 seconds.
  • Ethernet FTP Performance: Predator DNC Ethernet FTP performance depends on file size when the files are extremely large. Files between 50,000 and 200,000 bytes typically download in less than 1 second. Even a 2,000,000 byte file took less than 1 second to download.
  • Ethernet Fanuc Focas Performance: Predator DNC Fanuc Focas is also dependent on only file size. For a 50,000 byte file, it takes approximately 7 seconds to download. A 100,000 byte file takes 13 seconds to download, and a 200,000 byte file takes approximately 25 seconds to download.
  • Ethernet Predator Secure DNC Performance: Predator Secure DNC performance is also dependent on file size only. Files from 50,000 bytes to 200,000 bytes typically take 2 seconds to download.

How can I improve the speed of my NC program downloads?

Glancing at the transfer speeds above makes it clear that Ethernet performance is significantly better than the RS232 file transfer. By switching to Ethernet, you can greatly improve your transfer speeds, which frees up your time to do other things. Instead of waiting upwards of 10 minutes, with Ethernet, you can transfer files in seconds, making you more productive and your shop floor more efficient

Contact Shop Floor Automations for help improving the speed of your NC program downloads!

At Shop Floor Automations, we have decades of experience implementing Predator Secure DNC applications. By utilizing our expertise, wireless connect, and ethernet hardware, you can vastly improve download speeds and improve the speed to the CNC. If you’re interested in our Windows 10 support and improving your shop floor efficiency with Ethernet for Predator Secure, contact us today at (619) 461-4000.

To learn more about the machine automation, hardware, and software services that we offer, visit us on the web at Shop Floor Automations.