I have CNC machines running windows NT with ethernet connections that IT doesn’t want on the company wide network anymore. Do you have a device that will protect the network?

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Yes.  Using Predator DNC Software, you can connect legacy CNCs running various editions of Windows to your corporate network.  Predator includes SecureDNC which provides a method of securing and transmitting to your CNC machines without connecting them to the company domain.  Check our our DNC Network Solutions for more details.

Is the Xmodem protocol something to consider when drip-feeding CNC programs?

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Yes – leveraging the Xmodel protocol built into your CNC with DNC software is the best protocol to use for error correction transfers.

What machine notifications does DataXchange send?

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Each level of DataXchange has different CNC data collection features. Therefore, you will get different machine notifications depending on what level you use.

Typical machine monitoring requests from customers:

  • Lower feedrate overrides? All feedrate overrides can be tracked with all levels of DataXchange.
  • Unknown downtime? Yes – with all versions. Includes CNC downtime reasons such as CNC program stop, machine sitting in feed hold, etc.
  • Planned machine downtime? Input notes for planned downtime such as coolant change, tool change, lockout tagout, and more with levels Silver, Gold and Platinum.
  • Shop floor utilization? OEE can be tracked with levels Gold and Platinum only.
  • Mobile machine monitoring? DataXchange users can achieve iPhone CNC monitoring and Android CNC monitoring through the software. Ask us for more info.
  • Email and text machine notifications? Yes, for Silver, Gold and Platinum levels.
  • CNC notifications, including machine downtime notifications? It depends on the type of notifications you want from different equipment activity.

Want machine historical data? Machine usage stats? Machine cycle status? Or have custom needs? Contact us

What Fanuc RS232 Parameters can I use?

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There are several different Fanuc parameters for the series of controls available, but we do have most of them.

If you’re an existing customer, submit a support request with the model # you have so we can assist you. You can also call (877) 611-5825

Does DataXchange support mobile devices? I want to take further advantage of the Industrial IoT.

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Yes, this machine monitoring software is available for Apple iOs and on Google Android devices.

What are the differences between Predator Machine Monitoring versions?

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Predator machine monitoring through Predator MDC is available in an Express, Standard and Enterprise versions. Each version is upgraded to the next level and includes functionality to collect data.

Predator MDC Express is a paper-based solution to allow users to collect data manually and report and chart data on events that happen previously.

Predator MDC Standard version is real-time data collection of utilization from the machines and collects cycle time, idle time, alarm and downtime.

Predator MDC Enterprise version is for companies who want to collect OEE, track parts, users, plus other metrics and interface the data with other business systems.

Does Predator Software offer Machine Monitoring?

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Yes. Predator MDC is real-time machine monitoring software that automatically collects, reports, charts and processes real-time shop floor manufacturing data including OEE, cycle time, idle time, setup time, teardown time, machine downtime and more.

Predator MDC improves manufacturing by supplying accurate shop floor metrics to improve operations and to make better decisions. The Predator MDC is an application that is installed on a computer inside the company facility.

It is only available as an on-premise solution.

Does Predator Flex Hardware work in Windows 7?

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Predator Flex Hardware does NOT work under Windows 7 or 8 due to the lack of support for drivers from the manufacturer. The hardware may fit inside of a PC, but known issues have been found in the reliability of communication to the CNC, as well as instances of blue screens.

We also do not recommend running the hardware in a newer PC due to lost functionality in performance and protocol support.

An upgrade is available from SFA to move towards FLEXN or FLEXW hardware, which is supported by Windows 7 and 8 and uses a network connection and network protocols instead of a dedicated ISA/PCI card on the motherboard to communicate with your FLEXN/FLEXW hardware.

Shop Floor Automations has the hardware for wireless and wired solutions on the shop floor, as well as solutions that work with the MTConnect Protocol and can connect multiple ways. Be sure to contact us for more information on what hardware is best for you, depending on your setup!

What are the PC hardware requirements for Predator Software?

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PC hardware minimum requirements to run Predator Software are a Pentium 4, AMD Athlon, or newer CPU.

40GB or larger hard disk, and 512 MB of RAM or more are the prerequisite components for a computer to run Predator Software.

Most off-the-shelf computers will far exceed these hardware requirements. Please consult with SFA on your specific software installations for the best performance and reliability.

What database versions does Predator Software support?

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Predator Software supports the following database versions included with Predator v10 and v9 applications: Microsoft Access 2000, 2002. 2003, 2007 and 2010 along with SQL 2000, 2005 and 2008.

Microsoft Express versions are also included for 2005 and 2008. Several customers are supported on Oracle 7, 8, 9, 10i, and 11i.

Predator v11 applications support Windows 2012, Windows 10, Oracle 12, Microsoft Access 2016, Microsoft Access 2013, Microsoft SQL Server 2016, Microsoft SQL Server 2014.