Denford Software & Machines

Posted: **Fri 12 Sep , 2008 20:06 pm**

Miromill 2000 with a Denstep card.

The new computers only have USB ports.
Is it possible to install a PCI card with a serial port into the computer so that the computer can use the serial cable to connect to the machine?

Thanks

Posted: **Mon 22 Sep , 2008 8:27 am**

Yes its as easy as that

Posted: **Mon 22 Sep , 2008 8:51 am**

I would also recommend you use a PCI RS232 card rather than a USB type one.
The USB adaptors don't seem to act like genuine RS232 hardware, and cause lots of communication issues with the machines.

Posted: **Mon 22 Sep , 2008 10:07 am**

.

I just went and bought a Serial to USB cable adapter set, cost from local computer shop was £9.99 and comes with a CD with the right drivers etc, I now have a 25 pin connector at the machine and a USB 2 into the Laptop!!

I use the cable on a Denford Cyclone Lathe 1990 vintage with no problems at all.

.

Posted: **Mon 22 Sep , 2008 11:15 am**

They seem to work ok at lower baudrates (eg 9600) but we have had no end of problems with the more recent controls which ran at 57600 baud.

I would also recommend spending a little bit more on a quality brand, whichever type you go for - there is a difference - if it means your machine runs without intermittent problems, then its worth the few extra dollars.

Posted: **Mon 22 Sep , 2008 16:35 pm**

They seem to work ok at lower baudrates (eg 9600) but we have had no end of problems with the more recent controls which ran at 57600 baud.

To be fair I am only running at 4800 baud rate, lathe, so the programs aren`t very big so not an issue for me!!

Posted: **Wed 24 Sep , 2008 10:47 am**

You are far better doing what you suggested orrigionally! Install a PCI card with a serial port. USB Serial port replicators do not always work

Is it possible to install a PCI card with a serial port into the computer so that the computer can use the serial cable to connect to the machine?