ActiveDNC™ Server: Network-based DNC
Communications and Machine Monitoring Engine
ActiveDNC Server
is
an advanced DNC communications server program that replaces
GNserver and used with client DNC
software WinDNC-PLUS, WinDCS-PLUS or e-DNC Explorer. The customer
has the advantage of running one or all three on one or more computers on
his network. The primary advantage to ActiveDNC Server is the
ability to have one or more computers acting as DNC Hubs, distributed
throughout the shop floor environment. Client DNC software (such as
WinDNC-PLUS) does not need to reside on those hubs and, in fact, may be
distributed on other computers throughout his network without additional
license requirements. Greco Systems offers a compact, self-contained
DNC Hub that provides the benefits of this architecture. See
e-DNC Hub.
ActiveDNC Server Features
 | 32-bit multithreaded object-oriented code,
compatible with Windows XP/NT/2000/95/98/ME. |
| Network-based client-server architecture based on standard
COM/DCOM network protocols. |
| It can communicate with multiple machine tool controls
simultaneously over RS-232 serial ports or Ethernet/FTP. Maximum number of machines
limited only by the capacity of the server hardware. |
| Automatically starts at system boot when configured as XP/NT/2000
service. |
| Operates in XP embedded environment when
used with advanced server/hub applications. |
| Supports more DNC protocols than GNserver.
On-going development to include more advanced protocols. |
| Part program files are stored on one or
more network file servers, and/or FTP file servers. Each machine can be configured
with separate directories for downloadable files and uploaded files.
|
| Remote Calldown feature allows commands to be
‘punched’ from most controls. Remote commands can start a download of a part
program or a directory listing, or start an upload of a part program. Directory listings
and error messages are encoded as comments. Can remotely abort a download in progress.
Command strings and time delays are user-configurable. |
| Local Copy feature automatically copies files to
ActiveDNC’s hard drive before starting download, so network or file server failure
won’t affect the download once it gets started. |
| Subdirectory Search feature automatically searches all
subdirectories under a machine’s base download directory for the specified filename.
No need to remember exactly where it is. |
| Activity Logging feature logs all server commands and
results. Recent events are available to client programs for display.
|
| Several configuration options for performing on-the-fly
changes to files as they are downloaded or uploaded including: skip to start string, stop
at end string, strip comments, strip other characters, strip leader/trailer, prefix string
to file, append string to file, and end-of-line format conversions. When supported by
client program, such as WinDCS, can also skip to operator-specified restart
point and prefix with restart codes. |
| Looping options allows same file to be sent repeatedly. Can
look like one large download or a lot of individual downloads. Can insert strings between
passes. |
| When supported by client program, such as
WinDCS,
File Show feature displays current location in the file during download and upload in
real-time. |
| Supports GrecoNet protocol for remote control of
CNC Minifiles, MTICs and other Greco Systems products. |
| Supports redirection of commands
from one Greco device to another machine. |