Frequently
Asked Questions
Q: What is GNserver?
A: GNserver and ActiveDNC
Server (or COMM servers) are separate
programs included with WinDCS that perform the actual communication with the
Machine Tool. WinDCS is a
user interface program that, among other things, lets you issue commands to
the DNC System. COMM servers run even when WinDCS is not
running. Therefore, you can start a long donwload, exit
WinDCS, and the download will continue to run because COMM server continues
to run in
the background.
Q: How many machines can you connect to a PC?
A: There is no physical limit running
ActiveDNC Server. Multiple ActiveDNC Servers can operate in a Local
Area Network while being controlled by one or more WinDCS clients.
GNserver, however, has a limit of 256 machines.
Q: Will WinDCS run in all Windows environments?
A: It will run in all 32-bit versions of Windows.
That
includes Windows XP/2000/ME/98/95.
Q: Do I have to have a computer dedicated to DNC to
the machines?
A: No. Windows is a multi-tasking operating system, which
means it can run multiple programs simultaneously.
Q: Can I communicate with multiple machines while
uploading/downloading to the machines?
A: Yes, both ActiveDNC server and GNserver can communicate with
each assigned comm port simultaneously.
Q: Can large part programs be "dripped"
to the machine tool control that has DNC mode?
A: Yes. Part programs can be dripped from the PC's hard
drive to the machine tool control, which gives users nearly unlimited file size.
Q: How many protocols are in WinDCS?
A: Over 30 serial protocols come standard
with GNserver and ActiveDNC server. These include the most popular
used by machine tools today. Additional protocols are available when
the application calls for one not included.
Q: Do you have to initiate the transfer of part
programs at the PC?
A: No. If your machine tool control has an active RS232
port, editing capabilities, and memory, then you can use Remote Calldown to issue commands
from the control.
Q: When uploading back to the PC, are part programs
"overwritten"?
A: No. Separate upload and download directories are created
to keep uploaded files separate from downloadable files. An option in GNserver
configuration lets you decide whether to allow overwriting a file already in an upload
directory if uploaded again.
Q: Can part programs be transferred from a network
drive using WinDCS?
A: Yes. Any network share that can be mapped to a Windows
drive letter can be used by WinDCS.
Q: Are long file names supported in WinDCS?
A: Yes. Any filename you can create in Windows can be used
in WinDCS.
Q: Can WinDCS display only certain file extension
names?
A: Yes. The Search function in the File Manager area can be
used to enter a file mask (such as "*.txt") and only those files that match the
pattern will be displayed. This feature can also search subdirectories.
Q: Can files be copied or renamed in WinDCS?
A: Yes.
Q: Is WinDCS upgradable to additional machines
after the initial purchase?
A: Yes. We can provide you with an updated license code. If
you pay for the upgrade by credit card, we can provide that by FAX or over the phone, if
necessary.
Q: What is Remote Calldown?
A: On controls that allow editing and punching out
programs, the COMM Server allows the machine operator to request a program to
be downloaded right from the control. This is done by entering a small 'program' in the
control (something like "send part47.txt") and punching it to the sever, which
listens for such instructions. The operator then reconfigures the control for the
download and the file is sent. Other commands can be
issued in a similar fashion.
Q: What is Redirection?
A: Redirection is a feature of Remote Calldown (and
GrecoNet) that allows one control to issue a request which is then performed to a
different machine. For instance, machine A can request a download for machine B (which
presumably is not capable of issuing remote calldown requests by itself). Of course,
anything sent to machine B must be located in machine B's download directory, just like
any other download.
Q: Are upgrades routinely available
if I purchase WinDCS?
A: Yes. Greco Systems issues two
releases each year. Under a Software Maintenance Agreement, the
releases are available to you, the Customer.