or %RPM the ProtoTRAK or TRAK CNC feed rates will be run.

We recommend that you inspect

the feed rates before running the program on the
ProtoTRAK or TRAK CNC when the %s are other
than 100%.
Tool Path Programming Only Part Geometry You can only transfer Part Geometry programs to the
programming is supported on the ProtoTRAK or TRAK CNC.
ProtoTRAK or TRAK CNC.
Zig-Zag Entry Mode This routine does not exist in the The routine will be converted to a Plunge routine. We
Ramps ProtoTRAK or TRAK CNC. recommend that you check your Z feedrate to make
sure it will be correct for a plunge.
Event Comments Event comments are not Event comments will be ignored.
supported on the ProtoTRAK
or TRAK CNC.
Thread Mill This routine does not exist in the Thread Mill events will be ignored. We recommend
ProtoTRAK or TRAK CNC. that you replace these events with the Helix Events and
Mill Events to ramp in and ramp out of the helix.
Tool Table Info The part programs for Tool table information will have to be set in the
ProtoTRAK or TRAK CNC do ProtoTRAK or TRAK CNC as usual.
not contain tool table
information. This information is
kept separately.
Irregular Profile The ProtoTRAK or TRAK CNC The Irregular Profile Event will be converted to Mill
does not contain an Irregular and Arc Events and the programming of the finish cut
Profile Event. and steps will be lost. We recommend that after
conversion, you add repeat events for the steps and
finish cut, using the technique of overstating the size of
the cutter you will use to cut the profile.
Face Mill This event type does not exist on The Face Mill event will be ignored. We recommend
older ProtoTRAK controls. you replace with a rectangular or irregular pocket.

14.11 Running G Code Files (GCD)

The ProtoTRAK PMX allows you to run G Code files directly without having them
converted to the ProtoTRAK PMX programming format. You may want to do this if you
have a very large CAM file made up of small XYZ position moves, or if there is complex
surface contouring. In these cases, the ProtoTRAK PMX can handle the files more
efficiently by running the G Code directly. While running the G Code file directly does
not give you the benefit of the easy programming format of the ProtoTRAK PMX, you
are not likely to be able to use this benefit with a very large or complex file anyway.

To run the G Code file directly, open the file using OPEN AS: .GCD. The entire
program will be brought into current memory. You will be able to view the tool path
when you run the program in the Run Mode, but you will not be able to edit the program
or view it in the Program Mode. In order to edit the program, use the G-Code Editor in
the Edit Mode (Section 10.5).

14.11.1 G Codes Recognized by the ProtoTRAK PMX GCD Converter

G Code Description Sample Code Notes

G00 Position at maximum feedrate G00 X0.0 Y0.0 Z0.0

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G01 Linear Interpolation G01 X0.0 Y0.0 Z-1. F15. F = Feedrate in Inches per
minute
G02 Circular Interpolation G02 X1. Y2. I0. J2. I, J, and K define the X,Y,
(Clockwise) (see note below) and Z center points
G03 Circular Interpolation G03 X2. Z0. I2. K0. respectively. Values are
(Counter-clockwise) (see note below) incremental from the
starting point of the arc.

G04 Dwell G04 P1000 P specifies # of

milliseconds.
P1000 = 1 second
G06 Helix (Clockwise) G06 X0. Y0. Z0. I1. J0. K0. D2.0 D defines the # of
G07 Helix (Counter-clockwise) G07 X0. Y0. Z0. I1. J0. K0. D2.0 revolutions.
G17 Select XY Plane G17 G17 - G19 only apply to
G2 and G3.

G18 Select XZ Plane G18

G19 Select YZ Plane G19
G20 Input in Inch G20 Default
G21 Input in Metric G21
G40 Cutter compensation cancel G40
G41 Cutter compensation left G41
G42 Cutter compensation right G42
G54 Select Work Coordinate #1 G54 Offsets for these are
defined through our control
conversationally.
G55 Select Work Coordinate #2 G55

G56 Select Work Coordinate #3 G56

G57 Select Work Coordinate #4 G57
G58 Select Work Coordinate #5 G58
G59 Select Work Coordinate #6 G59
G61 Exact Stop mode G61
G64 Continuous Cut mode G64
G80 Canned cycle cancel G80
G81 Drilling cycle, spot boring G81 X0. Y0. Z-1. R.1 F15. Z = final depth,
R = rapid position
G82 Drilling cycle, counter boring G82 X0. Y0. Z-1. R.1 P500 F15. P = dwell time in
milliseconds
G83 Peck drilling cycle G83 X0. Y0. Z-1. Q.125 R.1 F15. Q = depth of peck
Or
G83 X0. Y0. Z-1. I.1 J.125 K.1 I, J, and K values are all
R.1 F15. incremental.
I = depth of first cut
J = amount per peck
K = min depth cut
G84 Tapping cycle S300. S = RPM
G84 X0. Y0. Z-2. R.1 B0. Q.05 B = Begin depth
Q = Pitch
Feedrate is calculated
by S x Q

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 G85 Boring cycle G85 X0. Y0. Z-1 R.1 F15.

G86 Boring canned cycle with retract G86 X0. Y0. Z-2. R.1 B35. Q.020 B = Angle of boring head.
P300 F15. Q = Retract distance, away
from B.
G89 Boring cycle, dwell at bottom G89 X0. Y0. Z-1 R.1 P800 F15. P = dwell time in
milliseconds

G90 Absolute Mode G90 Default

G91 Incremental Mode G91
G98 Use previous Z position as Rapid G98 Default
plane
G99 Use R value as Rapid plane. G99
G110 Select Work Coordinate #7 G110
G111 Select Work Coordinate #8 G111
G112 Select Work Coordinate #9 G112
G113 Select Work Coordinate #10 G113
G114 Select Work Coordinate #11 G114
G115 Select Work Coordinate #12 G115

14.11.2 M Codes Supported by the ProtoTRAK PMX CNC

M00 program stop (press go to proceed)
M02 end of program (no rewind)
M03 spindle on CW or FWD
M04 spindle on CCW or REV
M05 spindle stop
M06 tool change
M07 air blast ON
M08 flood coolant ON
M09 coolant OFF
M10 4th axis Auto clamp ON (default)
M11 4th axis Auto clamp OFF
M21 Indexer – pulse ON
M22 rapid to part change position
M30 end program (rewind stop)
M38 air blast OFF

All other M codes will be ignored.

Notes:
1. Place M Codes on same line as movement G Code.
2. One M Code per block.
3. All values are in Absolute, except for I, J, and K values for arcs.
4. The AUX button is used to turn coolant on and off based on the spindle being on and
off. When the spindle is on, the coolant is on.

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14.11.3 Valid Characters for Word/Address Sequences
G Prepare to execute a G COMMAND ParseGcode
M Prepare to execute a M COMMAND ParseMcode
N Introduces a block number ParseEventNum
T Specifies the tool number to use ParseToolNum
F Specifies a feedrate ParseFcode
S Specifies a spindle rpm ParseScode
D Specifies the diameter for the current tool ParseDval
E Optional parameter ParseEval
X Specifies the X dimension ParseXval
Y Specifies the Y dimension ParseYval
Z Specifies the Z dimension ParseZval
I Specifies the incremental X dimension ParseIval
J Specifies the incremental Y dimension ParseJval
K Specifies the incremental Z dimension ParseKval
L An Optional Parameter ParseLval
P An Optional Parameter ParsePval
( Introduces a comment ParseComment

G-Code and Post Processors.

In order to run a G code program, the program must be posted through a post-processor
that makes some adjustments to the output of the G code so that it is understood by the
ProtoTRAK. The ProtoTRAK uses a post-processor that is very similar to the Fanuc 6M,
but there are differences. You need to make sure you use a post designed for our control.
A generic post will most likely not work.
If you are not familiar with writing a post-processor, we recommend that you contact
your CAD/CAM supplier. We will be happy to work with them to get you the post-
processor you need.

Writing a Post Processor

The following are modifications to a Fanuc 6 post-processor that are necessary for
writing the ProtoTRAK post-processor.
Beginning file format: The ProtoTRAK has no special requirements, it does not need
any special characters.
End of file format: the ProtoTRAK requires the % to show the end of the file.
Characters after the % will be ignored.
Beginning of an operation: the ProtoTRAK requires that the tool number, feedrate and
tool comp appear before, or on the same line, as a move command. The absolute zero of
the ProtoTRAK is set in a different mode and does not need to be set at the beginning of
each operation. The feedrate is modal, once it is set, it remains the same until changed.
Coordinates: may be formatted in inch or metric. The addresses used for specifying
coordinates are X, Y, Z, I, J, K. The valid ranges are:
 Inch: min -999.9999 to max +999.9999

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 Mm: min -9999.99 to max +9999.999
Integer values MUST be followed by decimal. Ok to truncate 02.0000 into 2.0
Linear moves: G01 are formatted the same as rapid moves.
Arcs: Arc centers are specified by the address I, J and K for the X, Y and Z axes. The
number following the I, J and K are incrementally referenced from the starting point of
the arc. Radius values are not allowed.
Tool Numbers and Tool Changes: the format of the tool number is from T1 to T99.
The M06 command initiates a tool change.
Feed rates: the ProtoTRAK is programmed in inches (or mm) per minute using the 'F'
address.
Spindle speed: S1000 means 1000 RPM
Turning the Spindle on: the spindle is turned on with M03 or M04 command.

Notes
1. Tool offsets, diameters, modifiers, home positions and work offsets are defined on
the ProtoTRAK control and are ignored through G code.
2. G2 and G3 are not used for helix. See G06 and G07.
3. You must specify an I, J and K for all arcs, even if you are doing an XY plane arc
where the Z axis is not moving. In this case the K value must be defined. It will
be modal from there on.
4. For lead in moves where you are using G41 or G42, G41 and G42 need to be
placed before the Z axis moves down to position so the tool is compensated along
X and/or Y correctly before performing a lead in move.

14.12 Networking
The subject of networking is extensive. This portion of the manual will give you basic
instructions for setting up a simple peer-to-peer network and some system information
useful to network administrators.

A network is simply two or more computers connected (usually by a cable) so they may
share information. Networks within a single building are called LANs for Local Area
Network.

The benefit of networking is that you can move information easily between computers.
This ease of use enables some handy functionality, for example:
1. An effective file Back-up routine. File back-ups are essential if you want to retain
programs for future use. Any hard drive or floppy drive could fail. Having program files
backed up to a different location saves you from rewriting the programs from scratch if a
failure occurs.
2. An easy way to import CAD/CAM or DXF files from other computers.

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