Specifications

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Southwestern Industries, Inc.
TRAK LPM Programming, Safety, & Operating Manual
3. An effective revision control. Having a single shared folder on the network enables
you to have a single location with all the latest versions of the programs.
Of course, the above functions are possible without a network by shuttling floppy disks
around. The reason to have a network is that it saves time. Once it is set up, you can do
repetitive functions without much work. For example, if a particular job requires you to
run a CAM file that you don’t have on the ProtoTRAK already, going to the pre-arranged
networked location using the Program In/Out of the PMX gets you going right away.
Without networking, someone has to make you a disk with the file on it. Another
example is program file back-ups. With networking, you can back-up with a simple
routine in the Program In/Out Mode. Without networking, you must have a good system
for managing floppy disks, including labeling, storage and retrieving program files. You
are more likely to do regular back ups if the process is easier.
Networking can be tricky. If you do not have experience setting up a network, be
warned. Computer companies haven’t done for networks what we have done for CNCs.
Getting everything to work properly can require hours of troubleshooting, even for
experts. There are instructions below to guide you through the most basic case of
establishing a peer-to-peer network. Beyond that, you should consult a qualified
Network Administrator.
Virus Protection:
As a device, ProtoTRAK CNCs are not generally susceptible to viral infections. The part
“programs” they run are non-executable text files. You can further assure protection by
avoiding e-mail programs and web browser programs loaded onto the ProtoTRAK and by
using a router with a firewall. An anti-virus program is not necessary since the virus risk
is low, and is not recommended because the background tasks may cause damage by
interfering with ProtoTRAK real-time operation.
Microsoft Updates:
Please note that the ProtoTRAK control is not designed to be automatically downloading
updates from Microsoft, or for that matter any 3
rd
party software. There is only a limited
amount of free space on the compact flash card, and downloading files to it until it is full
may result in the ProtoTRAK to stop working properly.
Also note, that administrators must exclude the ProtoTRAK from programs such as
Windows Server Update Service, where the software will automatically try to download
updates to the control.
14.12.1 A Basic Peer-To-Peer Network
Recommended Setup:
It is important to note that our ProtoTRAK control is not a full blown workstation. It is
not designed to hook up to the internet, download Microsoft updates, or run any
additional third party software in the background (not unless you want to sacrifice
machine performance). It is also not able to share its contents to the rest of the network.