Specifications

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Southwestern Industries, Inc.
TRAK LPM Programming, Safety, & Operating Manual
14.12.4 General Information For Advanced Networks
The ProtoTRAK PMX CNC is a PC, but for setting up a network it is more useful to
think of it as a device such as a printer. While the ProtoTRAK has many similarities to a
desktop computer, it is different in that the use of the computer’s resources have been
optimized for running part programs and the resulting motor / sensor feedback in real
time. In order to avoid causing a slow-down or instability in the operating system of the
control, keep the following in mind when setting up the network:
- Do not use a resource-intensive networking program such as SMS. Use the
Windows™ XP utilities in the ProtoTRAK PMX instead.
- Avoid loading programs that direct background tasks. Some examples are e-mail, web
browsers and anti-virus programs.
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 PMX 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.
14.13 CAD/CAM and Post Processors
In addition to running G-code files, the ProtoTRAK PMX will also accept CAM files and
convert them into the ProtoTRAK events. This is a great advantage as it allows you to
have your CAD/CAM programmer send files to the machine that the machinist can then
work with in the familiar ProtoTRAK interface. The machinist can modify the program
as necessary without having to go back to the CAD/CAM programmer.
In order to be able to convert the program from a CAM system to a ProtoTRAK program
the CAM program must be two or 2½ axis. A 2½-axis program is defined as a program
where the Z axis is stationary while X and Y is moving. If you want to run a full three-
axis program, you should run a G Code, or .GCD program (see Section 14.11).
The above 2½-axis restriction does not mean that the ProtoTRAK is not capable of
running three-axis simultaneous programs written in ProtoTRAK events (as some ill-
informed competitors would have you believe). This restriction is a matter of
practicality. Because the ProtoTRAK allows you to program in part geometry and