How to use kfloppy to load/unload software from a/to Fanuc P100 RH Controller

[VictorPesero]

 

We buy and old Fanuc P100 RH. There were some issues with the wiring, once we re wired it was necessary to load software again, but our tape disk driver is not working (I already bought 2 from eBay but I am not sure they will work correctly). I found that it is possible to establish communication from the controller and a PC using Kfloppy. I have the software but I do not know how to use, does somebody could help me?

[anonymous]

There are a few variations of the software: KFLOPPY and KFLOPPYT. Also, there was another executable named KFDCOPY which also made your DOS-based PC look like a FANUC disk drive. Which one do you have and plan to use?

The first step, of course, is just to get the software running on your PC. Have you ran the software on your PC?

You'll need a null modem cable (which you can build) or a serial cable with the appropriate connectors and a null modem adaptor. Your PC naturally requires a serial port.

To install software on the RH controller using a disk drive emulator you need a second PC to type commands in order to initialize the RH controller's bubble or CMOS memory and to perform the actual software install.

I am guessing you have and want to install KAREL Spray Application Software (KSAS) on the controller.

[VictorPesero]

In fact I have both Kfloppy and Kfloppyt.
I am woking with a hyperterminal and I already initilize the CMOS memory. Firts time I tried to used a tape disk drive unit but it didn;t work (showed CMOs Error 013) so I bougth two more units from Ebay.
Once I got them, is showed Error 36 (no system software saved on storage device) and Error 45 (Controller is not bootable), but once I started changing devices I noticed that even if there isn't any connected it showed exactly same errors.
Now I tried everything I could, but I don't know how to proceed. So I found this software but I am writing on my hyperterminal but when I try to run auto or load it is not responding.

Thanks!

[anonymous]

Are you at the BMON> prompt when you RUN AUTO, with Robot Configuration Software diskette in PC running emulation software?

With KFLOPPY or KFLOPPYT executing (emulating), can you generate a directory of the logged path (on the PC running the floppy emulator software) from the KCL> prompt on the PC running hyperterminal (emulating VT220)?

[VictorPesero]

Yes, I am at BMON>
but I never got a response from the Kfloppy / kfloppyt. That's why I try to conect a Fanuc tape disk drive as a device in order to just insert the disks.
I am not sure if I am using the right cable in the second PC.

[anonymous]

You need to use a null modem cable or null modem adaptor attached to a serial cable with the PCs.

Use some caution connecting to the serial port on the controller, as pin 25 in the RS-232-C port and CRT/KB port is +24Vdc for powering a FANUC disk drive or CRT/KB device.

Is there other software installed on your PC that uses the serial port?

Here is a schematic if you need to make a cable:

          ROBOT                                            PC
25 pin male connector                9 pin female connector
                       
   2    <--------------------------------------<   2
                       
   3    <--------------------------------------<   3
                       
   7    <--------------------------------------<   5

   6     >--|                                |--<   1
               |                                | 
   8     >--|                                |--<   4
               |                                |
   20   >--|                                |--<   6

   4    >--|                                |--<   7
              |                                |
   5    >--|                                |--<   8

[VictorPesero]

Thanks for your help, I started to transmit files using kfloppy, but now when the system ask for Insert System utility disk and press F1, it is not responding.
I am not sure if I need to set up something in order to recognize F1 of if there is any problem with my disk.

[murrellr]

You need to map the VT-220 F1 key to a PC key with your terminal emulator.  Most terminal emulators map this key to the PC's F5 key.

[VictorPesero]

I change my terminal emulator and now it is working, but it not responding. I change the terminal emulator but kfloppy its only transferring 740 bits and it stops, I dont see any error on both screens (kfloppy & emulator) but it has been on that screen for most that 3 hrs.
Please see attached pictures.

[anonymous]

I see you have error logging turned on (KFLOPPY).

Have you looked at the "kfloppy.log" file. It's just ASCII text, so you can view it with notepad.exe.

Make sure the screen savers don't activate on either PC when installing software.

[VictorPesero]

Thanks! now it is working!!!

Software that I am trying to load is from a Level I controller, but our "new" robot is a level II controller, can I use same disk? or do I need to get a different disk?

Thanks!

Victor pesero

[anonymous]

You use the same disks.

Near the end of the basic software load, before loading any options, you run a specific command procedure based on whether it's a Level I or Level II controller.

[VictorPesero]

Thanks to everybody! Now it is working... well showing hardware errors but at least it is going forward!!

I really appreciate your support!!!