PC Configuration - ZX A

PC network configuration of the original ZX3 / 4

Manual-ZX4_Operation_Manual_ZX4.png

Summary

Setup follows the format of two independent machines with independent control systems - MH (Multi-Head) side and saw side. The MH side is a more powerful Industrial PC with Hard drive running an early Windows OS. The Saw side PC is a much smaller DOS based system, containing DOS boot and network software to map a drive and run its control software from a shared directory on the MH side computer.

Both PCs have a network port and are connected through a 5 port switch located in the MH cabinet

Folder Structure

MH Setup Files	Saw Setup Files	MH Front End Software	Saw Front End Software
*.mul initialisation files c:\	*.saw initialisation files d:\	c:\multi.exe	d:\saw.exe

Saw Side PC

• Arcom ACEpc running DOS
• 8Mb Flash Drive containing ROM-DOS to boot up
• Uses NetBEUI or TCP-IP to share all setup data from MH side PC
• Maps d:\ to MH SAW shared directory for all control software
• Old units available for loan
• Instructions in dokit for re-flashing drive and programming TCP-IP https://stuga.dokit.app/wiki/Manual:ACE_PC
• Serial port COM1 used to send instructions to Smartmove/1 or Nextmove ESB Motion control card
• Serial Port COM2 used for printer
• Located in Saw console

MH Side PC

• Arcom APC running Windows 95 or 98
• IDE HDD
• Uses NetBEUI or TCP-IP to share all setup data from MH side PC and share a folder for batch writing
• Old units available for loan
• Contains Nextmove PC motion control card on ISA bus to control Machining centre axes and IO
• Located in a box next to machining centre door

Nextmove PC Card and Breakout Panel

The control signals for the machine are presented via a 100 way D connector at the back of the Nextmove card. A multicore cable connects this to the Breakout Board to allow individual wires and cables to be connected to axis drives, inputs and outputs.

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