Re: BTR / Fanuc tape drive interfaces

--- In CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO@y..., "davebowl" <davebowl@y...> wrote:

>If there is
> interest, I'd like to try to market an open source BTR interface cable
> and software in the $150 to $200 price range.

Most Fanuc controls from 6T/6M then 10 and O(oh) models forward have
an RS-232 interface. The 7/9/ odd balls were I think someone posted
recently Seimens and are not too common in the US.

There is a reason that most BTR's cost $500 and up. It's not the $10
worth of parts and wire. It's support for people that can plug one in
but can't configure ProCom or HyperTerminal.

Also the configuration is controlled by the tape reader model, and
not the Controller. The controllers can have one of several possible
tape readers installed, and each will have different timing, electrical
characteristics, proprietary connectors, and even character sets (ISO vs EIA).

Good luck!

Fred Smith - IMService

P.S. I have a pair of Fanuc 5T and a GE 550 commercial BTRs for sale. The Fanuc cost me $500(Marsh Eng I think) and the GE was $995 (Rybett). They will be on Ebay next week unless somebody makes me an offer I can't refuse. ;-)