Solving communicaiton errors (TB270) Checking PC Ethernet Network IP Address Settings

[martyscncgarage]

Update! 2-7-24. Keith Writes: TB270 "Solving CNC Communication Problems" has been updated here is the link. refresh your browser if you have previously downloaded this PDF so you can get the latest copy with a 1-31-24 date on it.

https://www.centroidcnc.com/dealersuppo ... ds/270.pdf


cnckeith writes: update! 11-13-23 TB309 has been updated to compliment the new Centroid CNC PC Tuner app.
https://www.centroidcnc.com/dealersuppo ... ds/309.pdf

a communications stress test is also included with every installation of CNC12. to after you get a good basic connection to Acorn be sure to run the com stress test g code program, instructions on how to do this are in the Acorn users manual. Page 23.
https://www.centroidcnc.com/centroid_di ... manual.pdf


I created this quickie video to help trouble shoot basic Ethernet communication between. Acorn and the CNCPC. The Centroid cnc software upon installation will automatically configure the ethernet port if you followed the quick start guide on the Acorn web page,http://www.centroidcnc.com/centroid_diy ... guide.html)

If you are still having ethernet issues this video shows you how to determine if the CNCPC ethernet port is working and then, if it is communicating with the Acorn CNC Controller. You can validate that your CNC PC's network address of 10.168.41.1 is configured properly. As well as to use Windows PING to test it and test communications with Acorn's fixed IP address of 10.168.41.2

If you are having problems, post which IP address (CNC PC or ACORN) you could not Ping in your post.
As always, BE SURE to follow Centroid's Windows 10 Setup video. Remember this is a motion controlling PC, not a gaming PC or to play Angry Birds on!



be sure to have windows setup properly.. https://centroidcncforum.com/viewtopic. ... s+10#p8872
no USB Ethernet adapters, use a shielded Ethernet cable, no anti virus software installed.

The Windows Ping Test is a great test to confirm basic Ethernet connection from the CNCPC to the
Centroid CNC controller card. It helps you quickly determine if there are any “big” connections issues between the CNCPC and the controller card. It however is not a definitive test. Just because the ping test reports good results does not mean the CNC system is free of communication errors. The ping test really just confirms at that moment that the two Ethernet ports are connected and communicating. CNCPC Communication errors can and do sometimes only occur when noise (electromagnetic energy) is introduced into the system or some software decides to interrupt the communication for some reason.

See Tech Bulletin #270 for detailed information on how to solve communication errors. https://www.centroidcnc.com/dealersuppo ... ds/270.pdf

and check and follow all the details in TB309
https://www.centroidcnc.com/dealersuppo ... ds/309.pdf

[cnckeith]

How to Ping Acorn CNC control board and CNCPC ethernet connection

The Windows Ping Test is a great test to confirm basic Ethernet connection from the CNCPC to the
Centroid CNC controller card. It helps you quickly determine if there are any “big” connections issues between the CNCPC and the controller card. It however is not a definitive test. Just because the ping test reports good results does not mean the CNC system is free of communication errors. The ping test really just confirms at that moment that the two Ethernet ports are connected and communicating. CNCPC Communication errors can and do sometimes only occur when noise (electromagnetic energy) is introduced into the system or some software decides to interrupt the communication for some reason. See Tech Bulletin #270 for detailed information on how to solve communication errors. https://www.centroidcnc.com/dealersuppo ... ds/270.pdf




Be sure to have windows setup properly.. https://centroidcncforum.com/viewtopic. ... s+10#p8872

always update the ethernet hardware driver directly from the manufacture (if possible) and update Windows to the latest release, then install CNC12 and bench test, do not use: USB Ethernet adapters, regular Ethernet cable, or any type of anti virus software (must be uninstalled).


Things that will cause com errors

1.) using a RJ45 a bulk head connector

2.) Using a regular non-shielded Ethernet cable or the shielded cable is bad, try another shielded cable as a test.

3.) Using a USB Ethernet adapter.

4.) Ethernet adapter drivers on CNC PC haven't been updated (use manufacture drivers is possible)

5.) ANY type of anti virus software installed, you can't just simply turn it off you have to uninstall it

6.) Windows fire wall blocking cncm.exe, cncr.exe, or cnct.exe

7.) Windows or Laptop bios power saving feature turning off the Ethernet adapter, Windows resetting the ip address automatically. Un select “Obtain an IP address automatically” in Windows ethernet adapter settings and select “ Use the following IP address”

and check and follow all the details in TB309
https://www.centroidcnc.com/dealersuppo ... ds/309.pdf

[cnckeith]

New video


found on this page.
https://www.centroidcnc.com/centroid_di ... guide.html

[cnckeith]

Updated Tech Bulletin #270 with detailed information on solving communication errors.

https://www.centroidcnc.com/dealersuppo ... ds/270.pdf

and updated TB309
https://www.centroidcnc.com/dealersuppo ... ds/309.pdf

[cnckeith]

Acorn CNC12 Version 4.80 has a new tool for solving com issues.
its a new g code macro program that stress tests the communication between the Acorn and the CNC PC.
The file is called "stressTest.cnc" and is located in the c:\cncm\ncfiles\ directory.
Load this program just like any other g code program and press cycle start to run the stress test.

[cnckeith]

Intel Ethernet driver advanced settings may need to be tweaked.
some intel ethernet adapters need a setting changed for them to work. under the advanced tab, "speed and duplex" was set to auto negotiate.

Change to 100Mbps half duplex.

and run the stress test again.

[cnckeith]

EEE settings for intel drivers covered in updated TB309 page 15
and check and follow all the details in TB309
https://www.centroidcnc.com/dealersuppo ... ds/309.pdf