Quote Originally Posted by rOCkit View Post
Hi Chris

Yes you can just update your PC without having to buy anything. The reason the software will not run on say windows 11 is that windows no longer supports .net framework 1.1 which is required to run the older AXYZ toolpath and DNC software. However the good news is you can still download a copy of .net framework 1.1 from various sources on the net. Windows will not let you install it so you have to do it via the DOS command prompt. again there are various sources on the net that explain how to do this. Once you have .net frameworks 1.1 installed all the software will work as normal on the latest windows OS. (windows 7 to 11)

I have not tired a aftermarket USB to RS485 so I do not know if it will work with DNC software it would be worth a try provided all
the wire pins match the original configuration. If you have the older type AXYZ USB to RS485 that is locked and will not accept the latest windows drivers. I have a found a way to unlock these so they will work with with windows 11 ..... beats paying £650 to buy something you already have.

Thanks
rOCKit
I have successfully used a cheap aftermarket USB to RS485 dongle. The secret is to ignore the red wire coming off of the AXYZ DSub 9 connector as that is 5 volts and will fry your dongle. I know this from experience!
All you need are the white and green wires which are TX and RX and the black which is ground. I had to flip the green and white after initially hooking them up in order to get them speaking properly but other than that the machine connected through Port 4 on my Windows 10pro Micro computer flawlessly.
Running DNC allows for the computer to "find" the machine and then using AMC File transfer you can install whatever nc code you wish to cut.
There is obviously more to it than just that and, as described above, you do need to install the .netframeworks 1.1 for any of this to work.
As for assigning which port to use on your laptop there are a plethora of instructional videos online that will guide you through that easily.
I use the post processor that comes within Fusion 360 and have had zero issues using my machine since.
If you're missing any software let me know as I may be able to help.
Ken