Difference between revisions of "Benderlink for MiiC"

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[[image:Blinkmiic_logo.jpg]]
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<table>
[[image:BlinkMiic.jpg|300px|right]]
+
<tr cellpadding=10>
 +
<td width=300>
 +
[[image:Blinkmiic_logo.jpg|300px]]
 +
Connect to MiiC Benders, edit data, send solid models, save the MiiC data to your computer using the '''MiiC BSC protocol'''.<br>
 +
</td>
 +
<td width=400>
 +
[[image:benderlink_miic_v5.png|400px]]
 +
</td>
 +
</tr>
 +
</table>
 +
 
 +
[[image:miic_bender.png|300px]]
  
 
__NOTOC__
 
__NOTOC__
  
Benderlink for MiiC is designed to communicate with MiiC benders that have been fitted with the MiiC legacy protocol called "MiiC BSC."  (MiiC benders do not come with the protocol installed.  They require on-site installation by a MiiC technician.)<br><br>
 
  
 +
__TOC__
  
===File Data Handled by Benderlink===
 
Benderlink for MiiC handles to file formats:
 
  
# Benderlink for MiiC (native file format to Benderlink)
+
===Quick Links===
# [[Supravision]] File (Software used in Romer measuring centers)
+
<table>
 +
<tr>
 +
<td width = 400>
 +
* See the [[Benderlink for MiiC Version Updates]] Page<br><br>
 +
* See the [[Benderlink for MiiC Software Maintenance Plan]] Page<br><br>
 +
</td>
 +
</tr>
 +
</table>
  
These files can be loaded through menu commands or using drag and drop of files.
+
=Features=
 +
<table border="0" cellpadding="10" cellspacing="5" width=600>
  
====Benderlink for MiiC Format====
+
<tr valign="top">
<ul>
+
<td width=300>
 +
<b>CONNECTS TO MEASURING CENTERS TO ENABLE CORRECTIONS LOOPS</b>
 +
<br><br>
 +
Connect to [[VTube-LASER]] with a [[FARO]] Arm using the [[Supravision]] Network protocol.
 +
<br><br>
 +
Connect to a [[Laservision]] arm using the Eaton Leonard Legacy Current Loop protocol.
 +
<br><br>
 +
This feature allows the measuring center to make direct corrections to the MiiC bender data to adjust the machine automatically.
 +
</td>
 +
<td width=300>             
 +
[[image:vtube-laser_logo_1.96.png|300px|link=VTube-LASER]]<br><br>
 +
[[image:vector_tube_data_center_logo.jpg|300px]]<br>
 +
</td>
 +
</tr>
  
Benderlink for MiiC also has our own file format designed for storage of all the data on the MiiC control. (The Supravision file format will not save all options in the MiiC data - only the basics listed above.)
+
<tr>
 +
<td>
 +
<b>PROVIDES CLEAR COMMUNICATION STATUS FEEDBACK</b>
 +
<br><br>
 +
The Benderlink user-interface displays the status of communications. The program provides feedback for the type of measuring center being used, the status of communications, and translation status.
 +
</td>
 +
<td>
 +
[[image:Benderlink_MiiC_Laservision_Communication.png|300px]]
 +
</td>
 +
</tr>
  
</ul>
+
<tr>
 +
<td>
 +
<b>EDIT BENDER DATA</b><br><br>
 +
Enter and modify XYZ data, convert to PRB (bender) data, modify PRB data. MiiC parameter data and production data variables can also be edited.
 +
</td>
 +
<td>
 +
[[image:BlinkMiicEdit.png|300px]]
 +
</td>
 +
</tr>
  
 +
<tr>
 +
<td>
 +
<b>SAVE/LOAD MIIC DATA FILES</b>
 +
</td>
 +
<td>
 +
MiiC data can be saved and recalled from your hard drive, backed up to CD-ROM, network, or anywhere.
 +
</td>
 +
</tr>
  
 +
<tr>
 +
<td>
 +
<B>SAVE/LOAD SUPRAVISION FILE DATA FOR CONVERSION TO MIIC</b>
 +
</td>
 +
<td>
 +
Supravision files can be imported and converted to MiiC format. MiiC data can also be exported to Supravision files.
 +
</td>
 +
</tr>
 +
</table>
  
====Supravision Format====
+
===Using Benderlink for MiiC to Replace Tape and Floppy Disk Drives===
<ul>
+
=====Can Benderlink handle both XYZ and Bender Data in Supravision?=====
+
*YES to BOTH - if they are present. The Supravision file format can have either XYZ data or BENDER data or BOTH.
+
  
The XYZ data can be used to invert the bend program or recalculate the straights in the bender data.
+
<table>
 +
<tr valign=top>
 +
<td width=400>
 +
MiiC tape and floppy drives, like all electromechanical devices, tend to wear out over time. Customers say that they are not easily replaced with the new tape drives as the tape drives are becoming more difficult to find. The MiiC benders are outlasting the MiiC tape drives.
  
Even though the MiiC BMC protocol allows XYZ data to be sent to the MiiC, not all MiiCs will actually take the XYZ data in.
+
Customers are using our Benderlink for MiiC software to solve the problem of the aging tape drives. Benderlink for Miic is excellent for data storage. The data that is transferred from the MiiC is stored on the computer hard drive.
  
MiiC reliably takes in the most important data: The PRB (bender) data.
+
In one application we installed, there are four MiiC benders connected through wireless connection to a central Benderlink computer. The customer sends Supravision files created by Tubecad to a central location on the network. The MiiC operators then import the Supravision data into Benderlink for MiiC, then send the new data out to one of the four MiiC benders.
  
=====Any other data in Supravision format?=====
+
After the program is completely setup (with wedges and options), the operator then uses Benderlink for MiiC to transfer the final setup to the disk of the Benderlink computer.
*The SV file format also includes other items that may be in the file. For example, the part number, the tube diameter, the tube length are all usually in the file. This data is imported into Benderlink for MiiC also.
+
  
=====What happens at import of the Supravision Data File?=====
+
<br><br>
*When Benderlink for Miic imports the Supravision data, a conversion to the MiiC bender format is automatic. This allows the operator to view, further edit, and then send the imported data directly to a MiiC bender.
+
 
 +
</td>
 +
<td>
 +
 
 +
</td>
 +
</tr>
 +
</table>
 +
 
 +
=MiiC Control Setup for RS-232 Communications=
 +
The MiiC controls don't come with communications enabled by default, so this option needs to be enabled by the MiiC technicians.
 +
 
 +
* The '''MiiC BSC protocol''' should be enabled.
 +
* The MiiC control needs a physical DB25 port installed if it is not present. These come on plug in cards.
 +
* The protocol should use a communications '''parity''' of NONE.
  
=====[[TubeCAD Pro]] Supravision File Output Sample=====
 
*[http://www.advancedtubular.com/tcadpro/tubecad_sv_output.$$$ Click here] to download a sample Supravision file created by [[TubeCAD Pro]]. Use it to test conversion to other software that read Supravision files.
 
</ul>
 
 
<br><br>
 
<br><br>
 +
[[image:miic_bsc_db25female.png|200px]]
  
 +
<br><br>
 +
 +
=How to Put a MiiC Into Remote Communications Mode and Start Communications=
 +
[[image:miic_bender.png|200px]]
 +
<table>
 +
<tr valign=top>
 +
<td width=300>
 +
====STEP 1 - TAPE / PRINT====
 +
On the MiiC keypad, press TAPE / PRINT button:
 +
</td>
 +
<td>
 +
[[image:MiiC_Bender_Console_TapePrint.png|300px]]
 +
</td>
 +
</tr>
 +
 +
<tr valign=top>
 +
<td width=300>
 +
====STEP 2 - PIPE READER INTERFACE====
 +
Enter the PIPE READER INTERFACE.  Pres "5" or "7" depending on the bender model:
 +
</td>
 +
<td>
 +
[[image:MiiC_Bender_Console_ChoosePipeReaderInterface.png|300px]]
 +
</td>
 +
</tr>
 +
 +
<tr valign=top>
 +
<td width=300>
 +
====STEP 3 - FILE NUMBER====
 +
Choose a File number 1 through 4 to indicate which File in memory Benderlink should communicate with:
 +
</td>
 +
<td>
 +
[[image:MiiC_Bender_Console_ChooseFile1Through4.png|300px]]
 +
</td>
 +
</tr>
 +
 +
<tr valign=top>
 +
<td width=300>
 +
====STEP 4 - BENDERLINK====
 +
In Benderlink, select the bender number and start the communications:
 +
</td>
 +
<td>
 +
[[image:benderlink_miic_v5_communications_banner.png|300px]]
 +
</td>
 +
</tr>
 +
</table>
  
===Specific Features===
 
<table width="100%"  border="0" cellpadding="10" cellspacing="5">
 
          <tr>
 
            <td width="44%"><span class="style6">Other Specifications </span></td>
 
            <td width="56%">&nbsp;</td>
 
          </tr>
 
          <tr>
 
            <td valign="top"><p><font size="2"><b><font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif">TRANSLATES SUPRAVISION DATA</font></b></font></p>
 
              <blockquote>
 
                <p><font size="2"><font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif">Connects directly to measuring centers using the MIIC / BSC protocol. </font></font></p>
 
            </blockquote></td>
 
            <td><img src="images/blink_miic/BlinkMiic_200.jpg" width="200" height="175" border="0"></td>
 
          </tr>
 
          <tr>
 
            <td><p><font size="2" face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif"><b><i>FAST</i> BI-DIRECTIONAL COMMUNICATIONS</b></font></p>
 
              <blockquote>
 
                <p><font size="2" face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif">Each bi-directional transmission takes only a few seconds.</font></p>
 
            </blockquote></td>
 
            <td>&nbsp;</td>
 
          </tr>
 
          <tr>
 
            <td><p><font size="2" face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif"><b>ENABLES MEASURING CENTER CORRECTIONS LOOP</b></font></p>
 
              <blockquote>
 
                <p><font size="2" face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif">Translates corrections data between tube measuring centers and the MiiC bender. <i>This feature allows the measuring center to make direct corrections to the MiiC bender data to adjust the machine automatically.</i></font> </p>
 
            </blockquote></td>
 
            <td>&nbsp;</td>
 
          </tr>
 
          <tr>
 
            <td><p><font size="2" face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif"><b>PROVIDES CLEAR COMMUNICATION STATUS FEEDBACK</b></font></p>
 
              <blockquote>
 
                <p><font size="2" face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif">The Benderlink user-interface displays the status of communications. The program provides feedback for the type of measuring center being used, the status of communications, and translation status.</font> </p>
 
            </blockquote></td>
 
            <td><img src="images/blink_miic/status_200.jpg" width="200" height="105" border="0"></td>
 
          </tr>
 
          <tr>
 
            <td><p><font size="2" face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif"><b><i>EASY</i> USER SETUP</b></font></p>
 
              <blockquote>
 
                <p><font size="2" face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif">Benderlink provides a single-menu setup display for easy access to Benderlink configuration.</font> </p>
 
            </blockquote></td>
 
            <td><img src="images/blink_miic/tabs_200.jpg" width="200" height="23" border="0"></a></td>
 
          </tr>
 
          <tr>
 
            <td><p><font size="2" face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif"><b>EDIT BENDER DATA</b></font></p>
 
              <blockquote>
 
                <p><font size="2" face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif">Enter and modify XYZ data, convert to PRB (bender) data, modify PRB data. MiiC parameter data and production data variables can also be edited. </font></p>
 
            </blockquote></td>
 
            <td><a href="images/blink_miic/BlinkMiicEdit.jpg"><img src="images/blink_miic/BlinkMiicEdit_200.jpg" width="200" height="137" border="0"></a></td>
 
          </tr>
 
          <tr>
 
            <td><p><font size="2" face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif"><b>SAVE/LOAD MIIC DATA FILES</b></font></p>
 
              <blockquote>
 
                <p><font size="2" face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif">MiiC data can be saved and recalled from your hard drive, backed up to CD-ROM, network, or anywhere. </font></p>
 
            </blockquote></td>
 
            <td><a href="images/blink_miic/open_benderlink_file.jpg"><img src="images/blink_miic/open_benderlink_file_200.jpg" width="200" height="200" border="0"></a></td>
 
          </tr>
 
          <tr>
 
            <td><p><font size="2" face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif"><B>SAVE/LOAD SUPRAVISION FILE DATA FOR CONVERSION TO MIIC</b></font></p>
 
              <blockquote>
 
                <p><font size="2" face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif">Supravision files can be imported and converted to MiiC format. MiiC data can also be exported to Supravision files. </font></p>
 
            </blockquote></td>
 
            <td><a href="images/blink_miic/open_sv_file.jpg"><img src="images/blink_miic/open_sv_file_200.jpg" width="200" height="200" border="0"></a></td>
 
          </tr>
 
        </table>
 
  
===Benderlink for MiiC Laservision Support===
 
Laservision is an Eaton Leonard measuring center. Benderlink for MiiC now supports LASERVISION for communications to MiiC benders using the MiiC BSC protocol.
 
 
<br><br>
 
<br><br>
  
===MiiC bender data storage - using Benderlink for MiiC to Replace Aging Tape Drives===
+
==Long Distance Communication Hardware==
  
[[image:BlinkMiicEdit.jpg|300px|right]]
+
<table>
There's nothing intrinsically wrong with MiiC tape drives. However, they, like all electromechanical devices, wear out over time. Customers say that they are not easily replaced with the new tape drives as the tape drives are becoming more difficult to find. The MiiC benders are outlasting the MiiC tape drives.
+
<tr valign=top>
 +
<td width=300>
 +
For cable distances greater than 50 feet, we recommend that you use our [[Benderlink Ethernet Module]] technology.<br><br>
 +
</td>
 +
<td>
 +
[[image:blink_ethernet_module_vector_benderside_600.jpg|200px]]<br><br>
 +
</td>
 +
</tr>
 +
</table>
 +
<br><br>
  
Our customers are using our Benderlink for MiiC software to solve the problem of the aging tape drives. Benderlink for Miic is excellent for data storage. The data that is transferred from the MiiC is stored on the computer hard drive.
 
  
In one application we installed, there are four MiiC benders connected through wireless connection to a central Benderlink computer. The customer sends Supravision files created by Tubecad to a central location on the network. The MiiC operators then import the Supravision data into Benderlink for MiiC, then send the new data out to one of the four MiiC benders.
+
==Details on File Data Handled by Benderlink==
 +
<table>
 +
<tr>
 +
<td width = 400>
 +
Benderlink for MiiC handles to file formats:
  
After the program is completely setup (with wedges and options), the operator then uses Benderlink for MiiC to transfer the final setup to the disk of the Benderlink computer.
+
# Benderlink for MiiC (native file format to Benderlink)
 +
# [[Supravision]] File (Software used in Romer measuring centers)
 +
 
 +
These files can be loaded through menu commands or using drag and drop of files.
 +
</tr>
 +
</table>
 +
<br>
 +
 
 +
 
 +
===Benderlink for MiiC Project File Format===
 +
<table>
 +
<tr>
 +
<td width = 400>
 +
Benderlink for MiiC also has our own file format designed for storage of all the data on the MiiC control. (The Supravision file format will not save all options in the MiiC data - only the basics listed above.)
 +
</tr>
 +
</table>
 +
<br>
 +
 
 +
====Supravision File Data Format====
 +
=====Can Benderlink handle both XYZ and Bender Data in Supravision?=====
 +
<table>
 +
<tr>
 +
<td width = 400>
 +
'''YES to BOTH''' - if they are present. The Supravision file format can have either XYZ data or BENDER data or BOTH.
 +
 
 +
The XYZ data can be used to invert the bend program or recalculate the straights in the bender data.
 +
 
 +
Even though the MiiC BMC protocol allows XYZ data to be sent to the MiiC, not all MiiCs will actually take the XYZ data in. 
 +
 
 +
MiiC reliably takes in the most important data: The PRB (bender) data.
 +
</td>
 +
</tr>
 +
</table>
 +
 
 +
=====Any other data in Supravision format?=====
 +
<table>
 +
<tr>
 +
<td width = 400>
 +
 
 +
The SV file format also includes other items that may be in the file. For example, the part number, the tube diameter, the tube length are all usually in the file. This data is imported into Benderlink for MiiC also.
 +
</td>
 +
</tr>
 +
</table>
 +
 
 +
=====What happens at import of the Supravision Data File?=====
 +
<table>
 +
<tr>
 +
<td width = 400>
 +
When Benderlink for Miic imports the Supravision data, a conversion to the MiiC bender format is automatic. This allows the operator to view, further edit, and then send the imported data directly to a MiiC bender.
 +
</td>
 +
</tr>
 +
</table>
  
 
<br><br>
 
<br><br>
Line 133: Line 250:
 
* [[Benderlink for MiiC Version Updates]] Page
 
* [[Benderlink for MiiC Version Updates]] Page
 
* [http://www.advancedtubular.com/blink_miic.htm Benderlink for MiiC] Main Page
 
* [http://www.advancedtubular.com/blink_miic.htm Benderlink for MiiC] Main Page
 +
* [[Benderlink Ethernet Module]] for long-distance communication
 +
* [[Benderlink for MiiC Software Maintenance Plan]] page

Latest revision as of 17:41, 31 August 2022

Blinkmiic logo.jpg Connect to MiiC Benders, edit data, send solid models, save the MiiC data to your computer using the MiiC BSC protocol.

Benderlink miic v5.png

Miic bender.png



Contents


Quick Links

Features

CONNECTS TO MEASURING CENTERS TO ENABLE CORRECTIONS LOOPS

Connect to VTube-LASER with a FARO Arm using the Supravision Network protocol.

Connect to a Laservision arm using the Eaton Leonard Legacy Current Loop protocol.

This feature allows the measuring center to make direct corrections to the MiiC bender data to adjust the machine automatically.

Vtube-laser logo 1.96.png

Vector tube data center logo.jpg

PROVIDES CLEAR COMMUNICATION STATUS FEEDBACK

The Benderlink user-interface displays the status of communications. The program provides feedback for the type of measuring center being used, the status of communications, and translation status.

Benderlink MiiC Laservision Communication.png

EDIT BENDER DATA

Enter and modify XYZ data, convert to PRB (bender) data, modify PRB data. MiiC parameter data and production data variables can also be edited.

BlinkMiicEdit.png

SAVE/LOAD MIIC DATA FILES

MiiC data can be saved and recalled from your hard drive, backed up to CD-ROM, network, or anywhere.

SAVE/LOAD SUPRAVISION FILE DATA FOR CONVERSION TO MIIC

Supravision files can be imported and converted to MiiC format. MiiC data can also be exported to Supravision files.

Using Benderlink for MiiC to Replace Tape and Floppy Disk Drives

MiiC tape and floppy drives, like all electromechanical devices, tend to wear out over time. Customers say that they are not easily replaced with the new tape drives as the tape drives are becoming more difficult to find. The MiiC benders are outlasting the MiiC tape drives.

Customers are using our Benderlink for MiiC software to solve the problem of the aging tape drives. Benderlink for Miic is excellent for data storage. The data that is transferred from the MiiC is stored on the computer hard drive.

In one application we installed, there are four MiiC benders connected through wireless connection to a central Benderlink computer. The customer sends Supravision files created by Tubecad to a central location on the network. The MiiC operators then import the Supravision data into Benderlink for MiiC, then send the new data out to one of the four MiiC benders.

After the program is completely setup (with wedges and options), the operator then uses Benderlink for MiiC to transfer the final setup to the disk of the Benderlink computer.



MiiC Control Setup for RS-232 Communications

The MiiC controls don't come with communications enabled by default, so this option needs to be enabled by the MiiC technicians.

  • The MiiC BSC protocol should be enabled.
  • The MiiC control needs a physical DB25 port installed if it is not present. These come on plug in cards.
  • The protocol should use a communications parity of NONE.



Miic bsc db25female.png



How to Put a MiiC Into Remote Communications Mode and Start Communications

Miic bender.png

STEP 1 - TAPE / PRINT

On the MiiC keypad, press TAPE / PRINT button:

MiiC Bender Console TapePrint.png

STEP 2 - PIPE READER INTERFACE

Enter the PIPE READER INTERFACE. Pres "5" or "7" depending on the bender model:

MiiC Bender Console ChoosePipeReaderInterface.png

STEP 3 - FILE NUMBER

Choose a File number 1 through 4 to indicate which File in memory Benderlink should communicate with:

MiiC Bender Console ChooseFile1Through4.png

STEP 4 - BENDERLINK

In Benderlink, select the bender number and start the communications:

Benderlink miic v5 communications banner.png




Long Distance Communication Hardware

For cable distances greater than 50 feet, we recommend that you use our Benderlink Ethernet Module technology.

Blink ethernet module vector benderside 600.jpg




Details on File Data Handled by Benderlink

Benderlink for MiiC handles to file formats:

  1. Benderlink for MiiC (native file format to Benderlink)
  2. Supravision File (Software used in Romer measuring centers)

These files can be loaded through menu commands or using drag and drop of files.



Benderlink for MiiC Project File Format

Benderlink for MiiC also has our own file format designed for storage of all the data on the MiiC control. (The Supravision file format will not save all options in the MiiC data - only the basics listed above.)


Supravision File Data Format

Can Benderlink handle both XYZ and Bender Data in Supravision?

YES to BOTH - if they are present. The Supravision file format can have either XYZ data or BENDER data or BOTH.

The XYZ data can be used to invert the bend program or recalculate the straights in the bender data.

Even though the MiiC BMC protocol allows XYZ data to be sent to the MiiC, not all MiiCs will actually take the XYZ data in.

MiiC reliably takes in the most important data: The PRB (bender) data.

Any other data in Supravision format?

The SV file format also includes other items that may be in the file. For example, the part number, the tube diameter, the tube length are all usually in the file. This data is imported into Benderlink for MiiC also.

What happens at import of the Supravision Data File?

When Benderlink for Miic imports the Supravision data, a conversion to the MiiC bender format is automatic. This allows the operator to view, further edit, and then send the imported data directly to a MiiC bender.



More Information

More information about Benderlink for MiiC can be found at The Advanced Tubular website