NC editor and communications reference
An editor can be used to review the NC program after post processing.
The editor included with the system is called Brackets. This editor is Open Source and is available to run in a cross-platform environment. The Brackets editor is a good choice for us to include since Fusion runs on both the Windows and Mac environments.
When you post process your program the Editor will open automatically, allowing you to review the NC program. This is also a convenient time to save your program to a portable device, like a flash drive or disk, for transporting to the machine. Brackets does not include RS232 communications capability
There are a number of 3rd party editors available, many of which have RS232 communications capabilities. Some are free and some are available for a fee. If you have a favorite editor, you can make it the default by changing the Preferences.
In the top-right corner, on the Application bar, click My Profile, then select Preferences.
In the Preferences dialog, from the list on the left, select General - Manufacture, the select the External editor of your choice.
3rd party editors and communication
Here is a short list of editors available for both the Windows and Mac OS. Some have options for RS232 communications. Many include backplotting capabilities.
This is not an endorsement of these products.
| Product | Editor | RS232 | Cost | OS | Web site |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cimco | x | available | $$ to $$$ | Win | https://www.cimco.com/ |
| Predator | x | available | free to $$$ | Win | https://www.predator-software.com/Predator_Software.htm |
| DNC Software LTD | x | available | -$ to $$$ | Win | https://www.pronc.com/matrix.php |
| NotePad++ | x | n/a | donations | Win | https://notepad-plus-plus.org/ |
| Visual Studio Code | x | n/a | free | Win/Mac | https://code.visualstudio.com/ |
| NC Viewer | x | n/a | free | Win/Mac | https://apps.autodesk.com/FUSION/en/Home/Index |
| Sublime | x | n/a | -$ | Win/Mac | https://www.sublimetext.com/3 |
| UGS | x | yes | donations | Win/Mac | https://winder.github.io/ugs_website/ |
| Serial | yes | -$ | Mac | https://www.decisivetactics.com/products/serial/ | |
| goSerial | yes | donations | Mac | https://www.furrysoft.de/?page=goserial |
Cost Legend: -$ = Under $100, $= $100-$200, $$= $200-$300, $$$= $300 and up. General cost information is included for reference only.
RS232 interface cable information
Modern computers generally do not have RS232 ports. You will probably need to purchase a USB to RS232 adapter. RS232 ports can be 25 pin or 9 pin configurations. Many CNC machines will have 25 pin RS232 connectors, but the USB/RS232 adapters will probably have 9 pins. The professional communications packages listed above may also offer information on the cable required to connect your computer to the machine.