iMac using Fusion 360 needs to connect to older machines that use RS232 inputs

[JonSchaeffer]

Anyone use an Apple computer to up load NC file to older Lathe that uses RS232 inputs?

Can I go and get cables that go from iMac USB and connect to the RS232 on the machine?

[RandyKopf]

This this is a duplicate post. @JonSchaeffer I don't have a MAC but did have the same problem with a PC that had no serial ports. Radio shack has a USB to RS232 cable that worked. My PC added it as a COM4 and I was good to go. The cable did not say it was for PC or for MAC so there is no reason it would not work. The Gigaware cable I bought was a USB to DB9 pin Serial Bestbuy has them and states they are compatable with both PC and MAC http://www.bestbuy.com/site/searchpage.jsp?id=pcat17071&st=usb+to+serial There are also cables that will convert from 9pin to 25pin if you need that. http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=432216 Hope this helps! Randy Kopf desktopartisan.blogspot.com

[rklopp]

I use a Prolific branded USB to to 9-pin serial adapter connected to a MacBook Air going through a null model (with some internal doctoring, as I recall) to talk to a 25-pin D serial connector on my old Deckel FP2NC with Dialog 4 control. I use the terminal emulator app "Serial" to talk to the Deckel. The communication is reliable at 2400 baud, less so at 9600 baud. I use 8-bit, no parity, and 1 stop bit with no traffic control. This is by far the easiest setup I have found for talking to the Deckel compared to several generations of old Windoze machines with built-in serial ports. The Serial app is comparatively idiot-proof. No more drinking around with COM port numbers or any of that drivel.

I have no problems sending the Deckel CAM output from the Fusion 360 post I have modified for the Deckel, and bringing g-code back from the Deckel for modification or archiving. (256k RAM only goes so far, after all.)