This page is available to answer frequently asked questions regarding our products. Please check back often as this page will be updated on an as needed basis. Thank You.

General Predator Questions

• Can we replace a lost or stolen Predator SIM at little or no cost?

Predator CNC Editor Questions

• Does the CNC Editor support DNC or dripfeed?

• Does the CNC Editor support long filenames?

• Can the CNC Editor communicate to multiple machines?

• Does the CNC Editor support Remote Request?

• What operating systems does the CNC Editor require?

• Is the CNC Editor 32-bit?

Predator DNC Questions

• What operating systems does Predator DNC require?

• Is Predator DNC 32-bit?

• Can I upgrade and add more ports later?

• What are DNC Objects?

• Why do I need DNC Objects?

• What is Mazatrol?

• Do I need need a Predator Mazatrol Object?

• Does Predator DNC with Mazatrol support Remote Request?

• Where can I find BTR setups?

• Where can I find CNC setups?

General Predator Questions

Can we replace a lost or stolen Predator SIM at little or no cost?
No, you will need to contact your insurance company and claim the loss. The loss of the Predator SIM is the loss of the license.  It can be replaced by purchasing another license at Predator's standard pricing. This is standard with software companies using SIMs as part of their licensing policy.

Predator CNC Editor Questions

Does CNC Editor support DNC or dripfeed?
Yes, the Predator CNC Editor does support DNC or dripfeed transfers of large CNC programs to almost all CNC controls including Allen Bradley, Cincinnati, Haas, Fanuc, Fadal, Mazak, Mitsubishi, and most other  CNC vendors.

NOTE: If a proprietary or special high speed protocol is required by the CNC the customer may have to upgrade to Predator DNC. Unlike the Predator CNC Editor, Predator DNC is designed to support proprietary and special high speed protocols. Special protocols include Mazatrol, Heidenhain, Bridgeport, Bostomatic, Okuma B, Fanuc A, etc.

Does CNC Editor support long filenames?
Yes, the Predator CNC Editor supports long filenames, long directory names, names with spaces, shared network drives, and UNC names. Refer to the following examples:

JOB 1234.NC

H:\CUSTOM PARTS\JOB 4567.NC

\\SERVER1\C\CNC PROGRAMS\PART No 1234-5678.NC

Can CNC Editor communicate to multiple machines?
Yes, the Predator CNC Editor supports an unlimited number of different machines. Each machine can have unique COM port, baud rate, and numerous other properties. The Predator CNC Editor supports switch boxes, intelligent switch boxes, and the entire line of Predator Flex series hardware.

NOTE: The Predator CNC Editor can only communicate to one machine at a time and is not designed for simultaneous multi-tasking operation to multiple machines. If this is desired upgrade to Predator DNC which is designed to support up to 256 machines simultaneously.

Does CNC Editor support Remote Request?
No. The Predator CNC Editor does not support Remote Request. Remote Request is available in Predator DNC. The feature allows operators to eliminate walking back and forth between PC and CNC, and request files from the CNC.

Which operating systems does CNC Editor require?
Windows 2000, XP or 2003 Server.

Is the Predator CNC Editor 32-bit?
Yes, CNC Editor is a 32-bit application.

Predator DNC Questions

What operating systems does Predator DNC require?
Windows 2000, XP or 2003 Server.

Is Predator DNC 32-bit?
Yes, Predator DNC has always been a 32-bit application since its introduction in 1995.

Can I upgrade and add more ports later?
Yes, numerous software upgrades are available from any level of Predator DNC. Hardware upgrades depend on each type of hardware. The entire Flex series of hardware is designed to add ports at any time and offers a very easy upgrade path.

What are DNC Objects?
DNC Objects are software options that extend Predator DNC for special customer applications. DNC Objects can add database, spreadsheet and email connectivity, improve high speed machining, offer greater lights out reliability, automatic error correction, and support for proprietary CNC controls. Predator DNC Objects support any RS-232 hardware including Flex series and PC COM ports. A DNC Object development kit is available for even further customization or integration.

Why do I need DNC Objects?
DNC Objects allow for special CNC requirements, while continuing to provide a seamless system integration. DNC Objects require Predator DNC and are priced per license, not per port.

What is Mazatrol?
Mazatrol is a proprietary conversational programming language that is standard on all Mazak mills and lathes. It is primarily used for 2 & 2 1/2 axis work and is especially popular for Mazak turning applications.

Do I need need a Predator Mazatrol Object?
The Predator Mazatrol object is included with Predator DNC to transfer Mazatrol programs. Typically a proprietary Mazak floppy drive is carried around the shop and is used for offline storage of Mazatrol programs. Predator DNC with the Mazatrol object allows up to 256 CNC's to load and save Mazatrol programs as well as EIA programs on to any Windows PC.

Does Predator DNC with Mazatrol support Remote Request?
Yes, Predator DNC does support Remote Request of both Mazatrol and EIA programs as long as the Mazak has the EIA option. Typically four remote request commands are defined, MLOAD, MSAVE, ELOAD and ESAVE. MLOAD and MSAVE support Mazatrol transfers. ELOAD and ESAVE are used for EIA transfers.

Where can I find the BTR Setups?
The BTR Setups are available on the Predator CD or our FTP site.

Where can I find the CNC Setups?
The CNC Setups are available on the Predator CD or our FTP site.