View source for Benderlink for MiiC

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Benderlink for MiiC is designed to communicate with MiiC benders that have been fitted with the MiiC legacy protocol called "MiiC BSC."

===Updates Page===
* See the [[Benderlink for MiiC Version Updates]] Page



===File Data Handled by Benderlink===
Benderlink for MiiC handles to file formats:

# 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.

====Benderlink for MiiC Format====
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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.)

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====Supravision File Data Format====
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=====Can Benderlink handle both XYZ and Bender Data in Supravision?=====
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'''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.
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=====Any other data in Supravision format?=====
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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.
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=====What happens at import of the Supravision Data File?=====
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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.
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=====[[TubeCAD Pro]] Supravision File Output Sample=====
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[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.
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===Specific Features===
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<b>CONNECTS TO MEASURING CENTERS</b>
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Connects directly to measuring centers using the '''[[Supravision]] Network''' protocol.<br><br>
Connects directly to measuring centers using the '''Eaton Leonard [[Laservision]]''' protocol.
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<b>ENABLES MEASURING CENTER CORRECTIONS LOOP</b>
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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>
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<b>PROVIDES CLEAR COMMUNICATION STATUS FEEDBACK</b>
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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.
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<b>EDIT BENDER DATA</b>
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Enter and modify XYZ data, convert to PRB (bender) data, modify PRB data. MiiC parameter data and production data variables can also be edited.
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<b>SAVE/LOAD MIIC DATA FILES</b>
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MiiC data can be saved and recalled from your hard drive, backed up to CD-ROM, network, or anywhere.
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<B>SAVE/LOAD SUPRAVISION FILE DATA FOR CONVERSION TO MIIC</b>
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Supravision files can be imported and converted to MiiC format. MiiC data can also be exported to Supravision files.
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===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.
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===MiiC bender data storage - using Benderlink for MiiC to Replace Aging Tape Drives===

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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.

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.

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.

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===Upgrading MiiC Benders===
Standard MiiC benders do not come with the communications protocol installed.  They require on-site installation by a MiiC technician.<br><br>

===Long Distance communication===
[[image:blink_ethernet_module_vector_benderside_600.jpg|200px]]<br><br>
For cable distances greater than 50 feet, we recommend that you use our [[Benderlink Ethernet Module]] technology.<br><br>

==More Information==
More information about Benderlink for MiiC can be found at [http://advancedtubular.com/blink_miic.htm The Advanced Tubular website]

* [[Benderlink for MiiC Version Updates]] Page
* [http://www.advancedtubular.com/blink_miic.htm Benderlink for MiiC] Main Page
* [[Benderlink Ethernet Module]] for long-distance communication