Fanuc 18 CNC parameters and settings

Detailed DIY configuration details for Fanuc 18 CNCs

Fanuc 18 CNC - Communication Parameters

Verify the following within the Fanuc 18 CNC's Setting (Handy) screen

  • Punch Code = 1 (ISO)
  • TV Check = 0 (Off)
  • I/O = 0 (Channel 1)

Verify the following within the Fanuc 18 CNC's System (Param) screen

Parameter Value Description
101 Bit 0 0 1 Stop Bits
101 Bit 0 1 2 Stop Bits
101 Bit 3 0 EIA or ISO automatic detection
102 0 RS232 use DC Codes
103 8 1200 Baud
103 9 2400 Baud
103 10 4800 Baud
103 11 9600 Baud
103 12 19200 Baud
110 Bit 0 0 Optionally Unifies I/O Channels

NOTE: The above parameters affect RS232 communications. For a complete list of Fanuc 18 CNC paremeters refer to the Fanuc 18 documentation.

Procedure for changing Fanuc 18 CNC parameter(s)

At the Fanuc 18 CNC step through the following:

  1. Select MDI mode via rotary dial or button
  2. Press the SETTINGS key
  3. Change Parameter Write to 1 (the Fanuc 18 CNC will alarm)
  4. Take a picture of the current Fanuc 18 parameter(s)
  5. Change one or more Fanuc 18 parameter(s) as required
  6. Change Parameter Write to 0
  7. Press RESET

Procedure for changing DNC properties

At the PC step through one of the following:

Predator DNC Predator CNC Editor Multi-DNC
  1. Right click on the appropriate machine's command and select Properties
  2. Step though the wizard until the COM Port HSM properties can be changed
  3. Change the RS232 properties as needed
  4. Click the Finish button
  1. Verify a Fanuc 18 appropriate CNC Template is selected within the pulldown
  2. Select DNC Properties from the DNC menu
  3. Change the RS232 properties as needed
  4. Step through the wizard and click the Finish button
  1. Verify an appropriate CNC group is selected
  2. Click on the appropriate machine icon and select Setup from the Connection menu
  3. Click the COM Setup tab and change the RS232 properties as needed
  4. Click the Ok button

NOTE: Predator DNC Administrator is required to make changes within the appropriate .PXP configuration file

Procedure for manually receiving a CNC program from a Fanuc 18 CNC

At the PC step through one of the following:

Predator DNC Predator CNC Editor Multi-DNC
  1. Right click on the appropriate machine icon and select Receive from CNC
  2. Select or type a filename and click the Save button
  1. Verify a Fanuc 18 appropriate CNC Template is selected within the pulldown
  2. Select Receive from CNC from the DNC menu
  1. Verify an appropriate CNC group is selected
  2. Right click on the appropriate machine icon and select Receive and then Select File
  3. Select or type a filename and click the Save button

At the Fanuc 18 CNC step through the following:

  1. Select Edit mode via rotary dial or button
  2. Press the PROG key
  3. Type the program number and press the down arrow key
  4. Press the (OPRT) soft key
  5. Press the Right Arrow key until PUNCH appears on a soft key
  6. Press the EXECUTE soft key

Procedure for manually sending a CNC program to a Fanuc 18 CNC

At the Fanuc 18 CNC step through the following:

  1. Select Edit mode via rotary dial or button
  2. Press the PROG key
  3. Press the (OPRT) soft key
  4. Press the Right Arrow key until READ appears on a soft key
  5. Press the READ soft key
  6. Press the EXECUTE soft key

At the PC step through one of the following:

Predator DNC Predator CNC Editor Multi-DNC
  1. Right click on the appropriate machine icon and select Send to CNC
  2. Select a CNC program and click the Open button
  1. Select Open from the File menu
  2. Select a CNC program and click the Open button
  3. Verify a Fanuc 18 appropriate CNC Template is selected within the pulldown
  4. Select Send to CNC from the DNC menu
  1. Verify an appropriate CNC group is selected
  2. Right click on the appropriate machine icon and select Send and then Select File
  3. Select a CNC program and click the Open button
  4. Click the Start button

NOTE: The procedure for sending from the PC first is supported by all three software applications. The procedure for Remote Request™, Remote Autoname™ is supported by Predator DNC and Multi-DNC applications. The step by step procedures for all of these additional styles are slightly different. Customers with a current subscription to Premier Support should contact us at support@predator-software.com or techsupport@multi-dnc.com for additional details.

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Fun Fact

Fanuc and GE first released the Fanuc 18 CNC in 1990. They were significantly improved in 1997 with the release of the Fanuc 18i.

Fanuc 18 CNC Communication Tips

  • What baud rate should be used?

    Posted by Jim Abbassian June 7th 2025

    The optimal RS232 baud rate for a Fanuc 18 CNC depends on the length and quality of the cable. For generic RS232 cables, begin with 4800 baud to ensure reliable communication. Predator Grizzly RS232 cables are engineered for higher performance—start with 9600 baud when using a Grizzly cable. The Fanuc 18 CNC supports a maximum RS232 baud rate of 19200; however, due to the machine's age, it's important to test at 19200 baud for stability and error-free data transfer.

  • Should one or two stop bits be specified?

    Posted by Jim Abbassian June 7th 2025

    For Fanuc 18 CNC machines, using two stop bits is recommended to improve RS232 communication reliability, synchronization, and error detection—especially in environments with electrical noise. While using one stop bit offers slightly faster data transmission, it may compromise stability on legacy Fanuc 18 CNCs.

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