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Brother CNC Connector Guide

Contents​

Introduction​

The Brother CNC Connector allows machine data to be collected directly from the machine's ethernet port with three different configuration options.

Firmware Requirement​

IMPORTANT: It is recommended that firmware version 12.026 or higher is installed. Earlier versions may not report properly.

Connection Mode Comparison​

The Brother Connector provides the following data points depending on the connection mode:

FeatureMixed Mode (Default)FTP ModeHTTP Mode
Execution✅✅✅
Part Count✅✅✅
Alarms✅✅✅
Program Number✅✅✅
Program Header*✅✅❌

*Program Header is required for Production Monitoring.

Compatible Controls​

This Brother Connector is compatible with the following Brother Control Models:

Supported:

  • CNC C00 Control

Other Brother Controllers:

For different Brother control series, see:

  • A and B Series - Contact support for connectivity options
  • D Series - Use OPC-UA Guide

Connection Modes​

The Brother CNC Connector supports three configuration modes. Choose the mode that best fits your workflow.

Mixed Mode (Default) - Recommended​

What it does:

  • Utilizes both HTTP and FTP protocols
  • Provides complete data collection including program headers

Requirements:

  • FTP server username and password configured on machine

When to use:

  • For most installations (recommended)
  • When you need full data collection capabilities
  • When Production Monitoring is required

Configuration:

collection-mode: mixed

FTP Mode​

What it does:

  • Utilizes FTP protocol exclusively to gather all data items

Requirements:

  • FTP server username and password configured on machine

When to use:

  • When HTTP access is restricted or unavailable

Not recommended for:

  • Customers utilizing FTP to transfer programs (may conflict)

Configuration:

collection-mode: ftp

HTTP Mode​

What it does:

  • Utilizes HTTP protocol exclusively
  • Gathers limited set of data items (no program headers)

Requirements:

  • None (no FTP credentials needed)

When to use:

  • When customers are using FTP to transfer programs
  • When Production Monitoring is not required

Limitations:

  • Does not provide program headers
  • Cannot support Production Monitoring features

Configuration:

collection-mode: http

Prerequisites​

Before beginning setup, ensure you have:

Hardware:

  • Brother CNC machine with C00 control
  • MachineMetrics Edge device configured on your network
  • Network cable (Cat5e or Cat6)

Network:

  • Available IP address for the machine
  • Network connectivity between machine and Edge device
  • Firewall rules configured (see Network Requirements Guide)

Access:

  • Physical access to machine control panel
  • Access to machine's Data Bank menu
  • Administrator/maintenance password (if required)

MachineMetrics:

Machine Configuration​

Step 1: Confirm Ethernet/FTP Tab Exists​

Access Communication Parameters:

  1. Press the DATA BANK hardkey on the control panel

Press DATA BANK and select Communication Parameter

  1. Press the Communication Parameter softkey (F6)

  2. Confirm you see the Ethernet/FTP tab

Ethernet/FTP tab in Communication Parameters

Note: If you don't see the Ethernet/FTP tab, your control may not support network connectivity. Contact Brother or MachineMetrics support.

Step 2: Set IP Address on Machine​

Navigate to the Ethernet/FTP tab and configure the network settings.

Configure IP Address:

  1. Select IP address field
  2. Enter your static IP address
  3. Configure Mask bit (subnet mask)
  4. Configure Default gateway (if required)

IP address configuration

Important: Make sure the Edge device can communicate with whatever IP range you configure. Coordinate with your IT team for proper network settings.

IP Address Entry Format:

Depending on your control type, you may need to enter the IP address in a specific format:

IP address help screen

Format: Enter the address in 12 figures without using "." (period).

Example: To set 10.172.83.1, enter 010172083001

Step 3: Disable "Display Slave Command Alarm"​

The "Display slave command alarm" option must be set to 0 (off).

How to configure:

  1. In the Ethernet/FTP settings, scroll down to find Display slave command alarm
  2. Set the value to 0 (No/Off)

Display slave command alarm set to 0

Why: This prevents the machine from displaying error alarms when MachineMetrics queries data from the control.

Step 4: Disable "Restrict Ethernet Access" (Firmware 12+)​

On machines with firmware version 12 or newer, "Restrict Ethernet Access" must be set to 0 (off).

How to configure:

  1. In the Ethernet/FTP settings, find Restrict Ethernet access
  2. Set the value to 0 (No/Off)

Restrict Ethernet Access set to 0

Note: This setting only appears on newer firmware versions. If you don't see this option, your firmware is older than version 12.

Step 5: Configure FTP Server Credentials (Mixed Mode and FTP Mode Only)​

If you're using Mixed Mode (recommended) or FTP Mode, you need to configure the machine's FTP server username and password.

Skip this step if you're using HTTP Mode only.

How to configure:

  1. In the Ethernet/FTP settings, find Server user name
  2. Enter a username (default is often S700 or similar)
  3. Find Password as server
  4. Enter a password for the FTP server

FTP server username and password configuration

Record these credentials - you will need them when configuring the machine in MachineMetrics.

Common Default Credentials:

  • Username: S700 or BROTHER-1 (varies by machine model)
  • Password: Set your own secure password

Example Credentials:

  • Username: BROTHER-1
  • Password: PASSWORD1234

Important: Record the exact username and password you configure. You will need these when setting up the connection in MachineMetrics.

Step 6: Save Changes​

To save all changes:

  1. Press F0 (Completion Mode)
  2. Select Cancel W/Save Changes
  3. Control will save the configuration

Important: Changes may require a control restart to take effect. Follow your machine's procedures for restarting the control.

Step 7: Connect Machine to Network​

Physical Connection:

Plug the ethernet cable into the NIC port in the machine's main electrical cabinet:

NIC port location for data sharing

Verify Connection:

  1. Check link lights on the ethernet port (should be lit/blinking)
  2. From a computer on the same network, ping the machine's IP address:
ping 192.168.42.200

(Replace with your machine's IP address)

  1. Verify successful ping responses

Configure Machine in MachineMetrics​

Step 1: Determine Connection Mode​

Choose which Brother CNC Connector configuration mode to use based on your needs:

Recommended: Mixed Mode (default)

  • Provides all data including program headers
  • Requires FTP credentials
  • Best for full Production Monitoring capabilities

Alternative: HTTP Mode

  • Use if FTP is needed for program transfers
  • Does not provide program headers
  • No FTP credentials required

Alternative: FTP Mode

  • Use if HTTP access is restricted
  • Requires FTP credentials

Step 2: Navigate to Machine's Edit Page​

  1. Log into MachineMetrics
  2. Go to Assets → Machines
  3. Find your Brother machine in the list
  4. Click on the machine to open its page
  5. Click the Edit icon or Data Collection Methods tab

Step 3: Add Brother Data Collection Method​

  1. Click Add Data Collection Method
  2. Select Brother CNC or Brother HTTP adapter
  3. Select the Edge device to connect to this machine

Step 4: Configure Brother Data Collection Method​

Select Edge Device:

  • Choose the Edge device that will connect to this machine

Connection Address:

  • Enter the machine's IP address configured in Step 2
  • Format: <IP address>
  • Example: 192.168.42.200

Adapter Script Configuration:

Configure the adapter script based on your desired connection mode:

Example: Mixed Mode (Recommended)

collection-mode: mixed
ftp-username: BROTHER-1
ftp-password: PASSWORD1234

Example: HTTP Mode

collection-mode: http

Example: FTP Mode

collection-mode: ftp
ftp-username: BROTHER-1
ftp-password: PASSWORD1234

Parameters:

  • collection-mode: mixed, ftp, or http
  • ftp-username: FTP server username from Step 5 (Mixed/FTP mode only)
    • Common values: S700, BROTHER-1, or custom username
  • ftp-password: FTP server password from Step 5 (Mixed/FTP mode only)
    • Use the password you configured on the machine

Common FTP Credentials:

  • Username: BROTHER-1 or S700 (depends on machine configuration)
  • Password: PASSWORD1234 (or your custom password)

Step 5: Test Connection​

  1. Click Test Connection to verify connectivity
  2. Wait for test results
  3. Verify successful connection message

Expected Results:

  • ✅ Connected - Configuration is correct
  • ❌ Failed - Check IP address, network connectivity, and credentials

Step 6: Save Configuration​

  1. Review all settings for accuracy
  2. Click Save to apply the configuration
  3. Edge device will begin collecting data from the machine

Step 7: Verify Data Collection​

Check Machine Status:

  1. Navigate to the machine's page in MachineMetrics
  2. Verify connection status:
    • Green - Connected and receiving data
    • Yellow - Connecting or intermittent
    • Red - Connection failed

Verify Data Items:

  1. Go to the machine's Data Collection or Diagnostics tab
  2. Verify the following data items are populating:
    • execution - Machine state (ACTIVE, IDLE, STOPPED)
    • program - Current program number
    • part_count - Parts completed
    • alarm - Active alarms

Run Test Program:

  1. Run a program on the machine
  2. Watch the MachineMetrics timeline to confirm data updates
  3. Verify part count increments (if applicable)

Troubleshooting​

Cannot Connect to Machine​

Problem: Connection test fails or machine shows as disconnected.

Possible Causes:

  • Incorrect IP address
  • Network connectivity issue
  • Machine control not configured correctly
  • Firewall blocking connection

Solutions:

  1. Verify IP Address:

    • Check IP address on machine control matches configuration
    • Ensure no typos in MachineMetrics configuration

  2. Test Network Connectivity:

    • From Edge device or computer, ping machine IP: ping 192.168.42.200
    • Verify successful ping responses
    • Check network cable connection

  3. Verify Machine Configuration:

    • Confirm "Display slave command alarm" is set to 0
    • Confirm "Restrict Ethernet access" is set to 0 (firmware 12+)
    • Verify IP address is configured correctly

  4. Check Firewall:

    • Ensure network allows HTTP (port 80) and FTP (port 21) traffic
    • Coordinate with IT team if needed

  5. Restart Control:

    • Power cycle the machine control (if safe to do so)
    • Wait for control to fully boot before testing

FTP Authentication Failed​

Problem: Connection test fails with FTP authentication error.

Possible Causes:

  • Incorrect FTP username or password
  • FTP server not configured on machine
  • Using HTTP mode but provided FTP credentials

Solutions:

  1. Verify FTP Credentials:

    • Check username and password on machine control
    • Ensure credentials match in MachineMetrics configuration
    • Re-enter password carefully (no extra spaces)

  2. Verify FTP Server Configuration:

    • Confirm "Server user name" is set on machine
    • Confirm "Password as server" is set on machine
    • Save changes and restart control

  3. Check Connection Mode:

    • If using HTTP mode, remove FTP credentials from configuration
    • If using Mixed/FTP mode, ensure credentials are provided

No Data Appearing​

Problem: Machine shows as connected but no data items populate.

Possible Causes:

  • Machine in wrong mode (not AUTO/REMOTE)
  • Firmware version too old
  • Collection mode misconfigured
  • Machine not running a program

Solutions:

  1. Check Machine Mode:

    • Ensure machine is in AUTO or REMOTE mode
    • Some data only appears during program execution

  2. Verify Firmware Version:

    • Check machine firmware version
    • Upgrade to 12.026 or higher if possible

  3. Run Test Program:

    • Load and run a program on the machine
    • Watch for data updates in MachineMetrics

  4. Review Adapter Logs:

    • Check Edge device logs for specific errors
    • Contact support if errors persist

Part Count Not Incrementing​

Problem: Part count stays at zero or doesn't increment.

Possible Causes:

  • Part counter not configured on machine
  • Program doesn't trigger part count
  • Data mapping not configured

Solutions:

  1. Check Machine Part Counter:

    • Verify machine has built-in part counter
    • Run program and check if counter increments on machine

  2. Verify Data Mapping:

    • Go to Machine Settings → Data Mapping
    • Confirm part_count is mapped as PART_COUNT data type

  3. Check Data Rules:

    • Go to Machine Settings → Data Rules
    • Verify correct part count source is selected

  4. Review Program:

    • Some machines require M-code to increment counter
    • Consult Brother documentation for part counting

Program Headers Not Available (HTTP Mode)​

Problem: Program header information is missing.

Cause:

  • HTTP Mode does not support program headers

Solution:

Switch to Mixed Mode or FTP Mode to enable program headers:

  1. Edit machine's data collection method
  2. Change adapter script: 
    collection-mode: mixed
    ftp-username: S700
    ftp-password: your-password
  3. Save and test connection

Additional Resources​

Related Guides:

Related Guides:

Getting Help:

  • MachineMetrics Support: support@machinemetrics.com
  • Include in support request:
    • Brother machine model
    • Control type (C00 Series)
    • Firmware version
    • Connection mode being used (Mixed/HTTP/FTP)
    • IP address configured
    • Screenshots of error messages
    • Adapter configuration (YAML)

Ready to connect your Brother machine?

  1. Verify firmware version 12.026 or higher
  2. Configure IP address on machine control
  3. Disable "Display slave command alarm"
  4. Disable "Restrict Ethernet access" (firmware 12+)
  5. Configure FTP credentials (Mixed/FTP mode)
  6. Connect ethernet cable to NIC port
  7. Test network connectivity
  8. Add data collection method in MachineMetrics
  9. Configure connection mode and credentials
  10. Test and verify data collection

Questions? Contact support@machinemetrics.com or your Solution Delivery Manager (SDM).