Next stage is Plasma add on...

[Skiprat]

Back again............done some research and have built a floating head and added it as a probe.
This works brilliant but i cant seem to get the torch to fire with the cnc bob/thc whichever does it.

See pictures of update below

[Skiprat]

I have bought a new plug and connectors / pins and have wired the plug to suit the diagram as requested.

The machine wont fire from program and i think i must be missing some gcode or macro input as i have tried every conceivable combination of pins and outputs but nothing seems to work.

I have got the full bought versions of sheetcam and mach3 so these shouldn't be a problem. the post processor i am using is the purelogic with fr one which was one off 7 available and it doesn't tell me which one is the best.

I have used the independent button to start of arc and cut the following square as seen but i would like to get it to fire via the software / program.

[Skiprat]

I think i am looking too deep into this firing sequence as i have used g31...g28.1 and even the kitchen sink but nothing works.....The purelogic THC uses ethernet to communicate with the bob so i wonder if this has anything to do with it.
All boards and thc boards show up as requested but when i run the program.....it follows the gcode perfectly but no life from the hypertherm....

Please has anyone got any ideas or comments / insults to be able to help me????

I have also bought an OHMIC SENSOR for the torch but have not installed it as i think this is a totally different game again with coding.

Many thanks Tommy.

[Skiprat]

The magnetic base was taken from a magnetic car aerial which was obviously stripped of all plastic bits "and drill through the centre and attached to the torch holder.

The torch is held with two 1.25- 1.5" BICC cable clamps which fit perfectly around the torch.

The torch is very "stuck" once attached but also detaches if it comes across an obstruction. There will be a micro switch attached to stop motion in case of a collision but that is to be attached.

I used this type of magnet so that i have an infinite number of angles to choose from if needed.

The torch and spindle occupy the same z axis as the is plenty of room on the table for both and i just cover it up when plasma cutting and remove the torch when i router with the spindle.

Hope this helps anyone if they are looking for ideas.

Cheers Tommy

[warwick]

hi, i only know what iv done on mine and nothing else so im probably not going to be much help..........

iv used the relay on the bob to trigger a bigger 24v relay to fire the plasma.........is it firing the plasma on mach?.....

[Skiprat]

Hello Warwick....not had it firing from mach yet only from pendant button. I made my own plug as the cheapest i could find was £86 + vat from a uk source for a 6 pin version. I got the plug wire and pins from RS for less than a Tenner so this was a massive saving.
The lead i made has continuity etc but i think im struggling with the pin outs.
As the pictures show i have a purelogic THC which is made for the hypertherm 45 and this is connected with an ethernet lead so not real sure what pins i need if any. My floating head has a micro switch on it which i have configured for both Z home and Probe scenarios but nothing happens.
I think i am missing some code / script as all the ones i have used have worked for finding top of material but i think i am missing the trigger scripts if that's what you want to call them.

So basically if you have any ideas or could share your scripts etc, i will be very grateful as no doubt, once it works it will be looking at me straight in the eye.

I do have the RS codes for the leads if anyone wants to make their own and save a massive amount of money instead of buying a hypertherm one.

Cheers Warwick and thanks for your reply.

Cheers Tommy

[warwick]

hi, iv two micro swithes on my z axis.top is machine home..bottom switch on slide is probe.g31 a very kind fella off the forum set up sheet cam to put the gcode into anything it post process's.........

thc ...havent a clue, im using a proma sd and struggling to get it working well....

can let you know how my 6 core cable is wired......

cheers

[Skiprat]

Hello Warwick...
The six cores i have wired up with the full 6/7 cores inc ground so same as you, i have all avenues covered.

Just the gcode and scripts is what i am struggling with.

Scoured the internet and cant find a dummies guide to floating heads etc as they all have different pin out names etc.

The proma you have, has quite a few explanations online with pictures but mine has none or very few with minimal explanation.

I would like a schematic of someone else's to scrutinise and once i have mine working, i will post mine on line with pictures for other people to look at as a picture tells a great story if you know what i mean.

I will keep experimenting untill i get the thing working....LOL

Cheers Tommy