MACH3 Plasma help please

[m_c]

Yes Clive just the one relay, which I can connect to any of the three relay output contacts of the BOB.

I am unclear how Mach treats these outputs. Is it by M code, do I need to write a diddy bit of code or what?

You need to allocate the output pin to an output in ports and pins, then activate that output either via an M-code, or via a Macro. I think you may be able to do it via the macropump by monitoring when certain things are active i.e. when the torch is active, but hopefully DaveK will be along shortly and tell us how he activates his extractor.

[JAZZCNC]

How does your G-code turn on/Off the Torch. Does it use M3/M5.?

If so then just edit the M3/M5 macros so they turn output on/off.

In the M3 enter this at point want to come on:

ActivateSignal(Output 2) ...................change number to suit your output.

In M5 put this when want to go off:

Sleep 3000 ...................................(Pause before Output OFF Change number to suit delay in Milli/Secs.)
DeActivateSignal(Output 2) .................(change number to suit your output.)

Or if you want can just use the coolant codes and enter enter M7 or M8 in your code at the point want on Output on and setup coolant the Outputs in spindle setup to Output# you used.
Then in code to turn off enter:

G4 P3 (change number for pause time in secs)
M9

[AndrewMawson]

Thanks Clive and Jazz for your replies.

A/ My plasma torch is turned ON by an M03 and OFF by an M05

B/ On the BOB if I set DIP switch 5 then my relay pulses on and off with a mark space ratio controlled by the two trim pots.

C/ If I set DIP switch 2 to ON which should change control to LPT Port 1 Pin 14 I can find no M code that controls Pin 14

D/ In the Ports and Pins page of Config there is a line labelled OUTPUT 3 which I have set to Port 1 Pin 14 - this has enabled a switch box marked "Output 3" on screen that previously was not active - I can now click it and change it from Red to Green but other than that it has seemingly no other effect

(In the Spindle page of Config there is an area referring to mist and flood coolant and relay control via M07 and M08 and mapping to output signals in the range of 1-6 and I suspect perhaps it's something to do with the set up here, but I'm not quite getting there at the moment !!!)

Your ongoing hand holding would be appreciated :)