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  1. #1
    Join Date
    Jul 2015
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    12

    Old Plasma and Torch table needs new controller

    We have an old, 17 year old ESAB plasma and torch table that we have just been using the torch for the past 12 years or so.

    A couple months ago the controller went up in smoke, replacement from ESAB will be $15k haha. We use this old thing only once every couple months.


    We only use the torch so all we need is a simple controller.

    Is there a way to reuse the servo motors or does everything need to be replaced to all work together smoothly?

    What are some options? If Im even making any sense.

  2. #2
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    Jul 2015
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    12

    Re: Old Plasma and Torch table needs new controller


  3. #3
    Join Date
    Jul 2015
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    12

    Re: Old Plasma and Torch table needs new controller

    So I need something like this ? Up to 300 lb Gantry - Plasma Servo Systems : PlazPak 3 w/motor upgrade and DTHC II

    But I dont need the plasma stuff.

  4. #4
    Join Date
    Jul 2015
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    12

    Re: Old Plasma and Torch table needs new controller

    Anyone?

  5. #5
    Join Date
    Jun 2004
    Posts
    6618

    Re: Old Plasma and Torch table needs new controller

    What part actually burned up? Would also need some details about the motor, dives, power supply etc. Pictures of all of it would help along with the details.
    Lee

  6. #6
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    Jul 2015
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    12

  7. #7
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    Jul 2015
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    12

    Re: Old Plasma and Torch table needs new controller

    I over sold the went up in smoke. I just meant the "computer" part of it stopped booting up.

  8. #8
    Join Date
    Jun 2004
    Posts
    6618

    Re: Old Plasma and Torch table needs new controller

    Have you looked at Mach 3 or Mach 4? Mach 3 is what I use on all my machines except the newest lathe. It runs my plasma table. I am not an electronics guy though. I do recognize some of the parts, but the BOB or controller panel is probably what went out. You would need a new computer, a Break out board, some wiring and consider Mach 4. It is the newest and probably will be supported for a long time. Mach 3 is no longer supported. Since you have most of the hardware, I think you can get it going again relatively cheap. $1000 or $1500 would be considered cheap.
    Some other electronics or servo guys will have to chime in. I am not a lot of help with either of those. Good luck with it.
    Lee

  9. #9
    Join Date
    Aug 2014
    Posts
    60

    Re: Old Plasma and Torch table needs new controller

    dwooder ask altheman very good chance that He will know that system

  10. #10
    Join Date
    Jul 2015
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    12

    Re: Old Plasma and Torch table needs new controller

    Quote Originally Posted by LeeWay View Post
    Have you looked at Mach 3 or Mach 4? Mach 3 is what I use on all my machines except the newest lathe. It runs my plasma table. I am not an electronics guy though. I do recognize some of the parts, but the BOB or controller panel is probably what went out. You would need a new computer, a Break out board, some wiring and consider Mach 4. It is the newest and probably will be supported for a long time. Mach 3 is no longer supported. Since you have most of the hardware, I think you can get it going again relatively cheap. $1000 or $1500 would be considered cheap.
    Some other electronics or servo guys will have to chime in. I am not a lot of help with either of those. Good luck with it.
    Thanks

    Been looking at the Mach 3/4 website. Downloaded the demo for Mach 3 and I like it. So now I just have to figure out a way to hook the machine to the computer with a parallel port. Thats the part that is confusing me. Is that what the breakout board is for?

  11. #11
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    Jul 2015
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    Re: Old Plasma and Torch table needs new controller

    Attachment 286256

    Click image for larger version. 

Name:	esab box 2.jpg 
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ID:	286258

    Would that be the serial port there?

  12. #12
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    Jul 2015
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    12

    Re: Old Plasma and Torch table needs new controller

    Quote Originally Posted by iwaskevin View Post
    dwooder ask altheman very good chance that He will know that system
    Tried to send him a private message and said he doesnt exist

  13. #13
    Join Date
    Jun 2004
    Posts
    6618

    Re: Old Plasma and Torch table needs new controller

    Right. The BOB will take the computer commands to the motors drives and switches through the parallel port.
    Lee

  14. #14
    Join Date
    Jul 2015
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    12

    Re: Old Plasma and Torch table needs new controller


  15. #15
    Join Date
    Jun 2004
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    6618

    Re: Old Plasma and Torch table needs new controller

    I think that should work. It isn't for the parallel port though. It is for USB interface, which is better than the PP. I haven't used that one before though. You might do a search here for that particular BOB to see some feedback first.
    Lee

  16. #16
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    Jul 2015
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    12

    Re: Old Plasma and Torch table needs new controller

    Quote Originally Posted by LeeWay View Post
    I think that should work. It isn't for the parallel port though. It is for USB interface, which is better than the PP. I haven't used that one before though. You might do a search here for that particular BOB to see some feedback first.
    Yeah Id much rather USB too. Ok so Im starting to figure this out now. Are there any brands of BOBs that I need to look for or need to stay away from?

  17. #17
    Join Date
    Oct 2012
    Posts
    342

    Re: Old Plasma and Torch table needs new controller

    Do you have any of the factory wiring diagrams?

    -Dan

  18. #18
    Join Date
    Oct 2006
    Posts
    323

    Re: Old Plasma and Torch table needs new controller

    dwooder,

    You should try to get more information on your servo drives, (picture 6 of 7 up thread) before buying any hardware. The BOB you linked to is a step and direction output, and your CMC drives (if matched to motors?) may very well be analog drives.

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