[HIDesigns]

I started with this setup:

G540
CandCNC LCTHC
Everlast Power plasma 60C
48v power supply.
SheetCam
Mach3

All wires connected as they should be. Sent my g code into Mach3.
All smiles around the shop. Pressed the torch on button in Mach3.
The torch came on but the motors nowhere. I looked at the G540 and
sure enough a red light.

But when I cleared the fault and ran the job without the plasma on,
it worked just as it should.

I stayed up through the night thinking maybe it was a setting in mach.
I switched the power supply to a 24v. Same thing.

I then took out the LCTHC and installed my Proma THC. Same thing.

Then, I tried without the THC and added a 24v relay. Same thing.

I also disconnected all of the motors. RED LIGHT, RED LIGHT, RED LIGHT.


If anyone knows why this is happening, PLEASE Help Me.

I would be able to go home and get some sleep. And I am sure my wife
would also appreciate that.

[Mike 1948]

Is your "Arc OK/OK To Move" signal getting through?
Just a thought

Mike

[tjb1]

Have you tried it with the charge pump off? Maybe try to isolate all of the wires from the plasma away from any wires going to the G540.

Sent from my Galaxy S3 using Tapatalk 2

[HIDesigns]

I'm not sure how to test the Arc Ok. But I tried it without them connected.

I have tried to isolate the wires.

The charge pump is currently off. Should I turn it on.

What does the charge pump do by they way?

[tjb1]

When the charge pump is on, the G540 won't come out of fault mode unless it is receiving a certain Hz signal from the computer. It is used so if the computer freezes or locks up, the G540 will shut down.

Sent from my Galaxy S3 using Tapatalk 2

[HIDesigns]

I see. Thanks for that info.

[HIDesigns]

I turned the charge pump on, and it just stays in fault mode.
Does this mean its not getting the proper Hz signal from the computer?
Could this have something to do with my issue?

[HIDesigns]

Well I guess we can cancel that last question.
I just disconnected the computer and fired the torch
by the relay. The G540 still went into fault mode.

Nothing connected but the plasma and the G540.

[keebler303]

Your problem is most likely noise. Search the site and you will find countless posts on noise in general and specific to plasma cutters. The cheaper the plasma system, the more likely it is to emit electrical noise.

Some things to check:
grounding
shielding
wire routing

Matt

[tjb1]

I turned the charge pump on, and it just stays in fault mode.
Does this mean its not getting the proper Hz signal from the computer?
Could this have something to do with my issue?

The charge pump signal has to be setup first to use it but it's not your issue if off.

Sent from my Galaxy S3 using Tapatalk 2

[HIDesigns]

Okay. I made it past that issue. As you said, it was a noise issue.

Plasma fires now and G540 stays good.

Now, I have another problem that is more likely a Mach3 or SheetCam issue.

The plasma does not stop in between cuts.

?

[flyinwilly]

I would start with MAch and reload the Mach parallel port driver. I've had problems in the past when I was using my Chinese plasma cutter (Noise issues with the PC).
If that doesn't help, try the following.

(1) Does the torch on/off indicator on the Mach screen show OFF between cuts ? Probably Software issue. Check to see if you have M05 at the end of each cut in your G code? If not, probably a problem with your Sheetcam Post.
(2) Does the Torch light go off on the LCTHC and/or the THC Sensor card between cuts ? If not, could be a 540, LCTHC, or THC Sensor card problem. I believe pin 6 on the 540 output is the torch relay. You might try removing it to see if the torch will shut down. I would think that if it does, then the 540 has a problem


If these steps don't help, I'd contact Tom at CandCNC .

That's all I can think of. Hope it helps.

Willy

[HIDesigns]

I purchased a Hypertherm. Problem solved.

[keebler303]

The easy solution to most problems....