[snowdaze]

Hi,

This forum is really great and I am finding answers all over, so thank you. :drowning:


I have seen this problem a few times and have not found an answer online.

My machine is cutting OK, but I can't get the Proma THC to adjust the Z axis while cutting.

I ran the test cycle for the proma unit, and seems like I have my wiring correct.

1. The physical torch Z moves up and down
   
2. Z DRO rises and falls (mach3)
   
3. The LED lights in the diagnostics page blink on and off. (mach3) torch up, torch dn, torch ok
   

My settings are:

THC voltage 130V (50:1 divider)
hypertherm85, 65 amps
air pressure 105psi, lots of drying and filtering
mach3
sheetcam
autocad

I go through all my menus in Mach in the videos, so if you could please watch and look for a mistake, I would be very grateful.

It could be something easy and obvious, I am not an expert and still learning the functions of mach3 and the CNC world.

Thank you.

Videos

Showing THC Test Cycle:
https://youtu.be/ZMykjwZaSo8

Showing Failed Cut & settings (start to finish):
https://youtu.be/rR-vu3DjqqQ

[snowdaze]

The video is blurry in some spots here are pictures of the settings:

[snowdaze]

more:

[snowdaze]

I discovered I had the wires on the THC unit for THC GND, THC UP, THC DN mixed up. (bad wiring diagram for break out board)

It is working now, but I am experiencing another weird thing.

The Hypertherm manual suggests 129-130 volts for quality cuts. I have to set the THC at ~90 volts to work and maintain a good work height. Any idea as to why the voltage is way off?

Also when its cutting the inclined piece, the Z axis sort of steps up a staircase, its not a smooth motion. wondering how I can dial that in better.

[pimpbike]

The stepping I believe can be tuned using the Hysteresis. I think you can dial it down until it moves smooth. A slow accel tuning on your Z axis motor setting will also cause this.

[flyinwilly]

What consumables are you using ? It sounds like you have fine cut. 90V (approx) is what I use for fine cut. Regular consumables run at what the manual suggests (approx 125-130V). Jim Colt published a new set of cut voltages and speeds for fine cut a while back.I don't have access to them right now so maybe he could list them again.

Willy

[snowdaze]

Can you tell the difference by looking at them? They are the ones that came with the machine. I assumed they were standard cut

[flyinwilly]

The nozzles say "finecut". Regular nozzles list the amperage (45A, 65A, etc.).

I found a link to the slow speed (<150 IPM) fine cut charts.

http://theharmonfam.com/download/tor...Speed03_12.pdf

Willy

[mikescncplasma]

Can you tell me what Breakout board your using? Seems like all your ports and pins are the same as mine and I'm having the same problem. Just wondering if your using a robotics 3 board.
Thanks
Mike

[snowdaze]

did you figure it out? I think mine was just a Chinese no name, I suspect they are all the same

[Chris37]

did you figure it out? I think mine was just a Chinese no name, I suspect they are all the same

You guys find anything new outbto getting your proma 150 THC to work?
I can't get it to work in tst test mode, I question if its the break out board or if it's just a setting not click on in mach3 ??
What bob are y'all using?

Chris

[pimpbike]

You guys find anything new outbto getting your proma 150 THC to work?
I can't get it to work in tst test mode, I question if its the break out board or if it's just a setting not click on in mach3 ??
What bob are y'all using?

Chris

Are you at least getting the LEDs going up and down on the THC when in Test mode? If you are, Try toggling the active low to a check or X on the THC up & down make sure you have the correct port# and the correct Pin # on the input signal

[Chris37]

Are you at least getting the LEDs going up and down on the THC when in Test mode? If you are, Try toggling the active low to a check or X on the THC up & down make sure you have the correct port# and the correct Pin # on the input signal

I have light on proma going up/down on lights and they match to Mach 3 diagnostics and still nothing. I have tried checking and uncheck ing in ports and pins on THC up down and nothing. I think I have the ports and pins set right, I don't have limit switches so I have wires going to ports where limit switches are.

[Chris37]

Ok I have made a video and have pictures but not sure
It will allow me to upload it here or to YouTube

[pimpbike]

Yes you're allowed to post your video and pics. Upload the video to youtube and post the link. What break out board are you using? Pin numbers may vary depending on your board. Proma-Elektronika - Produkty

[Torchhead]

Do you have a licensed copy of MACH3? THC logic in MACh does not work in DEMO mode. If you get the UP down signals at the THC UP and THC Down pins (inputs) then its inside MACH.

[Chris37]

yes i have the license and yes i get lights on thc matching lints in mach3 diagnostics they match, just don't know wheres the problem in mach. This is the bob i am using 5 Axis CNC Breakout Board Interface For Stepper Motor Driver ST-V2

thanks
Chris

[Chris37]

pictures from my phone ay there to big to upload can i email them to you to show if i have settings in mach3 correct??

[Chris37]

[IndustReclaim]

Any solution to this? I believe I am running the same 5 axis ST-V2 board with Proma 150 but cannot get it to even respond in Mach3 diagnostics when running the test on Proma. Any tips on wiring to get the LEDs in Mach3 to light up? Thanks!