Plasma Stopped working after upgrade to 4.20 <resolved>

[martyscncgarage]

Create a fresh report in 4.18, into the reportbackup directory and on a USB stick
Now, right click on the CNCM directory, click Copy.
Then on the same screen, on a blank part of the screen where the directories are located, right click PASTE
You will get CNCM - COPY. Rename it CNCM - 4.18


Uninstall 4.18 using windows control panel
Delete the CNCM directory

Install fresh copy of 4.20
Start 4.20
F7 Utilities
F2 Restore report

Point it to your CNCM - 4.18 Directory, click on it then open the subdirectory \reportbackup
Click on the newest report and restore it.
When done, power everything down and then back up.
Start CNC12 (probably do a firmware update and then want to restart everything). If so, follow the directions and restart.
Start CNC12
F7 Utilities
F10 Acorn Wizard
Click Write Settings.
I would restart everything again one more time.

Start CNC12 4.20 and then see if the machine behaves as it did when you had 4.20.1 on it before. Create a fresh report.
If it misbehaves again, shut down CNC12

Go in and rename the current CNCM directory to CNCM - 4.20

Go to the CNCM - 4.18 directory and rename it CNCM

Launch CNC12. Should do a firmware update and then be back to 4.18

Not too hard to do, but it helps show if the issue repeats or not. Then you can send the fresh report from both 4.18 and from 4.20

Marty

[TheKitMill]

Will do and I will post the results. Everything is working on 4.18 with no issues. I will save a current report , change the file name and re install 4.20

Thanks

[martyscncgarage]

Change the folder name....to CNCM - 4.18
Will be interesting to see if it repeats with 4.20

[TheKitMill]

INstalled 4.20 with the following results.

I am no longer getting a 270 error when the plasma is fired. I am now getting a Drive error when i try to move the plasma when it has been triggered. The Error stops all movement and the control has to be turned off and restarted to get it moving again. Only the Z axis Drive actually faults I did get a Spindle not ready fault but only once.

Spindle continues to work and all axis working when using the Spindle only Plasma not connected

When I trigger the plasma and try to move it I get the drive fault immediately I can trigger the plasma and let it run without fault but as soon as I try to move it it faults out.

Attached are the reports and some screen shots

[martyscncgarage]

If you don't have a custom PLC, you did click update Wizard right?
Bizarre the inconsistency you are having.
I generally take screen shots of my working version's wizard pages and some times key in all the values manually starting from scratch to make sure nothing carried over from a restore report. But so far, restoring a report has worked well for me. Primarily I use the screen shots when testing software where I need to start from scratch.

[TheKitMill]

Hi Marty. I know its the inconsistent errors that are the hardest to figure out. I have a second table that also is a Plasma/Router that does not fault out when the plasma is started. I am not having much luck using the restore report. I think I will just start from scratch. This system was working and I cut about 10 parts with it and had no faults it was only after the 4.20 upgrade that it had problems. I will go back o 4.18 and test again in the morning.
But I will first try loading the working report off the second machine. Its a gantry but turning off the 4th axis should not be a problem. It has a
new Hypertherm Plasma so that may make a difference. The TD plasma is pretty old but it was working and cutting parts with no problem. The only other change made to the small plasma was the addition of the Inverter to run the spindle. But it is working as intended, 0-10 for speed control and has not had any issues.I will try again in the morning


Thanks

[martyscncgarage]

Keep us posted!

[TheKitMill]

re installed 4.20 and as before CNC router engraver working with no problems.

I now only have a drive fault error and only on the Z axis. Spindle and VFD work start stop change speeds, Auto Home works and runs programs with no faults.

Appears to be related to the Plasma Start but it did work and cut parts with this same power supply and torch so not sure what to change. Thanks for any suggestions

[TheKitMill]

Update see attached video.

Everything is working on router side on the plasma side i can start the Torch and jog it around it the table at a height of 4 inches above the part as soon as i get near the part I get a drive fault (z ) and all movement stops, DMM servos and drives. All grounded to one point but it acts like a Ground loop but i can't find the source. Any ideas appreciated

Thanks

https://www.amazon.com/photos/shared/eB ... MZ6f8zkeD1

[cnckeith]

thanks.. i noticed that the drive fault timer is set to 1 millisecond try increasing that value
and double check the DYN4 cabling and grounding. search "DYN4 noise" in the advanced search feature of the forum for discussions