Page 2 of 3
Re: Torch Height and Amperage
Posted: Wed Apr 03, 2024 12:17 pm
by centroid467
You can at least verify that the THC_TX is reading voltages correctly by connecting an adjustable lab supply or 9V and 1.5V batteries.
In general, Plasma THC requires the torch to fire to have an arc voltage to read in the first place. The easiest way to test the height following would be to use some form of adjustable voltage source. A lab power supply or a voltage divider using a potentiometer would be pretty simple. I'd find some way to limit the voltage range or do the THC calibration at a voltage in the middle of the range to make it easier to not crash the thing.
Re: Torch Height and Amperage
Posted: Wed Apr 03, 2024 12:51 pm
by Joey
The THC was reading voltage so Technically it has been working the Whole time. The Ground loop and Interference was just so bad all the way through from the First Plot capture that the THC is un usable and at risk of being Damaged.
Do not fire the Torch yet. Just a reminder that we need to see the ground loop/ interference has been cleaned up before the torch fired while connected to the TX board.
Turn the Plot ON in the F7 Utility Menu.
This will Build a THC Plot every time an M62 comes up in the Gcode. Dry runs will still build a THC plot.
Run some Jobs with dry run and create a fresh report so we can view the fresh plot captured.
The Live plot in the PID screen is just for viewing what the THC is reading as a base line. Not during a job or XY
movement.
Re: Torch Height and Amperage
Posted: Wed Apr 03, 2024 1:00 pm
by markabowdish
I Ran a test cut, I did see the z axis move also i ran some dry runs and have a fresh report attached how does it look? this time after adding yet more ground (this is a unique table it has 3d printed parts so each axis is isolated by plastic parts and the entire gantry moves as the z axis, with 2 steppers)
Re: Torch Height and Amperage
Posted: Wed Apr 03, 2024 1:10 pm
by Joey
Looking good.
Not sure why the Torch shut off before the end of the XY motion in this plot. But I'm not seeing a ground loop like before.
Can you run some short cuts. Like an inch or 2 long so we can see the beginning and end of the cut in the Plot.
Run the 4 inch line test but edit the G-code and replace the X4 or Y4 with a Y1 or X1
Re: Torch Height and Amperage
Posted: Wed Apr 03, 2024 1:10 pm
by markabowdish
Joey wrote: ↑Wed Apr 03, 2024 12:51 pm
The THC was reading voltage so Technically it has been working the Whole time. The Ground loop and Interference was just so bad all the way through from the First Plot capture that the THC is un usable and at risk of being Damaged.
Do not fire the Torch yet. Just a reminder that we need to see the ground loop/ interference has been cleaned up before the torch fired while connected to the TX board.
Turn the Plot ON in the F7 Utility Menu.
This will Build a THC Plot every time an M62 comes up in the Gcode. Dry runs will still build a THC plot.
Run some Jobs with dry run and create a fresh report so we can view the fresh plot captured.
The Live plot in the PID screen is just for viewing what the THC is reading as a base line. Not during a job or XY
movement.
I ran a test cut before reading this, to see if the z axis would move while cutting,
Re: Torch Height and Amperage
Posted: Wed Apr 03, 2024 1:15 pm
by Joey
I see you tried Calibrating also. What does this material look like? The voltage readings point towards an un even surface but in the calibration it was overall flat.
Re: Torch Height and Amperage
Posted: Wed Apr 03, 2024 1:21 pm
by Joey
The Dry run Plots Look Good.
Cleaning up the Grounding in the Cabinet was a Success.
As far as I can Tell from the Plots. No further action needed. Good Job
Re: Torch Height and Amperage
Posted: Wed Apr 03, 2024 1:22 pm
by markabowdish
test cut report attached
The 4 inch line cuts is done on .0625 steel clean,
the oringial calibration was done on .25 steel before the grounding issues,
Should i Redo the torch calibration?
Re: Torch Height and Amperage
Posted: Wed Apr 03, 2024 1:35 pm
by Joey
markabowdish wrote: ↑Wed Apr 03, 2024 1:22 pm
test cut report attached
The 4 inch line cuts is done on .0625 steel clean,
the oringial calibration was done on .25 steel before the grounding issues,
Looks like there was a couple calibrations.
Should I Redo the torch calibration?
Yes Might as well.
Re: Torch Height and Amperage
Posted: Wed Apr 03, 2024 1:44 pm
by markabowdish
Joey, Thanks for the help. And patience.
I Will redo the Torch calibration,
To confirm from the posts,I can gather from your replies and help that the Plots look good, and the grounding issues are fixed and I'm good to do further cutting without damage?
Thanks again, it is appreciated.