Issues with Torch Calibration

All things related to the Centroid Acorn Plasma system.

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TinyMan
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Issues with Torch Calibration

Post by TinyMan »

Hi
I've primarily been dealing with fiber laser machines, and a friend asked if I could convert the plasma to the Acorn system.
I followed the diagrams and install manuals for the Acorn Plasma. All tests were conducted successfully and now I'm up to the Torch Calibration but seem to be having issues.
I attached the latest report and any help would be appreciated
Attachments
report_B4107B74F173-0322237049_2024-03-22_10-13-31.zip
(6.13 MiB) Downloaded 2 times
Joey
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Re: Issues with Torch Calibration

Post by Joey »

Hi

The THC is not happy and is maxed out. Plots are showing a constant high voltage. The very first plot shows the maxed out voltage also.

What were the results of the THC bench test?

Can you post pictures of the THC and cabinet wiring.

What Plasma cutter are you running?

I would not fire the torch until this is figured out.
TinyMan
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Re: Issues with Torch Calibration

Post by TinyMan »

Thanks Joey
The plasma table has a Hypertherm 125 attached
Hasn't been fired, except for 2 Torch Calibration runs which were done at 45Amp on 3mm Aluminum
THC bench test was conducted with a 9V battery as per "plasma User Manuall" page 8, results were as expected, but I didn't record them and I don't recall the exact voltages observed. That test took place right after Christmas, and the Acorn conversion stalled for a couple of months and now I'm being hammered to finish it.
Attachments
Torch Test result.jpg
THC.jpg
Screenshot 2024-03-22 131023.png
cabinet.jpg
Joey
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Re: Issues with Torch Calibration

Post by Joey »

Are you at the machine now?
Are you available for a TeamViewer session?

Pin 5 -divided voltage from the the Hypertherm looks like it is connected to input 3 on the TX.

Also the fiber optic connection doesn't look promising
TinyMan
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Re: Issues with Torch Calibration

Post by TinyMan »

Joey
Thanks heaps mate ... you don't know how many times I checked it and it looked right. I had convinced myself wiring to THC is correct :cry: :cry:
That's why a second pair of eyes is always a good thing.
terminal now correct
So it should fire up OK now? or run through the THC bench test again?
Attachments
correct.jpg
Joey
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Re: Issues with Torch Calibration

Post by Joey »

I would disconnect the divided voltage wires from the hypertherm going to the TX.

Then rerun the THC bench test.

Make sure hypertherm is off when running the THC bench test.

If the hypertherm is powered on during the bench test. The test will cause the hypertherm to fire the torch.

We just want to make sure the TX board can read voltage and nothing was damaged.
Joey
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Re: Issues with Torch Calibration

Post by Joey »

You can also look at the live plot.

Live plot is located in Setup-Config-PID-PID Config


With the hypertherm powered off.
And the divided voltage lines connected.
You should not see any voltage in the live plot.

Or very little. Less than 20 counts anyways.
TinyMan
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Re: Issues with Torch Calibration

Post by TinyMan »

Hi Joey
Ran another THC calibration with a 9v battery attached. Battery voltage was 8.2v, THC macro reported THC Voltage 10v
I've attached the latest report if in case there was any difference from the last one.
Also screen shot of the Torch Calibration test attempted
Your opinion??
Attachments
report_B4107B74F173-0322237049_2024-03-25_09-20-04.zip
(6.26 MiB) Not downloaded yet
Torch Test.jpg
TinyMan
Posts: 23
Joined: Thu Mar 21, 2024 8:17 pm
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Oak CNC controller: No
CNC Control System Serial Number: B4107B74F173-0322237049
DC3IOB: No
CNC12: Yes
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CPU10 or CPU7: No

Re: Issues with Torch Calibration

Post by TinyMan »

So Guys here's the situation at the moment, besides the owner being really p***ed off ..
Can anyone tell me by looking at the latest report and/or the THC bench-test result if TX board is gone ?
  • If not, why the 10v result?
  • If yes, can I run the plasma with the Hypertherm 125 without the THC TX board (THC disabled) until a new one arrives from USA?
  • Where on the Centroid website can I order only a TX board?
  • Maybe an issue with the TX board also, but Acorn always reports "torch collision" before running the homing cycle. Round torch holder with 3 NC prox switches, (Alt-i) shows neither Float or Breakaway switches tripped
Joey
Posts: 516
Joined: Tue Aug 17, 2021 10:51 am
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CNC12: Yes
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CPU10 or CPU7: No

Re: Issues with Torch Calibration

Post by Joey »

TinyMan wrote: Mon Mar 25, 2024 4:01 am So Guys here's the situation at the moment, besides the owner being really p***ed off ..
Can anyone tell me by looking at the latest report and/or the THC bench-test result if TX board is gone ?
  • If not, why the 10v result?
  • If yes, can I run the plasma with the Hypertherm 125 without the THC TX board (THC disabled) until a new one arrives from USA?
  • Where on the Centroid website can I order only a TX board?
  • Maybe an issue with the TX board also, but Acorn always reports "torch collision" before running the homing cycle. Round torch holder with 3 NC prox switches, (Alt-i) shows neither Float or Breakaway switches tripped
Did you Run the THC bench test with all TX board inputs and the Hypertherm voltage disconnected?

What does the Live Plot Show when the TX board is just powered on with no inputs or Divided voltage connected? Is it showing a solid line around 500 counts? Live Plot= setup>config>pid>pid config. config default password is 137

What happened to the Fiber connection on the TX?

TX board can be purchased here https://shopcentroidcnc.com/shop/cnc-su ... -tx-board/
Centroid can send a replacement fiber cable if you mention when the TX is purchased

Do you see the inputs change in the alt-i menu when the float switch is tripped?

To prevent confusion I would just wire all three prox switches in series to the float switch input.
If the float switch is tripped outside of the touch off cycle it will be treated as a breakaway.
So the breakaway functionality is still there with just a float switch.

Just get the Touch off cycle working properly and a separate breakaway can be connected later if desired.

To run without the THC kit, Set the THC to Not installed in the profile managers THC config menu.
You will need to hook the Torch float switches to the Acorn input.

You will want to wire the ARC OK signal from the Hypertherm to an input also to ensure a reliable pierce delay.
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