Machsupport Forum

General CNC Chat => Show"N"Tell ( Your Machines) => Topic started by: BLM on September 05, 2014, 09:57:53 AM

Title: Hypertherm Plasma Interface cable
Post by: BLM on September 05, 2014, 09:57:53 AM

Hi, I am installing a HD3070 HiDef Plasma cutter on a Mach3 run, homebuilt plasma table. Can anybody help interpret the I/O of the Machine Interface cable?( see attached scan) I have a good idea of what some of the wires do but it seems that some probably won't be used by Mach3. What is meant by (Dry) behind some of the descriptions? Any ideas would be appreciated. Thanks, Brian

Title: Re: Hypertherm Plasma Interface cable
Post by: poppabear on September 06, 2014, 08:52:27 AM

"Dry" is an industry term that means "Dry Contacts", which means it is a "Relay contact",
i.e. NOT a Sinking or Sourcing contact.
So inside the machine, there are small relays that close (or open if it is NC).

It also means you can pass through your interface voltage (5vdc, 24vdc etc.) without worrying (unless your out side the relay ratings).
Look in your manual.  
But for the most part almost any relay will handle 5v to 110v sometime more, it could be
AC or DC as well. Dry contacts give the user the greatest interfacing options on control systems.

Scott

Title: Re: Hypertherm Plasma Interface cable
Post by: BLM on September 06, 2014, 10:09:13 AM

Thanks Scott, now I need somebody to tell me what each wire does. This is my first experience with "industrial plasma cutters" so I'm not sure which controls Mach3 will use!

Title: Re: Hypertherm Plasma Interface cable
Post by: stirling on September 06, 2014, 11:38:16 AM

Hi Brian

If I were you I'd ask on the Hypertherm forum at cnczone. When I was designing my THC Jim Colt (of Hypertherm) was very helpful.

Ian

Title: Re: Hypertherm Plasma Interface cable
Post by: BLM on September 06, 2014, 02:16:41 PM

Thanks for that Ian!