Machsupport Forum

Mach Discussion => General Mach Discussion => Topic started by: shoer2012 on January 13, 2016, 06:31:00 PM

Title: mach3 wire up CNC to start plasma HELP PLEASE
Post by: shoer2012 on January 13, 2016, 06:31:00 PM
Hi I am new to CNC. I have a CNC plasma and I can not turn my hypertherm  45 on and off. Do I need something else other then the two wires from the HT 45? Please help. Thanks
Title: Re: mach3 wire up CNC to start plasma HELP PLEASE
Post by: BR549 on January 13, 2016, 07:32:16 PM
What controller are you using with Mach3, LPT or other ??

(;-)TP
Title: Re: mach3 wire up CNC to start plasma HELP PLEASE
Post by: shoer2012 on January 13, 2016, 08:23:23 PM
Thanks for the reply. I am using LPT.
Title: Re: mach3 wire up CNC to start plasma HELP PLEASE
Post by: Davek0974 on January 14, 2016, 02:14:13 AM
Have you got a relay on the break-out board - this is the control for torch firing.

When you press the Torch button on the Mach3 screen you should hear this relay click on and off with the button, if not then that is the area to look in.

Ports and pins set up would be the next area but is specific to the breakout board used.
Title: Re: mach3 wire up CNC to start plasma HELP PLEASE
Post by: BR549 on January 14, 2016, 10:44:17 AM
The relay you need to access on your breakout board would be the spindle start relay.  IF your Break out board does not have a spindle relay you have to add a relay to the wiring to control teh arc start.

Title: Re: mach3 wire up CNC to start plasma HELP PLEASE
Post by: shoer2012 on January 14, 2016, 10:51:29 AM
Thanks. I am going out to try your suggestion right now. I really want to thank you for your help.
Title: Re: mach3 wire up CNC to start plasma HELP PLEASE
Post by: shoer2012 on January 14, 2016, 12:49:42 PM
I still can not figure this out.
Title: Re: mach3 wire up CNC to start plasma HELP PLEASE
Post by: Davek0974 on January 14, 2016, 01:37:55 PM
Any details of your breakout board?

Pictures?

:)
Title: Re: mach3 wire up CNC to start plasma HELP PLEASE
Post by: shoer2012 on January 15, 2016, 10:17:30 AM
Hi Dave. I ordered a relay and I will try it when it comes in. I will let you know how it work. Thanks for all your help.
Title: Re: mach3 wire up CNC to start plasma HELP PLEASE
Post by: BR549 on January 15, 2016, 10:36:14 AM
You cannot just use any relay it must be compatible with the output signal of your board. Can you give us teh make and model number of your breakout board ?

(;-) TP
Title: Re: mach3 wire up CNC to start plasma HELP PLEASE
Post by: shoer2012 on January 15, 2016, 10:44:31 AM
Here I show what I do not know. I have a c10 board from automation technology Inc .com.I had to tyupe in c10 in the search and at the bottom I clicked on wiering .Thanks again.
Title: Re: mach3 wire up CNC to start plasma HELP PLEASE
Post by: Davek0974 on January 15, 2016, 10:52:38 AM
You need something like the blue block on this image - this is the relay you need to find.

(http://www.omc-stepperonline.com/images/cnc-breakout-board-st-v2.jpg)

They can be black, blue, any colour but will look similar.

Have you got a break-out board even??? This will be located at the machine end somewhere.


Please do not just fit any old relay, you could blow your PC very easily.
Title: Re: mach3 wire up CNC to start plasma HELP PLEASE
Post by: shoer2012 on January 15, 2016, 11:00:17 AM
Dave, I like this board. Where do I get it. Thanks
Title: Re: mach3 wire up CNC to start plasma HELP PLEASE
Post by: Davek0974 on January 15, 2016, 12:20:05 PM
Ah, this one...

http://www.automationtechnologiesinc.com/products-page/breakout-boards/c10s-bi-directional-parallel-port-interface-card (http://www.automationtechnologiesinc.com/products-page/breakout-boards/c10s-bi-directional-parallel-port-interface-card)

that board does not have a torch relay fitted, you will need an add-on board i think.

Personally I would get a more plasma oriented board, opto-isolated and fitted with one or two relays.

If you are building a Plasma CNC you will almost definitely need a THC as well, might be worth your time looking at CandCNC.com I think
Title: Re: mach3 wire up CNC to start plasma HELP PLEASE
Post by: BR549 on January 15, 2016, 12:45:45 PM
This is what you are looking for.  I would steer away from the CandCNC products as they are far to complicated for the average DIY plasma cutter

https://www.fasttech.com/product/1001100-ttl-250v10a-ac-relay-module

(;-) TP
Title: Re: mach3 wire up CNC to start plasma HELP PLEASE
Post by: shoer2012 on January 15, 2016, 02:06:21 PM
Thanks. I just ordered this relay . What does the pwm do? I also ordered a Proma thc.
Title: Re: mach3 wire up CNC to start plasma HELP PLEASE
Post by: Davek0974 on January 15, 2016, 02:12:49 PM
Only advice i can give is to go steady!

Get the machine up and running, making moves, then add the Plasma and debug that, then add the THC.

Do you have a plasma unit yet?

Is the machine built or is this a rebuild/mmodification/change of purpose thing???
Title: Re: mach3 wire up CNC to start plasma HELP PLEASE
Post by: shoer2012 on January 15, 2016, 02:18:45 PM
I do have the machine running. I also can cut if I turn on the plasma by hand,I mean turn on and off manually.
Title: Re: mach3 wire up CNC to start plasma HELP PLEASE
Post by: Davek0974 on January 15, 2016, 02:28:30 PM
Brilliant, thats 95% of the battle won then :)

Sounds like the relay will do it.

AFIK PWM is for motor speed control on stuff like Routers, mills, lathes etc
Title: Re: mach3 wire up CNC to start plasma HELP PLEASE
Post by: shoer2012 on January 15, 2016, 02:47:18 PM
wow Dave, I am very happy to know that. I suppose I will wait for my relay and try it out. Thanks for all your help!