I am working on a home built cnc and I am working on a Chinese purchased THC with purchased 24V Z lifter/floating head.
Here is what I see in Mach3
AntiDive settings (what output would mach use to communicate this to the THC) Output 5 that is turned on in the Mill options page? Does this go on and off with antidive?
THC up I think these Two are straight forward and I will not use these because I am using a torch lifter.
THC Down
arc ok This is also self explanatory. the machine will not move until an arc ok signal is received.
I need some help specifically with an antidive signal. can I write code to produce this output?
This has been brought up many times (THC items) and not a lot has been said. I hope people can expand on the Mach 3 THC controls because it is poorly documented.
Thanks in advance.
Thanks for the replies. Dave is right there is a function in Mach3 that turns off the THC when the feed rate falls below your preset value. My THC has a corner function input (anti dive). Mach does have an option to turn on (input 5) if the THC is on. does the anti dive function of mach3 turn this on and off during a corner or does it simply ignore signals to raise and lower the z axis in the corners. if I could get the input to my THC during during ramp downs below 90% I would be golden. now the sluggishness might be a problem. I still can use the arc OK and the stand alone THC but it makes me nervous that when the torch slows down it will dive into the plate.
The problem is that there is many different ways to implement Torch Height Control. and ,you must be careful on your choices. I bought a Proma 150 that would not work with my cheap Chinese Ethernet controller. The Proma 150 works with a standard parallel port BOB. I got the inputs for up and down to work but there is no way for mach to control the Z axis on the fly with the HVEM controller. Proma does make a controller that has the step and directions signals from the mach controller go through the the Proma. If the torch needs to go up or down the Proma will drive the stepper up or down. I had not realized this at the time of purchase. Now I have two THC controller that will not completely work with my setup. I am running on at the mouth because I believe this is a good discussion to have to help others from making the same mistakes that I have made.
If any one has more knowledge on this input 5 that Mach talks about or a way to externally control the THC auto, I would like to hear about it. and if you have any other advice on any THC, spit it out. I think a lot of people are struggling with THCs.