Messages

1

General Mach Discussion / Re: Easiest way to back up config and restore to new system

« on: September 24, 2022, 02:45:41 PM »

Thanks for this info. I just had an old Windows XP computer crash and was able to retrieve the Mach3 file and copy it to my new PC. Only took a few minutes to get back to cutting.

2

General Mach Discussion / Arc Ok signal always on

« on: February 13, 2020, 11:51:47 AM »

Why is my "Arc Ok" light always on, even when the torch is not firing?

3

General Mach Discussion / Anyone have a Proma Compact 150 THC that actually works?

« on: June 10, 2017, 06:57:17 PM »

Got this THC with the table when I bought it and trying to get it programmed correctly. I've been cutting 12 ga sheet and the readout shows 88V when cutting without THC turned on. If I set the HYS on the THC to 88 or 90 with a 4V +/- range what should I set the HU to? The default is 200V. Also, under Config Ports & Pins in the Mill Options, does the "Allow THC UP/DOWN Control even if not in the THC mode" need to be checked?

Thanks, more to follow.

4

General Mach Discussion / Pierce delay and cut start issue.

« on: June 08, 2017, 01:53:13 PM »

I'm sometimes having an issue with the torch starting to move before it fires off. I've tried adjusting the pierce time but that doesn't seem to make a difference. Doesn't happen all the time. Usually just a time or two when cutting a pattern that has multiple starts and stops.  Any ideas?

5

General Mach Discussion / Re: System Reboot - time to start from scratch

« on: May 24, 2017, 10:35:20 AM »

Ok guys, thanks for the motivational boot in the rear. I will heed your advice and devote some time to learning the software as I should. Guess I was just anxious to get started making some of these cool cut-outs like y'all do. Didn't know what all was involved but I'm going to make it work. My business will benefit from it!

6

General Mach Discussion / System Reboot - time to start from scratch

« on: May 23, 2017, 09:41:45 AM »

Hey guys (and gals), I've posted a couple of questions before and gotten some responses which I appreciate. I am new to the CNC Plasma scene but have been doing metal work for a few years now. I mostly build hand rails, mailbox posts, and other household items. I wanted to add the CNC capability to expand my lineup but am having a difficult time getting going. I purchased a DIY Eagle Plasma 4x4 table from a guy that used it to make parts for his hobby vehicles. I got the whole package from him except for the plasma cutter which I already had. He included a couple of computers and the software. I found out one of the computers won't work as-is since it has a 64-bit operating system. The other computer is an old XP machine and will work but I'm still having trouble.  The previous owner had a Thermal Dynamics Cutmaster 52 plasma cutter and I have a Cutmaster 38 so I thought it would be an easy transition, but I was wrong.

I am at the point that I want to start over from scratch with this system and need some help getting going. Here is what I know about the system:
QCad drawing software
Lazy Cam or Sheet Cam software (I cannot get SheetCam to produce the complete code needed to cut a project, and don't know which Post processor to use)
Mach3 Software, latest version
Proma THC, previous owner was unable to get it to work
Eagle Plasma 4'x4' table with hand torch floating head bracket
Thermal Dynamics Cutmaster 38 plasma cutter

For a beginner, what are the steps I need to take to get going and what advice do you have to offer?

Thanks

7

General Mach Discussion / Re: One step forward, two steps back.

« on: May 19, 2017, 11:14:24 PM »

I think I found the problem. The new PC has a 64-bit OS.

8

General Mach Discussion / One step forward, two steps back.

« on: May 19, 2017, 09:02:27 PM »

Had a newer PC (Win7) than the one that came with the system (WinXP) so I got a PCI/Parallel card  to go in it and transferred all my software to the new PC, including my XML file with all my settings. Had to change ports to Port #2. Everything looks normal but when I jog the torch, the X,Y, and Z settings change but there is no movement of the torch.  What have I missed?

Thanks

9

General Mach Discussion / Re: Problem getting torch to fire - Mach3, Proma TCH, Thermal Dynamics Cutmaster 38

« on: May 11, 2017, 10:55:06 AM »

Craig, thanks for all the advice. I finally got it working last night. Jumped the wires at the relay and the torch fired up so I knew then the problem had to be between the relay and the control board from the serial cable. Found there were two ground wires going to the relay instead of a ground and a 5V. Corrected the wiring and it works now.

Now I have to get the Proma Compact THC controller working.

10

General Mach Discussion / Re: Problem getting torch to fire - Mach3, Proma TCH, Thermal Dynamics Cutmaster 38

« on: May 09, 2017, 10:17:35 PM »

Craig, thanks for the info. He had his setup where Output 1 used Pin 8. The torch for the 51 and 38 are the same so I hooked it up just like his. The service manual for the 51 and the 38 both show 4 wires for going to the torch, two say switch and two say PIP. He had a relay hooked to the two PIP wires. I've tried both sets and neither work. I did find that with the relay wired to my two PIP wires that there was continuity on the wires to the relay while off. when I tried wiring the relay to the "Switch" wires, there was no continuity unless I pulled the trigger. the 38 is supposed to work with a CNC table from what I've read.