Messages

1001

General Mach Discussion / Re: Parallel port help

« on: February 20, 2012, 08:40:21 AM »

I have re-installed winXP. so that apart from an antivirus program and mach 3, there are no other programs running.

antivirus?

1002

General Mach Discussion / Re: System Freezes - Plasma mode

« on: February 20, 2012, 07:31:24 AM »

I may be wrong here but I'd urge some caution about this approach and the thread you linked to. Perhaps someone with in-depth knowlege of plasma cutter electronics can comment.

What you appear to be doing is SIMILAR to how a pilot-arc-start plasma system works. BUT with TWO BIG differences.

1) In a pilot-arc-start system the SHIELD (what you appear to be calling tip) is TEMPORARILLY connected to earth by the start electronics. Once the arc is established this earth connection is automatically removed. You appear to be MAINTAINING this connection throughout.

2) In a pilot-arc-start, for the short time the shield is connected to earth (just enough to establish an arc), the CURRENT is MUCH less than CUTTING current. With yours it's at FULL cutting current.

The result is (I THINK) that with your modification, the arc between electrode and earth is "dithering" between electrode/material (correct) AND electrode/inside-of-shield (incorrect) This can NOT be good for the insides of your torch IMHO - whether it's dangerous or not is another question that I'd want the answer to.

Something to consider. I bet your torch with your modification will fire and STAY lit in air - am I right? No standard commercial torch can or will do this. It may be worth considering why this is.

Ian

1003

Brains Development / Re: Arduino -> modbus -> Brain

« on: February 19, 2012, 09:41:29 AM »

Hi Scott - I think what our man is saying is that in the bottom pic he's getting a "true" out of the AND gate and he SHOULDN'T be.

Ian

1004

General Mach Discussion / Re: machining stone jewellery

« on: February 15, 2012, 04:16:44 AM »

Thanks - I'll take a look.

Ian

1005

General Mach Discussion / Re: Plasma Z axis raises when torch is fired

« on: February 14, 2012, 01:22:07 PM »

Ian do you have units in the field yet??? Finalized the com system

Hi Terry - sorry missed this post. Yes at long last they're "out there" - http://www.razordance.co.uk/THC.htm

Ian

1006

General Mach Discussion / machining stone jewellery

« on: February 14, 2012, 06:33:30 AM »

I'm looking for a "micro" mill of some description for machining and engraving slate jewellery. I know zilch about cutting stone but I'm assuming you end up with a lot of stone/water slurry that would eat bearings/screws for breakfast.

A machine sourcable in the UK would be a plus.

If you do/have done this - advice would be good.

Thanks

Ian

1007

VB and the development of wizards / Re: check username in a script

« on: February 13, 2012, 10:00:43 AM »

Hi Manfred - I've sent you a PM.

Have fun

Ian

1008

VB and the development of wizards / Re: check username in a script

« on: February 13, 2012, 06:48:04 AM »

Manfred - I have written code that can do this for much the same reason as you. If you ask Scott (Mach licencing) to confirm to me that you are a licenced user I can PM you a code fragment that demonstrates the basic principle. I don't want to post licence based things on open forum.

Ian

1009

General Mach Discussion / Re: Plasma Z axis raises when torch is fired

« on: February 10, 2012, 08:27:03 AM »

While working on this I found that my ARC OK light is on if I turn the torch on even if i have my plasma turned off.  I am using the dry arc ok contacts but was using a current transformer before.  Is there a way that this could be causing my problem?  Eather way is there something I have to do to change the input from the CT to the contacts.  I know it should not be on without the CT connected but it is.

This is certainly wrong - the ArcOK (as you know) should not come on unless the arc is ... well ... OK which it clearly can't be if the plasma's off. This is something I think you need to run by your supplier.

Ian

1010

General Mach Discussion / Re: Plasma Z axis raises when torch is fired

« on: February 10, 2012, 08:19:27 AM »