Modify qtplasmac to support multiple output codes

santy wrote:

..... right after the torch has descended from pierce height to cutting height, so that i can use M3 to open the arc and open a valve for piercing gas, and after pierce use M7 to open a valve for cutting gas?

Do you have an ARC OK input from the plasma cutter?
It can be done without it, also:
Use the arc_ok in to control the valve
no arcok = pierce gas
with arcok = cutting gas.
You can also choose to use the arcok pin after the pierce delay delay (not the pierce delay pin), if it works better for you.
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And i do not think you need to modify anything to use M7, just wire to what you need in hal and it should work.

It probably wouldn't be too difficult to add a spindle to the plasma component to cater for oxy-fuel cutting. As Rod said, I have no idea of the requirements or procedure for oxy-fuel cutting. I also do not have the ability or equipment to do any real world testing. I don't mind creating a test branch if there are willing testers and if we can come up with an agreed starting point for any changes/additions required.

It may be possible to do what you need by using the plasmac state hal pin (plasmac.state-out) to control the gas.
linuxcnc.org/docs/devel/html/plasma/qtpl...lasmac_state_outputs

I am pretty sure i wrote at least twice the procedure for working with oxy on this forum, on the phone so google-foo is weak now.
Again, these are what i gathered so far, please do check everything.
Quick recap:
-Probing possible only with inductive sensor, the round thing around the torch.
-flame can not be off, so only cutting gas controling a valve
-oxy must use preheating, for long periods of time, othevise the material warps a lot
-preheating is done from 20-50mm high, cutting gas is off
-cutting is done from 5-10mm high
-preheating timer might need 30 minutes for thick plates
-piercing is done with cutting gas active
-cutting is usually slow, depends on thicknes and torch type/nozzle
-rarely needs hight adjustment during cut, thick plates and preheating minimise that, but might need on longer cuts
-using two normal inductive sensors can be used for height adjustments, but might melt on small cuts due to heat
-usable for cutting 20-160mm thick plates, even more with special torches
-new cutting torch with 3 inlets for cutting up to 70mm is 170 euro here, gas is way to expencive, 4 months ago oxygen tank fill was 120 Euro!
-probably forgot something...

I think you may have given me this info many moons ago and I was going to have a look but it fell off my radar.

Is the flame manually lit or can it be lit automatically prior to each cut?

phillc54 wrote:

Is the flame manually lit or can it be lit automatically prior to each cut?

Almost always manually, once at the start of work, and never shut off till work is done.
There might be automatic igniters, but i have yet to see one.