I am trying to get ohmic sensing to work using a mesa 7i97t, thcad-2(jumpers on low range and 1/32), and a 24v power supply(meanwell hdr-15-24).

I have tried rodw's ohmic comp and ohmic comp3, as well as try many variation in the hal file mentioned in the original ohmic post/thread on this forum.
While I have no doubt there are issues with my hal file, I can't seem to get any response from the encoder in halshow, so I'm starting to wonder if I'm even getting a signal.
I tried using a multimeter to test the thcad outputs, but I don't know what I should be looking for. Is there a good way to test this?

I have it wired up similar to the diagram in the manual. I am using a 370k(or maybe 390k, can't remember) resistor between 24v+ and the thcad.
Since all the controls are on the gantry(this is a retrofit), I connected the 0v on the power supply to the buss bar on the gantry which in turn is wired to the star ground on the frame. I also connected the thcad shield terminal to the same buss bar.

The plasma is a ht hsd130 which uses a high frequency start. I previously damaged a 7i97t(which has been replaced) starting the plasma. I wonder if I could have damaged the thcad, as well. 
How can I protect the mesa boards from the high frequency start? Would a relay between the torch tip and thcad be enough? I assume it would need to be a special relay.

Attached is a hal file I have been using.