how to makeTHCAD10 work with pilot arc plasma

mine is like the 1st picture, less the pilot arc switch, on this machine it's always connected
that is why the thcad does not work, always getting the same value what ever the distance.

i'm not saying this is the solution but it might be part of it

jay1st wrote: mine is like the 1st picture,

Not really, yours does not have a separate shield.
Picture 2 is like yours.

oh yeah, i meant i'll make it like the 1st picture, good to point it out

if i have time i'll give a try this afternoon

After digging in the HAL METER signals in found the PLASMAC:ARC-OK-OUT
So i added in machine_connections.HAL
"net plasmac:arc-ok-out => hm2_7i96.0.ssr.00.out-01"

My relay is getting activated only when i get the arc ok green light.
Time to connect it to the pilot arc return !!

THC works !!!

Some minor problems still, but hte THC works now, i can cut on a 45deg angle no problem

Minor porblems are :
1_ need to add a delay between the ARC OK OUT signal and the ativation of the output SSR on the 7i96 so the arc has time to "dwell"
2_ cant use a "not" for piloting the SSR output so had use a mickey mouse combination of relays to make an NC relay (as i only have NO relays), but now i have big ass relay for the pilot arc.

Nice !

I'm even thinking of using the pilot return from the torch as a ohmic sensor now that it can be disconnected !

Btw i used a motorbike starter relay, it's beefy enough to handle the amps i think.

Having troubles setting up the correct timer for the torch to initiate the arc, so i am activting the relay to cut the pilot arc by using

net plasmac:thc-active => hm2_7i96.0.ssr.00.out-01

and it works perfect as the THC activation delay is user defined

Changed the title of the topic as it might help others who are beginning with a cheap chinesium plasma cutter with HF and pilot arc