Help with adding PlasmaC to base config + 7i76e

Plasmaguy wrote: I'll give it a shot but can't help but wonder why these files need to be hand edited to get a working plasma. Isn't that the point of the configurator? I never imagined I would be 4 days chasing this down and still not over the hurdle.

As an on looker, There is a lot of guessing going on. I think you need to post all your files from the config folder (I know Phill has sent you files) BUT it would make things clear to the people helping you if you post them. ZIP the folder up if you need and post it.

Plasmaguy wrote: yes i run configurator on my existing/functional base machine files set up with pncconfig.

Then your files could have changed from your edits. Again, it would be easier if you posted your config files here. I’m not sure why your being obstinate when people are actively trying to help you.

Then your files could have changed from your edits.

I haven't run configurator since I did a fresh reinstall of Mint last night. I didn't begin using phill's files until a couple of hours ago.


So I commented out the "probe-in" as advised.

Next I got another similar error about the spinena pin which I'm using for torch on so I commented that out.

Now I can load up the plasmac and run my steppers, I have a couple of issues.

1. torch won't turn on/off via either F9/F10 or on the GUI.
2. not getting a float switch signal on the GUI when the float switch closes.

Any ideas guys?

I just copied every file I could from my folder generated by plasmac config last night. Some of the files in that folder would not copy to a usb drive; I don't know whether the files that would not copy are relevant or not.

As uploaded, they are currently updated for my machine that is now running plasmac with the exception of the two issues mentioned in my prior post. The hal file I included has been edited by hand per phill's files with further editing necessary to where I can now load plasmac without causing an error report to be generated.

Uploads attached.

Do you have torch enabled on the lower left on the main screen ?
Your files are OK, and spinena is properly connected to torch on.
When you press F9, does the Z axis move downwards ?

I didn't think to home the machine first before trying F9, now it travels down after homing.

As far as the float switch it may be a wiring issue, I'll check there first.
Thank you!

Still haven't figured out the float switch issue.

My old setup used a 5v power wire going to my float switch. When the switch is pressed it sent signal to the input terminal.

Now I'm using the same setup on the mesa board, with my wire landed on input-07 which I believe is pin#8 on TB6. However I am unable to get the GUI to acknowledge the switch when the switch is depressed and 5v is going to TB6 pin#8.

I use

A 5V signal would not be recognised by a 7I76E input, you need a minimum of 60% of the field voltage (14.4V at 24V field voltage)

Normally you would wire:
+24V field voltage --> switch1 --> switch2 --> 7I76E field input

Okay that explains that, thank you.



In case this thread is of use to someone else in the future, here are some links to the documentation and files I cobbled together to turn an old desktop into a working machine with mesa 7i76e & thcad10.

Linuxcnc plasma basics tutorial:

forum.linuxcnc.org/47-hal-examples/38440...-9-part-video-series

Plasmac tutorial:

linuxcnc.org/docs/devel/html/plasma/plasmac-user-guide.html

Getting & Installing Linux Mint with LinuxCNC:

forum.linuxcnc.org/9-installing-linuxcnc...aver-mint-iso#165631

Connect 7i76e Mesa board to computer via ethernet:

forum.linuxcnc.org/27-driver-boards/3559...ethernet-mesa-boards

Board wiring info:

forum.linuxcnc.org/media/kunena/attachme...DIAGRAM1-12-19LF.pdf

More wiring info:

forum.linuxcnc.org/media/kunena/attachme...9/7i76_Anschluss.pdf

More wiring info:

forum.linuxcnc.org/27-driver-boards/3191...t?start=20#gallery-2

7176e manual:

www.mesanet.com/pdf/analog/thcadman.pdf

THCAD 10 manual:

www.mesanet.com/pdf/parallel/7i76eman.pdf

Edited the above links as the ended up triple each.