Another plasma component...

I have just pushed a few fixes...

islander261 wrote:
1. Torch always returns to Z max (G53 G0 Z0) every probe. Torch goes to safe Z at end of cut and rapids to next cut, then raises to Z max then probes.

Fixed, I confused myself with probe height being the distance above the stock when it really should be distance above the slats.

2. On probing error torch stays at safe Z most of the time instead of raising to Z max.

At the moment all error conditions that cause a pause go to safe height and all error conditions that cause a stop go to Z max.
Should all errors go to Z max regardless.
Also maybe all errors should pause and then the operator has the choice of what to do...

3. IHS skip appears to be broken, tried several settings and none worked, this makes for a slow cut job.

It appears to work ok here, I did make a couple of minor chages but they don't affect the operation.
I used the Gmoccapy imperial config with imperial_plasmac_squares.ngc and did a Dry Run and a simulated cut.
The cut offset in this program is 1.414"
If I set SkipIHS to 1.4 it probes every start.
If I set SkipIHS to 1.5 it goes directly to pierce height.

4. Shorted tip probing error is very sensitive compared to my branch, no change in HW.

Is that the "ohmic probe detected before probing" error?

5. Ohmic Probe button MUST be active when program is paused to check for shorted torch, right now you have no way to check if you actually got the torch clean.

Fixed.

6. Torch pulse button MUST be active when program is paused so you can clear water and debris from plate surface.

Fixed.

7. Had a couple of "lost" in logic events during probing when torch went past Z max and tripped limit switch.

I couldn't duplicate that, maybe something to do with my incorrect math in item 1.

8. What has happened to .thc-enable-ext pin? My thc enable from Gcode is now broken.

I forgot to mention that I took that out a while ago as I could not get consistant results and I was going to look at it again but I got sidetracked.
I will look at this later when we get the basics working.

Cheers, Phill.

islander261 wrote:
Nothing for you to do but I think I am going to add more LEDs to the plasmac_monitor.glade panel to indicate when the THC is enabled from the Gcode and when the torch is enabled (i don't feel good about not have an explicit torch enable button). A spare will fill the empty spot until I find another thing.

John,

I am happy to try to add and/or modify anything you think is required.

Cheers, Phill

islander261 wrote:
I hope others may weigh in on this so we can see if some sort of consensus can be found.

Yes, that would be good, I do rely on others as I have no experience with plasma operation...

Cheers, Phill.

To tired to weight in on anything, need some sleep.
As far as i can absorb, it is going pretty well. Plasma cutting is simple only for watching bystanders.
Regards,
Tom.

tommylight wrote:
Plasma cutting is simple only for watching bystanders

HAHA, I definitely know that now...

Cheers, Phill.