My Newb Plasma Table Attempted Build

dvn4life1972 wrote:

I do have the first one like on yours. The second one isn't in the tree for the hm2... stuff, is that your scale?

No I have a couple of extra encoders so mine is on encoder.01 I just added an extra pin by mistake

Ahhh yeah a 2nd encoder, that explains that.

I had no idea that this would require so much interaction with programming. For me, it's way more than I wanted to have to get into.

I've attached the .hal and .ini files. I don't have any pictures handy of the wired connections, but here are how they go:

THCAD 5V+ <---> 7I96 TB2 pin 12 5V+
THCAD FOUT- <---> 7I96 TB2 pin 8 ENC-
THCAD FOUT+ <---> 7I96 TB2 pin 7 ENC+
THCAD GND <---> 7I96 TB2 pin 9 GND

On the analog side, + IN goes to the J15 out in the plasma, - IN goes to the J16 in the plasma, and the 2 shields go to frame and chassis grounds. I have a 1MOhm resistor on the +IN wire and another on the -IN wire, both located inside the plasma power supply and soldered/heat shrink insulated. I did measure voltage during a PULSE command and was still getting the 169.8v from the electronics side of those wires. The plasma is a Hypertherm Powermax 1000 g3 (no integrated voltage divider). That should cover all of the physical connections and whatnots.

Just so you know, the amber LED indicator comes on the THCAD-10, so it is getting the 5v power. The freq jumper is set to F32 position as per the guide instructions.

Pat

That voltage I got earlier was across those two pins at the THCAD-10. Attached the other hal file you asked for. Still seems to me the two boards aren't talking. I'm not saying that I believe it's an issue with either of the boards themselves, as I'm certain it's something I've done and/or missed.

Pat

I think the THCAD-10 isn't communicating with the 7i96. I've triple checked the physical connections, and they match what the guide and primer say to do (although the primer example is a 7i76). I'm probably gonna just see if I can find someone who wants this THCAD-10 and go with a price THC or something else.

What does the encoder velocity pin read (in halmeter) ? if this is not zero, its likely the THCAD and 7i96 are communicating
Note the the yellow LED on the low voltage side of the THCAD should blink more quickly when plasma voltage is applied

dvn4life1972 wrote:

Just so you know, the amber LED indicator comes on the THCAD-10, so it is getting the 5v power. The freq jumper is set to F32 position as per the guide instructions.

Pat

Pat, everything seems to be set up correctly. On the THCAD, there should be a flashing LED. THe frequency changes with voltage, but it should be slowly flashing at 0 volts. Does it do that?

I'm not familar with your plasma cutter. Is it HF start by any chance?

Rod - the pin show zero, and the LED on the board stays on (no flashing).

Phil - the plasma is a blowback type. No HF start.

If the yellow LED CR2 does not blink, and you have 5V power on the THCAD
the THCAD is faulty or damaged.

Sounds like its time to talk to Mesa about an RMA.

Geeze, ok. I've spent so much time messing with the whole thing I have to admit I haven't taken a long look at that light intently. I'll do THAT tomorrow morning just to be sure.

Pat