cnc hypertherm control?

[stanglou]

alright, the table is done, and the electronics cabinet is built. The last thing i need to figure out is how to fire the torch using the software and hardware I have. I am running cnc4pc breakout board and power supply card. as for software it is sheetcam and mach3. where to begin...

[Torchhead]

Pick one of the Cnc4PC outputs with enough drive to turn on a small relay. You will have to find the torch switch wires that come from the head and put the relay contacts in parallel with the switch. If it is a Hypertherm there is a hookup PDF in the Manuals on our Website at www.CandCNC.com. Also links to plasma related products. If you look at our Mini I/O manual (on the same site) there is a diagram that shows how to connect an external relay using an aux power source to drive the relay but the output needs to be open collector.

In Mach3 you just map the Output #1 pin to the pin you choose on the breakout card to drive the relay and then an M03 will turn on the torch and an M05 will turn it off. The Plasma1.post in Sheetcam will fire the torch at the right time.

Welcome to the world of torchheads (:-)