THC300 not working using Mach3

[Bobbyr70]

I have been searching for the answer to a few questions about getting the thc to work properly on my plasma table
I am using sheet cam to generate code.
THC appears to function but the only thing it will do is go to max setting on thc setting on main mach3 program screen.
I start program, z axis comes down triggers floating limit switch, returns to pierce height, fires torch then z axis goes to max setting on thc settings min/max. Is there a version of mach that works better with THC300? are there trick settings that need to be set? What in the world is wrong with this.
I have the input settings set per manufactures settings. torch on arc ok light up and I can adjust the coarse knob and get the up/down leds on the thc to change direction, but no response in Mach.
all inputs and outputs are set as per instructions.
Any ideas? Please help.

[woodman08]

we're using flashcut and hypertherm 1250 with phc and having problems,do you have a wiring diagram for your unit connected with mach3

[Arthurmetal]

Did you load the THC300SM3.xml screenset for Mach to work with your THC300?
I suggest you initialy keep the anti-dive swiched off and the THCrate (both in the program run screen) to about +10.
Perticularly the THCrate kept me busy in finding the right response of the THC.
Assuming you got all the installations and configurations of the 2nd parralel port, port &pins etc. right according to the installations manual

[Torchhead]

I have been searching for the answer to a few questions about getting the thc to work properly on my plasma table
I am using sheet cam to generate code.
THC appears to function but the only thing it will do is go to max setting on thc setting on main mach3 program screen.
I start program, z axis comes down triggers floating limit switch, returns to pierce height, fires torch then z axis goes to max setting on thc settings min/max. Is there a version of mach that works better with THC300? are there trick settings that need to be set? What in the world is wrong with this.
I have the input settings set per manufactures settings. torch on arc ok light up and I can adjust the coarse knob and get the up/down leds on the thc to change direction, but no response in Mach.
all inputs and outputs are set as per instructions.
Any ideas? Please help.

Open your diagnostics screen and watch the THC UP and the THC DOWN inputs. The torch should move in the direction the inputs show. The circuit is pretty simple. It reads the Arc Volts compares it to a preset and sends an UP or a DOWN signal to MACH. It's then up to MACH to move the axis. (its like an external JOG on the Z). If the motor is moving UP when the THC button is on in MACH then the THC300 should be sending an UP signal. If it is moving up without the signal then that can be a problem in the control or setup. If it is getting an UP signal from the THC300 then the THC300 "thinks" it needs to go UP.

Double Check your Z direction setting. The Z DRO needs to increase when you move the Z UP and decrease when it goes down.

If it is going UP and the DOWN from the THC is on then the Z direction is set wrong.


TOM caudle
Totally Modular CNC Electronics
www.CandCNC.com