Nice setup..!! I just added 4 small relays to toggle the GND, Step, Dir and Enable signals of the Z axis between the CNC and the THC controls. So for Initial height positioning I use the CNC (GRBL) control then switch to the THC for cutting.
I was kind of thinking of something along the lines. I thought about having 2 motors on my gantry, allowing each to have its own motor. The main one would be my regular Z from my CNC controller, and then the THC mounted to it. So when I move the Z up and down, the whole assembly with the THC moves up and down. So like you mentioned, I would set my initial height with my controller and then let THC take over and maintain the height while cutting. Plus I would have a greater range on the main Z to get the torch higher and out of the way.
Another idea for integrating (without relais) could be, to use a 4-port optocoupler 3.3v to 5v, on the input side step/dir from the thc and the cnc-shield and to bridge them on the output so that only one step and one dir is present. The only thing needed would be a command in the postprocessor (like coolent on) wich triggers the thc, that it will start to do its job. So the cnc shield can do the probing and piercing and afterwards the thc would control the z-axis and would be "kicked off" when the cut is finished... altough it would be a lot smarter (like mentioned earlier) if it could handle it like the proma compact, if you have the ability for an arc ok-signal ...
I think those TL smoothers actually allow current to flow in both directions. My understanding is that they create a voltage drop which forces your driver(s) to operate at a higher voltage. This can help some drivers that struggle to generate smooth signals on the low portion of the cycle at the cost of efficiency. Worth trying, but if you don't see any improvement then you're better off taking them out
My thoughts are to add 4 small relays to the motor, with both n-o/n-c contacts, n-o to the cnc driver n-c to the thc, after the arcstart, pin goes high in G-code to switch to the thc
You could read the z axis step and dir signals from your board with the arduino and calculate them in the microcontroller. The arduino then sends it‘s own step and dir signals to the stepper driver. This way the arduino is the only instance controlling the z axis. That is what the proma compact thc does.
Well that's an idea I haven't thought of thanks for that. My first initial reaction is the Arduino might be too slow to catch those signals correctly while it's trying to calculate the torch height because it really hammers the Arduino to calculate torch height. But this is a good idea and I'll look into it
I don't, but I am going to put one together and post it up on Thingiverse, and link it here. This torch is a IPTM-100, mine is only an IPTM-80... But I will do it for both
I'm thinking about making an emergency switch to slam on to override the Z-control signal with my input, in case something fked up, you think that is a good idea?
I guess you stoped with this project. How did you still use the z probes if your z is independently controlled by the thc? Would it be difficult to add step and direction input to the mega similar to a proma to make the process more efficient. I’d prefer to have it that way and return the step and direction to the z axis driver in the cabinet. I can’t find anyone who can help me with this. Simply input and output. No internal driver with additional EMI noise. But most importantly retaining control of the z axis. I see guys saying they added another linear system and z motor and that just seems crazy. Seems like passing through step and direction from the controller would be fairly easy.
Just did the downloads and flashing - arduino worked but the flash for the nextion screen is telling me that the file version is too low - has anybody run across this and if so how do I fix it?
To fix the "File Version too low" error you will need to recompile a new tft file using the Nextion Editor (current version is 1.65.1). After installing the Nextion software, click on the "open" button, select the "THC GUI.hmi" file, then click on "Compile" then save it as a new tft file. Place this single file on your windows formated fat32 sd card (Mac will screw things up with their hidden . files). It should work now... it did for me :)
I keep trying with no success having same file too low error followed your instructions to load into nextion editor but says wrong resource file or file has been damaged have quite a bit of time and money invested sounds like awsome idea everything is done and ready but can't get the screen to take firmware
Does anyone have this physically working on their machine? I am wrapping up my build and going to be testing soon. Had to cobble together how to install, connect etc from the videos. @HaleDesignTech Jeremiah, Have you done anything else with this? looks like you became a pilot and lost interest LOL. Thanks for the multiple videos and openbuild docs. Folks like me have no clue how to code and want to do this "budget" build but can be a pain in the ass.
This is a great stand alone project. but it is quite worrying, if the signal is not perfectly integrated with the CNC controller. TL smoothie helps your stepper motor to be softer, not responsive, i think Arduino 8 bit is replaced with STM32. Then this project will be a great one.
I'll be looking into Microcontrollers like the Ardunio Due that support 32bit processing... you right this project pushes the limits of what 8bit can do... The design won't ever integrate with the CNC controller(at least not by me) because I designed it to work on any plasma table just need to mount a little nema23 actuator to move the torch. but the next critical thing that needs development is the Arc Voltage needs isolation and a way to accept 16:1 and raw arc voltages.
@Ivan Stokicthat will change depending on the plasma cutter. It needs to be a 50:1 reduced voltage from plasma voltage. You'll need a voltage divider circuit or some sort of relay. My plasma cutter has one built in so I didn't have to worry about it for me.
This is a very descriptive video. Thanks you for this. I have couple of questions to ask 1. With the default baud rate (9600), the communication between both the boards are not happening. When increased to 115200, it works 2. The settings pages seems to irresponsive. Am I missing few of the settings?
yea its the communication link wires and software that seems to be the issue for me too... you have to hit the buttons on the settings pages a few times to get them to respond... 2 tips here. go to a thicker wire and make them as short as possible.
Excellent presentation !!!
Nice setup..!! I just added 4 small relays to toggle the GND, Step, Dir and Enable signals of the Z axis between the CNC and the THC controls. So for Initial height positioning I use the CNC (GRBL) control then switch to the THC for cutting.
Awesome Idea. You have anything you can share with me for setup wiring or logic?
I was kind of thinking of something along the lines. I thought about having 2 motors on my gantry, allowing each to have its own motor. The main one would be my regular Z from my CNC controller, and then the THC mounted to it. So when I move the Z up and down, the whole assembly with the THC moves up and down. So like you mentioned, I would set my initial height with my controller and then let THC take over and maintain the height while cutting. Plus I would have a greater range on the main Z to get the torch higher and out of the way.
what type of relays did you use?
Amazing thank you sir
Another idea for integrating (without relais) could be, to use a 4-port optocoupler 3.3v to 5v, on the input side step/dir from the thc and the cnc-shield and to bridge them on the output so that only one step and one dir is present. The only thing needed would be a command in the postprocessor (like coolent on) wich triggers the thc, that it will start to do its job. So the cnc shield can do the probing and piercing and afterwards the thc would control the z-axis and would be "kicked off" when the cut is finished... altough it would be a lot smarter (like mentioned earlier) if it could handle it like the proma compact, if you have the ability for an arc ok-signal ...
I think those TL smoothers actually allow current to flow in both directions. My understanding is that they create a voltage drop which forces your driver(s) to operate at a higher voltage. This can help some drivers that struggle to generate smooth signals on the low portion of the cycle at the cost of efficiency. Worth trying, but if you don't see any improvement then you're better off taking them out
Yeah like I said I haven't tried it and I think that's how it was supposed to work but I might be wrong. Thanks for pointing that out!
My thoughts are to add 4 small relays to the motor, with both n-o/n-c contacts, n-o to the cnc driver n-c to the thc, after the arcstart, pin goes high in G-code to switch to the thc
I did that, There's an arduino shield that has 4 relays.
What if my plasma don't have divider voltage 50:1 / 10volt on it ?? Is there any method to hock directly power from the terminal in to these unit ?!
Great video, Where can I get the print files for the break away torch holder?
You could read the z axis step and dir signals from your board with the arduino and calculate them in the microcontroller. The arduino then sends it‘s own step and dir signals to the stepper driver. This way the arduino is the only instance controlling the z axis. That is what the proma compact thc does.
Well that's an idea I haven't thought of thanks for that. My first initial reaction is the Arduino might be too slow to catch those signals correctly while it's trying to calculate the torch height because it really hammers the Arduino to calculate torch height. But this is a good idea and I'll look into it
How about using a Arduino Due? That might help.
I do like the set up, but was wondering if it is also available for a floating torch holder???
Great job! Do you have a link for the mount you used for the torch. I like the quick release, but unable to find a similar mount.
I don't, but I am going to put one together and post it up on Thingiverse, and link it here. This torch is a IPTM-100, mine is only an IPTM-80... But I will do it for both
How to connect the plasma torch and the powersource
I'm thinking about making an emergency switch to slam on to override the Z-control signal with my input, in case something fked up, you think that is a good idea?
When did you change the transmit and receive ports from the original "0" and "1" port?
Yes on the mega it uses serial number one and on the Uno it uses serial zero. The pins are different. I explained that briefly in my mega video
Let's see the thing doing some actual cutting.
I guess you stoped with this project. How did you still use the z probes if your z is independently controlled by the thc? Would it be difficult to add step and direction input to the mega similar to a proma to make the process more efficient. I’d prefer to have it that way and return the step and direction to the z axis driver in the cabinet. I can’t find anyone who can help me with this. Simply input and output. No internal driver with additional EMI noise. But most importantly retaining control of the z axis. I see guys saying they added another linear system and z motor and that just seems crazy. Seems like passing through step and direction from the controller would be fairly easy.
just tried uploading the TFT file but I keep getting the same error message "file version too low"
Hello, help me, tell me how to connect the "Arc on" sensor to your device? draw me a diagram? I will be sincerely grateful.
Just did the downloads and flashing - arduino worked but the flash for the nextion screen is telling me that the file version is too low - has anybody run across this and if so how do I fix it?
To fix the "File Version too low" error you will need to recompile a new tft file using the Nextion Editor (current version is 1.65.1). After installing the Nextion software, click on the "open" button, select the "THC GUI.hmi" file, then click on "Compile" then save it as a new tft file. Place this single file on your windows formated fat32 sd card (Mac will screw things up with their hidden . files). It should work now... it did for me :)
I keep trying with no success having same file too low error followed your instructions to load into nextion editor but says wrong resource file or file has been damaged have quite a bit of time and money invested sounds like awsome idea everything is done and ready but can't get the screen to take firmware
@@michaelhollenbaugh9549 Are you loading the THC GUI.HMI file in the editor or are you trying to load the THC GUI.tft file?
@@cncbuiltbyme worked for me too...thanks
Normally just taking signal from mother board, and via torch height you increasing or decreasing height.
Does anyone have this physically working on their machine? I am wrapping up my build and going to be testing soon. Had to cobble together how to install, connect etc from the videos. @HaleDesignTech Jeremiah, Have you done anything else with this? looks like you became a pilot and lost interest LOL. Thanks for the multiple videos and openbuild docs. Folks like me have no clue how to code and want to do this "budget" build but can be a pain in the ass.
Здравствуйте. Можете поделиться программой THC для чпу плата Mach 3. Буду очень признателен. Спасибо
This is a great stand alone project. but it is quite worrying, if the signal is not perfectly integrated with the CNC controller. TL smoothie helps your stepper motor to be softer, not responsive, i think Arduino 8 bit is replaced with STM32. Then this project will be a great one.
I'll be looking into Microcontrollers like the Ardunio Due that support 32bit processing... you right this project pushes the limits of what 8bit can do... The design won't ever integrate with the CNC controller(at least not by me) because I designed it to work on any plasma table just need to mount a little nema23 actuator to move the torch. but the next critical thing that needs development is the Arc Voltage needs isolation and a way to accept 16:1 and raw arc voltages.
@Ivan Stokicthat will change depending on the plasma cutter. It needs to be a 50:1 reduced voltage from plasma voltage. You'll need a voltage divider circuit or some sort of relay. My plasma cutter has one built in so I didn't have to worry about it for me.
This is a very descriptive video. Thanks you for this.
I have couple of questions to ask
1. With the default baud rate (9600), the communication between both the boards are not happening. When increased to 115200, it works
2. The settings pages seems to irresponsive. Am I missing few of the settings?
yea its the communication link wires and software that seems to be the issue for me too... you have to hit the buttons on the settings pages a few times to get them to respond... 2 tips here. go to a thicker wire and make them as short as possible.
@@CountryAireDesign hi pro can i use tft 2.8'' ?
Здравствуйте. Программой поделится можете?! Буду очень признателен. Спасибо
Are you willing to sell setup?
nice pro
Great job. You do not publish any new videos.Hope You are ok and decided that RUclips isnt Your thing.