Plasma CNC Proma THC install with Mach3

The Proma Compact THC at $250 is the bottom of the line torch height controller. It simply monitors the voltage being used to generate the plasma arc, compares that to a voltage you set on the unit and then triggers two input switches to Mach3 to tell it to move the torch up or down in order to maintain the selected voltage. But; it works!

[@Brad1962Fisher]

It took me about 5 minutes to understand why you kept saying mill screen and plasma screen until I remembered you have a computer milling machine that you have now attached a plasma torch and cutting with the torch and not the mill cutting head! Great idea - 2 machines 1 table & 1 computer - just change cutter motor for plasma nozzle! Thanks!

[@SVSeeker]

Keck, I'm not sure but it's OLD. I think it's a 486. It's running Window 98. You hardly need any power at all to run Mach3. There is a Kernal Seed setting under Pins and Ports. Maybe you have that too high? But if you change it, you'll have to re-calibrate your motors too. Good luck!

[@SVSeeker]

I have not. I think I would have to increase the travel speed for my Z axis in Mach3, but I see no reason that would not work. I've seen the corrugated sheet thing demoed, but I can ever imagine a real world need to do that. Do you actually have one?

[@SVSeeker]

Sorry, I really suck at electronics. And I have never seen a plasma cutter sputter like that. Your metal looks clean and thin so the only thing I can think of is that you have lots of water in your air?

[@TheEmporiumOutdoors]

The pierce height should be higher than the cut height. Did you say the head moves up after the pierce? Just wondered. Thx.

[@SVSeeker]

I picked that up almost a year ago from Al at Eagle Plasma. He is good at answering questions, but no longer sells them. However they are on eBay for around $270

[@SVSeeker]

It really depends on the control card. My card had a 5v DC output and that connected to a 110 volt AC relay for powering up the router. I use the same control of the plasma but plugging a 110 AC coil relay to in where the router normally is and I opened up the plasma torch and added two wire that I can connect onto this relay. The relay closes the contacts for the trigger on the plasma torch.

[@SVSeeker]

Bravo! 60 amps of plasma is head and shoulders about that little Chinese unit. Best of Luck

[@SVSeeker]

I do not have a floating head on my table. And I do not think I will ever add one. I simply arrange the pierce points close together and set the Z height manually. If I must have a set of pierce points far away from the others just break the cut up into multiple g-code files. DV - I think you mean Voltage Devider. The newer Proma THC can be connected to the torch power feed and work lead, just like I did on my Hypertherm. But they also can plug input a VD on many newer plasma machines.

[@SVSeeker]

In the Mach3 Plasma screen you can enter a "THC Max" and "THC Min" value. Before I modified my Plasma screen I could only enter Zero or positive numbers as the the "THC Min" value. So even if my Proma THC indicated to Mach3 that the torch should be lowered, Mach3 would never allow the torch to go below Zero. One fix is to set Z-Zero about 1/2" below the material but you have to remember you did that before you click on "Go to Zero". Now, I simply set THC Min to "-.5" No more problems.

[@albertodelatorre4320]

how did you modified it?

[@3DPeter]

thanks for your response. i bought a second hand machine, but this time a professional one witch cuts on 30 or 60 amps, and it slices trough the metals like a hot knif trough butter, and that for 600 euro's. The new price was 3000, and it's a solid machine that last 4ever. it's on wheels because it's way to heavy to carry otherwise. Anyway, again thanks for your reply.

[@TheEmporiumOutdoors]

The post processor that compiles the G code sets the pierce height, delay etc and then the cut height even if you don't have THC. Just seems weird. Great fan of the site BTW and cant wait for launch date!

[@SVSeeker]

I purchased my CNC table in parts for only $3000. It was $13,000 new. The company used it for a few months making furniture and then went out of business. While I was shopping for this table I found 3 others that were being sold be people that had tried to make a business out of it. My guess is that the best approach would be to build a business that needs a CNC first, then get a CNC and you'll have a machine that stays busy. I think there is just too much competition from regular job shops

[@SVSeeker]

I've learn from the Mach3 forum that the lack of negative Z is a fixable bug in the default Plasma screen. One that I'm going to fix. But I'm sure PlasmaCAM has a much better integrated THC. Once this one can go below Z:0 it runs the risk of driving the tip into the material. The next bolt onto Frankenstein will be a "floating head" that sets head to the pierce height.

[@otosatserviceautomobil5110]

I saw sheet cam Mach 3, have problem delay torch after installing THC. How about solve problem decisions to sure torch on cut? Have setting Jet tool pierce and speed rate better didn't long delay?. Mechanism active z by THC directions use Switch board part on z axis machine plasma cutting CNC. Problem delay cut made line cut torch at steel material don't perfect, sequence part line have line not cut because delay fire torch jet plasma. you show problem solving cut delay with THC on sheetcam Mach 3, I can try it. Thank you SV Seeker. Best Regard's

[@SVSeeker]

I use the default delays on the THC but I remember it having one that delayed any signal after startup. The problem I had was getting the right voltage setting on the THC. You might just have it too low, causing it to signal the movement downward in an attempt to reach the low voltage. I nearly always cut 1/4" plate and 145 v on the THC is working great for me with the Hypertherm 1000 on 60 amps and 80 ipm on the cut. Hypertherm has a chart that will show ballpark voltages for various mat.

[@فكرمنجديد-ذ8ص]

😊

[@SVSeeker]

I like your table setup. Neat idea with the water coolant. A friend of mine got BOBCam V24 today for $150 +$25 shipping.

[@SVSeeker]

I set the delay in BobCAD but the Z-zero is just the top of the material so with no floating head I simply lower the torch to some height that is above all of the pierce points and not too high and set that to Zero in Mach3. I had to modify Mach3 plasma screen so it would let me enter a negative numbers and after that the THC does a great job of keeping the torch at a respectable height. ....and thanks for watching and commenting.

[@mikahb]

I was working with a client trying to get this same setup (PROMA + Hypertherm) working. The issue we kept having was that regardless of what I set for THC Min (top surface of the material being zero), it would end up crashing the tip into the material. It seems like during the pierce, the PROMA is asking for "DOWN" so Mach3 lets it "over-plunge" and hit the material. Tried a couple different delays, maybe we need to speed up the Z-axis speed. Anyway - thanks for the video!

[@SVSeeker]

I am sorry. The translator is not very good. The THC connects to the ground cable and to the torch tip power cable. It only reads the voltage from these 2 wires. If you have a micro switch that is closed when the torch touches the sheet metal then you also have a "floating head". The "floating head" and the THC work good together." Mi esposa habla español mejor que yo. Escribe en español si lo desea

[@SVSeeker]

I've never used Sheet Cam. And there is nothing in the CAD software that has anything to do with the THC. The THC is just a simple move up / move down signal back to Mach 3 in my case and Mach 3 passes has the Z-axis move up or down within the THC Max and THC Min height limits I have entered onto the Mach 3 Plasma screen.

[@SVSeeker]

Your welcome. Mine is still going strong and does everything I need.

[@shanghei]

Thanks for the reply, just bought one and was worried I made a bad choice. I was getting tired of my plasma scraping against the steel.

[@SVSeeker]

Without a floating head I have to set Z-zero to a height that is going to work for all of the pierces on the part. Head movement after that is done by the THC. It not a great system but the longer I use it the less I think about adding a floating head.

[@SVSeeker]

I'm very please with it. My only problem is finding and then remembering the best voltage setting for various thicknesses of steel. And for 1/2" I need to change the delay so it does not lower the Z-axis too quickly when finishing the cut because it sees the voltage spike.

[@theartman410]

Hello, you wrote about Al, where you bought you THC from. He still is selling them.What a nice guy. You have alot of great info on here. Glad I see your video, Im really thinking about getting a THC. I have to see if I can still use my Bob CAM V20. Im so used to that vertion even tho I have V23.

[@vambreace]

for the touch probe. you need set the input pin in mach3. open mach3 go to config/port and pins/input signals. select probe and assign the input pin you are using, the you must isolate the input. if you are using a limit switch you can't connect directly to the motherboard the voltage surge from plasma start will burn the board you must isolate before to use

[@Homeengineering]

I have a Proma THC on order and find your comments very useful. I have been looking into setting up a floating head but have become so confused with conflicting methods, I might just forget the idea. Can you please explain what you mean about your comment " I had to modify Mach3 plasma screen so it would let me enter a negative numbers".

[@poorchava]

Where did you buy that THC module? I mean price seems a bit elevated. This module was designed and is being manufactured by a Polish company, and as far as i know the price in single quantity is PLN 670, which is something like $200-210. I wonder if you paid the rest for shipping or got overcharged by a reseller.

[@theartman410]

Thanks,not sure if you seen it,but I have a camera on the torch also. Makes it so easy to put torch head on a spot from my desk. When talking to Al, he said something about getting sheet cam for my cad drawing. Not totaly sure why. How does the drawing program with the THC? Did you have to do such thing?

[@abdacnc3969]

thank you so much for this video and your replies to people asking help

[@AmateurRedneckWorkshop]

What value is your Proma speed setting showing?

[@SVSeeker]

The Proma is the Torch Height Controller, and it displays the voltage used by the plasma arc. As the distance of the arc increases, so does the voltage. If the voltage move out of the set upper limit it closes a switch to tell Mach 3 that it needs to lower the torch. And it's just the opposite for the lower limit.

[@AmateurRedneckWorkshop]

@@SVSeeker but when you cycle through the proma settings the next setting below the voltage setting is "speed" and it has a value in it just as do the items on the menu below that. The voltage is easy but what number is in the speed setting?

[@KeithFenner]

I'm spoiled with auto height control on my PlasmaCAM and amazed you add a few gadgets and how you created your working ( I love Frankenstein), could you add material sensing and then be able to set low side in negative amounts? On my system I can ask it to go past 0 by Z amount to make pierce height, after contact. ;{)---

[@vambreace]

i already installed one of these in a hypertherm powermax 1250 . and works very well taking in account the price. this tiny thc works very well. i use mach3 ver 2.063 instead ver 3.043. this version let me configure the thc values in the main dashboard. AND DO NOT MISS STEEPS. using micro steeps drive

[@Stubytube]

Ah estupendo Seeker la consulta era la siguiente el microswith en la cabeza flotante del eje z en que parte se conecta yo estoy por comprar un THC como el tuyo pero estoy averiguando bien ya que no me quiero equivocar con la compra,en esa web de esta el thc y junto a el otro aparto que se llama DV no se si venden el conjunto o por separado espero haberme explicado bien gracias por tu amabilidad y a tu esposa tambien por traducirme un saludo

[@paulanthony873]

to have such a supportive wife who is involved in your pursuits is priceless you're a lucky man, a lot of women who are having marriage problems should take note. can I ask a question, do you need a plasma cutter equipped with a cnc plug or can you modify a inexpensive chinese machine with the torch height controller you used

[@SVSeeker]

Actually Kay and I are divorced, but you are correct that she has always been a supportive wife, and now she is a supportive friend. But that has and always will be a two way street. And Mach3 controls the CNC table and it simply interprets the Z-axis up/down commands from the Proma THC.

[@relaxmonkey1]

Is there anything you can't do? What did you do before boat building? Have you a blog?

[@automatizacionindustrialro6810]

Bien día amigo, soy nuevo en esto co.o hago para pasar de cero en el mínimo de plasma a -15 ?que es lo que tengo que modificar en el bloque de notas? Gracias

[@egidijusbagdonavicius7224]

Hi, my THC not working in mach3. I use E-CUT USB input/output board. I install mach3 in three PC and got different result. When PC don't have LPT port THC system not working. THC working only whith LPT boards. It is thruth? Why THC not working with USB boards?

[@URREALCNCLUISURREA]

Hello, I have bought several thc proma and all good so far that the thc does not read voltage when cutting single figure (----) and the green lights do not light I leave it in test mode and if it shows well voltages and turns on and off the green lights up and down. I work with Mach 3 which may be the problem? Please ask help to solve greetings, Luis Urrea

[@Stubytube]

Hello is that it works very well I'm about to buy one but I wonder if you could explain how conexiona the part that touches the plate, the one that is right through unaware as per microswith is connected to that part which is being referenced the sheet metal is thank you very much greetings from Arg sorry for the English use a translator

[@ertugrulgulumcan8558]

great video and great demonstration. but i wonder if this proma thc works with leafboy77(also called akz250) usb motion control card? if it does, is there any changes with wiring and stuff?

[@shanghei]

So after you got it up and running was there issues? You didnt seem very pleased with it.

[@أبوعبداللهالظهوري-ج7ك]

Hello sv Seeker I have problem with THC not work correctly. 1. AKZ250 usb board 2. Mach3 0.066 3.THC proma 150 I have signal flash up and down , but z axis not change

[@victorfdz2000]

Hello, I've installed and tested the THC in my plasma table, but I have'nt found how to control the plasma torch trigger with the motion card, is there a wiring diagram I could use?, thanks.

[@ameenfahmi]

can you help me which board brand that used here because i want to buy one .. however thanks a lot for your helpful video

[@أبوعبداللهالظهوري-ج7ك]

hi Why does this phrase appear : When open a file ( Plasma.xml ) Do you think this is the problem?

[@pelosnarvaez]

i just bought one of this. Thank you for your explanation.

[@skundi1]

Thanks to you I got my pricecnc THC working. thanks

[@SVSeeker]

Too bad. There are people that have great luck with those units. Just seems to be the role of the dice.

[@jakecrist6389]

what soft ware you using to make tool pass so would your thc work with the mill screen

[@WilliamSmith-xv1vs]

Is that machine a dyna cnc machine ? It looks like the dyna that I have

[@focuscnc]

Do you try this THC on corragated sheet ? ok or not ?

[@danieliele4851]

Hello! I was calibrating the Proma THC on a new Plasma we are building when it suddenly stopped working. Now i can't get it to run even on Test Mode. Im pretty sure that Mach3 settings are correct and the Proma box display looks fine. I tested the output voltage on ARC DOWN, ARC UP and THC ON, and it reads 12V on all of them. Any ideas what might be happening?

[@SVSeeker]

That's not right. So during the test the THC Up and Down LED's turn on and off, but are never on at the same time? And with the wire going to the controller disconnected, I think you should only see conductivity (closed circuit) with your ohm meter between the common and up connection port when the up led is on. Same for the down led.

[@HusameAbbas]

Hi there I have the same proma THC Sd as yours, having the same issue with the torch goes up and never comes down , add to that it dives in holes. How have you managed to get the THC working properly? Please help!

[@vchuman]

Hello everybody, I am thinking of using mach 3 and the Proma THC to build a plasma CNC table. I have never used them before, so I am not sure how the Z axis would be controlled. I would like the machine to cut several shapes on the same run, which means that by the end of each shape the Z axis (the torch) must separate from the material o the power should be turned off. When milling, the Z axis will be driven by the G-code, but if the THC is working, what controls the height? how do I control the height? Is it that mach 3 drives the z axis as if milling and the THC overrides it if necessary? I would like to understand how it works. Thanks

[@SVSeeker]

Hello. You set the Z height before starting the cut so it is correct for the pierce and make that height 0. Mach3 will start the torch just like it would a router or mill, but none of the g-code would contain any changes for the Z height, other than lifting it up to the "safe Z" height when moving it over to the next pierce point where it would move it back to 0. When the torch is running the THC can send turn one one of two switches. One switch tells Mach3 to raise the torch and the other tells Mach3 to lower the torch. You can set the speed that the torch moves in Mach3. So if the THC switch for "up" comes on, then Mach3 will raise the torch until the THC turns the switch off. It's that easy. When the g-code turns the torch off and tells it to go to the safe Z, perhaps 20 mm then the torch will move to 20mm from whereever the THC left it. If the piece points are not close together then you'll need to pause the program between the parts so you can manually set the pierce height for the next part. If that becomes too much work, then you can add a "floating head" that will touch the steel, back away to the pierce height and set that height to 0. Hope that helps.

[@3DPeter]

no water because i got a professional compressor with a huge water sepperator. i also took it to a friend who has a machine shop and tried it there, but the same sputter happend, so i'm sending it back.

[@sebastianrojas9479]

Hello dear, I am Sebastian I commented my problem: I installed the thc proma 150 which works correctly, I can see the changes in the diagnostic screen but the z axis does not rise or fall. I work under Windows 7 32 bits and with USB port, the Mach3 is licensed. Could you help me please? Regards.

[@SVSeeker]

Good 90% of it is working. Go to Config / Pins and Ports / Input Signals and make sure those pins are assigned to the proper THC variables in the list.

[@MrPeluche7]

Friend a question as you activate or deactivate in plasm when you move from one piece to another I have a cnc and I want to connect a plasma

[@SVSeeker]

Open up your machine and find the two wires going to the switch on the torch. Then splice onto those two wire and run them to a relay switch that is connected to your CNC's breakout board. Then set that relay up in Mach3 as the torch. I use the same relay that is used to power the router on/off.

[@eddierodriguez2472]

@SV seeker- ive been having some issues with the proma thc and was wondering if you could give me some pointers. my setup is mach3/hypertherm 45. my issue is even tho the lights for up and down turn on the THC my mach 3 sofware is not recognizing it. so im trying to pin point how mach 3 gets its signals from THC. Also i notice that when i run the THC in test mode my torch only goes up every 3 seconds.. and like mentioned before it will not register that on the mach screen.

[@SVSeeker]

Use the video and check your setup in Mach3 again. The THC simply closes one of two switches. One up and one down. You should see those on the THC and also on the Diagnostics screen in Mach3

[@eddierodriguez2472]

@@SVSeeker I will mess around with it this afternoon.. to see why i can pin point why the diagnostics is not showing it moving up or down

[@heismysail]

You're welcome! It's worked out well for us.

[@christiancedolin6691]

hi seeker do you know what is the response time of this thc? I have a Proma THC and some times when I try to cut at 2150mm/min, torch colides with the material I set the voltage and I have all properly configured, thanks

[@SVSeeker]

The delay in configurable. I cut 1/4" at 85 in/min (2159mm) and I use the default.

[@christiancedolin6691]

SV Seeker Hi, thanks for your quick response, I have a hypertherm powermax 45 and I set 0,5s in THC delay, anti dive at +60, the only way to make it work was setting the high voltage value to 110V, when I cut straight lines everityng goes perfect, but when I try to cut a figure with many details the machine make several stops (I think because the High voltage value I set) and torch colides with material especially when passing through already cut areas, I dont know what can I do?

[@SVSeeker]

Christian Cedolin I think your problem is the machine coming to a stop. It should not do that unless it is ending the cut and turning off the torch. I also adjusted my post processing code in Bob-CAD/CAM and removed some delays on shutting off the torch. At the very most your machine should only slow down when it is approaching a sharp corner. Cutting 1/4" steel, I run the volts at 158 I think. Your torch will have a chart that will give you a good starting voltage and then you can adjust that to change the clearance of the tip above the steel. Best of Luck!

[@michaelward70]

SV Seeker. I have a thc the same as yours and am having trouble with it. I am using same as you Bobcadcam for my software and my cnc machine is from Camcutcnc. I still cannot get my thc to work. I can do it in a test but when I change back to normal no thc settings work. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

[@themartensway8082]

What post processer do you use

[@SVSeeker]

Vegas Pro 17

[@walterabreulaabs]

Hello, is having an error could help me? "thc up or down signal enable clear it first" What can be?

[@idolomoro53]

Hi, I'm big fan of your works, in each of your vidieo I learn something new. I just bought a Proma THC compact, the main difference with the THC 150 is that the compact don't need to configure anything in Mach3 works independent of this. But I have two problems. The first is that, when it start cutting the Z axis begins to rise till a height that is no longer enough to cut. And the second problem is that I don't know how to connect the torch switch I / O to the breackout board, so that through the code g start cutting. Please any tip you can give me will be of great help. Regards

[@SVSeeker]

You don't configure anything in Mach3? I have no idea how that is done. That company has a web site now. I'd talk to them: proma-elektronika.com/ I'm still using and happy with my original Proma THC.

[@idolomoro53]

Hi tanks for your answer, i already contact proma, just one last cuestión how do you connect the trigger plasma cutter to your breakout board? I think you use a rele, can you tell me the specs please. Regards

[@SVSeeker]

Sergio Lopez Yes, that I can answer. It took my Herpertherm torch apart and connected wire on both sides of the trigger's micro switch. Those connect to a relay that is controlled by the interface board. On my system it actually uses the same output normally used to turn on the router, so the relay has a 120v coil and the leads from the plasma torch and connected to a normally open pair of pins. Here are more details: svseeker.com/cnc_plasma.htm

[@HusameAbbas]

Hi there I have the same proma THC Sd as yours, having the same issue with the torch goes up and never comes down , add to that it dives in holes. How have you managed to get the THC working properly? Please help! 19 hours ago•

[@eduvidalcarrillo]

hi! what kind of breakboard do you use? a parallel o USB breakboard. Because, I have the next configuration, AKZ250 usb breakboard, THC PROMA and powermax 85. All axis work well and the THC input when I tests blink, but Z axis doesn´t move. Only I can move G code and the keys. Do you know what is the problem? I follow your instructions that you show in your video.

[@SVSeeker]

Its parallel. Check on your Mach3 Disnostic page to see if it is receiving the Z-axis command. Maybe it's the wiring our the pin assignment?

[@newlasa]

Hi, Seeker When mark ( Allow THC UP/DOWN Control even if not in THC Mode ) In Mach3 I have status : THC Up or Down signal Active. Clear it first What is the Problem. Thank

[@SVSeeker]

Ahmad Alwabel I'd check the THC with an ohm meter to make sure the switch is open. If the THC is working then I'd check the wiring. Manually connect the up and down wire to the ground and use Mach3's dianostics page to see that you have them assigned to the correct pins.

[@truog2003brasilia]

+Ahmad Alwabel Hi, set the inputs THC UP and THC DOWN as low active...

[@tibibirladeanu4576]

please tell me what nesting program you used and what postprocessor . thanks

[@SVSeeker]

I don't use a nesting program and I simplified the postprocessor script for BobCad V24. I think the have a packaged postprocessor for Mach3 now.

[@brooksdw]

I can get it to work in test mode but it wont work in program

[@Boraguard]

Hi, Been trying to get one of these working and from what I can tell it should be >_< any chance you could PM me a copy of your XML so I can compare them? Thanks

[@3DPeter]

hi, you really know alot about elecronics i see, so could you take a look at my chinese cut 40 pilot? Search for "plasma cut 40 pilot" i'm going to send it back, because it doesn't work corectly, but i would love to know what the problem could be.

[@abdacnc3969]

hi sir ,, i intend buying a hypertherm 80 or 65 ,, my cuestion is what the difference between operating it with a normal computer: mach3 and a controler ,,? thanks

[@SVSeeker]

I only have my old Hypertherm 1000. The newer machines have plugs were you can easily tap on for triggering the torch from the CNC or reading the voltage for a Torch Height Controller. As for the connection to a CNC computer, I would get an interface board that goes between the computers parallel cable and the CNC motors and Hypertherm. Check CNCZone for current recommendations. Here are some details on what I have: www.svseeker.com/wp/sv-seeker-2/metal-working-2/tools/cnc-plasmarouter3d-printer/our-cnc-table/

[@abdacnc3969]

it s kind of you sir ,, i can only say thanks a lot , greetings from morocco

[@robertovergara5599]

Hello, can you help me install one to my machine or give me a diagram of how to install it?

[@SVSeeker]

The video is the best instructions I have.

[@theartman410]

I tryed to E-mail you,but it came back. You have to hook into your controller box on table? Maybe Al gets a cut for selling Sheet Cam.LOL I see about setting Mach3 in your very helpful video.

[@eduvidalcarrillo]

Excellent video, but how do you doing the configuration of I/O in mach3, because you have arcvoltage feedback and how is the procedure of start. your system sensed first and later plasma arc start, how do you doing this?? I hope that you can help me, I am working and similiar project but I don´t find information about THC configuration in mach3 Thanks!!!

[@SVSeeker]

At 5:05 in the video I show the settings in Mach3. You just need 3 ports from the Proma THC to Mach3. THC, On/Up/Down. The rest is configured in the THC unit. I use all of the default settings, but there is a delay so the start voltage as well as changes in voltage at the end of a cut can be ignored. So set the starting Z at an piece height that works well and then set the voltage on the THC for what works best during the cut. It will take a lot of trial and error at first.

[@eduvidalcarrillo]

SV Seeker ok, but how use the sensor of touch the torch? or only is programation of codigo G for plasma arc start or is controlled for The Proma THC?

[@SVSeeker]

eduvidalcarrillo Maybe you are thinking of a "Floating Head"? A floating head will set the Z start height. I do not use one.

[@TheJanderson1988]

You would like to send me a THC connection scheme, as I'm having trouble installing my. Thank you very much in advance.

[@SVSeeker]

www.google.com/webhp?sourceid=chrome-instant&ion=1&espv=2&ie=UTF-8#q=proma%20thc%20manual

[@juanjoselizarraga3890]

hello sv seeker I'm a big fan of yours. I have a problem with my plasma. in particular with my thc height controller since it is not working correctly and configure it exactly as you specify in this video and I can not make it work. ago the test of the thc and I put all the parameters and it does not give me any results if you could help me ..

[@SVSeeker]

I'll try. Have you looked at the Mach 3 Diagnostics screen and confirmed that it sees the up/down signal from the THC when the THC is in Test mode?

[@juanjoselizarraga3890]

hello I happen to be disappointed that in the parameters of (EStop) especially in pin numbert if I put 10 and keep the information mark me an alarm at the moment in the main screen for example in (reset) I get the press reset alarm. ..emergency mode active ..... and at the bottom where it says status tells me the following legend (EXternal EStop requested)

[@SVSeeker]

I don't follow. You can not reset your EStop?

[@juanjoselizarraga3890]

How to restart the estop by clicking on estop or how to do it

[@SVSeeker]

For my machine, you turn off the Estop switch and then click the reset button on the Mach 3 screen.

[@gloriis7]

Hi... Where can I buy a Proma THC?

[@SVSeeker]

Check eBay for "Proma Compact THC" Best of Luck

[@6630DBR]

thanks, very useful video, greetings from patagonia argentina

[@jakecrist6389]

could you tell me what the hu volts do... do i need to test in side for volts to set it

[@SVSeeker]

It will depend on your plasma machine and the thickness of the metal. I have a Hypertherm 1000 and the THC for 156 volts for 1/4" steel

[@jakecrist6389]

that volts what is the hu on the thc goes 300volts down to 50 default is 200

[@marioalbertoc4304]

tendra en venta MiniTHC plasma calculator screenset ?

[@juanjoselizarraga3890]

hola mario de donde te comunicas tu amigo

[@SVSeeker]

I'm svseeker (at) ymail (dot) com ....and yes the THC connects to the control box, but my control box uses that breakout board shown in the video and that made it really easy. I was not using my home switches so I just removed them and connected the 3 wires to the ports that the switches were using. --Doug

[@gagangfebrianto2016]

Sir pleas help me, i have thc proma 150, and everything ok. But z axis not move to up and down. Can you help me

[@SVSeeker]

Put the Proma in Test Mode. Make sure the up/down lights are working on the Mach 3 Diagnostics screen.

[@gagangfebrianto2016]

Ok, i can to try. Can you give me, your email sir.

[@SVSeeker]

Let me know how it goes, but let's have the conversation here so it might help someone else.

[@gagangfebrianto2016]

SV Seeker Oh ok sir, is it without setting voltage on thc it's a problem z axis dont move up / down, it's a step I have not done.

[@SVSeeker]

Bingo. You have to set the voltage on the Proma THC. The higher the voltage the higher the torch will be off the metal. And you can adjust it while it is cutting. Start high so it moves away from the metal. 157 volts is about right for my Hypertherm 1000 but every plasma machine is going to be different.

[@tvrlro2]

Great work I know the complexities of setting a plasma THC up in Mach 2/3 on a DynaCNC table ;) nice to see it working :o)#

[@packinmania]

It's difficult for me to understand electronics and plasma so on

[@procassafischer382]

why my z dont work in testing voltage setings?

[@SVSeeker]

Can you give more details about the problem?

[@procassafischer382]

yes, when testing the thc motor on z is not shifted as well as during operation, so voltage on thc shows but z stands in one place

[@SVSeeker]

Ok. The problem is between the Proma THC and Mach3. Run the test program on the Proma THC, and check for the Up/Down lights on the Mach3. Look at the "Dianostics Alt-7" tab. If the Torch Up / Torch Down lights do not work look to see if other light blink. If so the Ports and Pins configuration is wrong. Also confirm that THC is turned on in Mach3: kzbin.info/www/bejne/oZebhGaogZiqj9k

[@macbarrera89]

Hi Seeker, I wonder if you could help me. I already set the Proma THC and it works great during the cut, it goes up and down on irregular surfaces. But how can I make the torch to go down until touches the sheet and then go up again to the ideal height 0.100" aprox. at the start of every cut? Did I explain myself? Just to give you more details, I use Mach3 and this type of Breakout Board: www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00SWO2OUU/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1 How can I setup the hardware and the G code in order to get this task done? Thank you very much!

[@SVSeeker]

That is a different option. It's often called a floating head: kzbin.info/www/bejne/eqK1oaugf7t6h5Y I do not have one, so what I do is put all of the pierce points as close together as possible, and when that can not be done I add and M01 to the g-code that causes the execution to pause and then I adjust the Z height as needed, zero out the Z axis and hit Start Cycle again to get the program to continue.

[@macbarrera89]

Thanks for the quick reply. Yes, that's what I'm doing now, it's kind of annoying. Thanks for sharing the video, I saw it and now I understand the concept. Great, thank you!

[@khalil1919setif]

Rechrche chema thc price cnc avac poste s stamos125 bliz

[@magneticatastrophy]

THC rocks!

[@SivaKumar-oj2ld]

Mach 3 controllers model number sir

[@SVSeeker]

It a very old one. Details are on our web page but just find any that use a real parallel port and nothing USB.

[@SVSeeker]

The list of things I can't do is very long. The list of things I won't try if very short. No blog, just the web site, svseeker.com. Have fun. --Doug

[@Iceberg86300]

Ugh. I hate mach 3. They left a huge sour taste in my mouth when the company I worked for was looking at completing a not very expensive plasma. With all the hoops it was like they thought the billion dollar company that had it's own milk and lathe controls was trying to steal mach 3's programming. Anyway, have you looked at a machine torch for your plasma? Not sure if it's needed to just take the arc voltage off 2 jumpers on the powermax board, as well as the all the machine functions available on the powermax series. If you take a look at the powermax service manual you could probably follow the pin outs for the machine torch and just modify the hand torch with an adapter harness so you're not stuck with your torch being tied to the machine. THC is incredibly difficult to get correct. But if you could rig the hand torch with the machine torches ohmic sensor you won't have to deal with setting pierce heights manually or screwing around with a floating head. I can tell you we finally ditched the whole idea of coming up with our own plasma control. Ended up using our control with some relays to start the powermax and then hand off functions to that unit.. Then we ended up with a hi-def unit from hypertherm that we just used in the shop for proto work. The ohmic sensor with the powermax did provide decent results though.

[@vicky29a]

puedes pasarlo para poder subtitularlo a español

[@SVSeeker]

Try it now.

[@MrBetovolador]

Hi SV Seeker thank you so much for the video its very useful, I send you a mail to know if you could send me the plasma.xml file , because I can use the mach mill to work correctly , but I did´t receive an answer , maybe you change of mail . It would be great to use the mach mill insted of mach plasma that is awful , thank you so much

[@SVSeeker]

You can download the file from this page: svseeker.com/cnc_plasma.htm

[@MrBetovolador]

Thank you so much , there is a lot more of information ...God Bless You

[@barmakrobotics5511]

Hi, I got myself the Compact THC 150 first generation which has COM, UP, ARC, DOWN terminals and a couple of months ago I bought this CNC 3 axis kit (www.aliexpress.com/item/3-Axis-CNC-Kit-3Nm-425oz-in-Nema-23-Stepper-Motor-M542T-Driver-CNC-Router-Laser/2038660195.html) before I got the THC I had my plasma torch connected to the reley of this BOB (output pin 17). and it turns on when M03 is in the code. But now that I have the Proma THC, how can I connect it to the motors driver and BOB?? Thanks a lot.

[@charlesbrooks9195]

I don't know if I watch your videos to see your boat being built or what you're going invent next. I mean, anyone can build a boat (not true but I like to lie like Trump) but who can things and resolve the problems you do. Keep inventing!!

[@SVSeeker]

Thank you. I believe all of us have the ability to make new things. It's just a set of skills to be learned, developed, and shared.

[@SVSeeker]

ymail :)

[@diederrr]

could you give me some advise... im having problems and have the same setup. pictures of my setting and videos at: www.cnczone.com/forums/general-cnc-plasma-oxy-fuel-cutting-machines/300602-cnc-autocad-forum.html

[@SVSeeker]

+diederrr So the Z axis does move when the THC is in test mode. When not running in test mode: Do the up/down leds on the THC light up when the torch is too low/high? If they do, does the Mach 3 Diagnostics screen show the lights?

[@diederrr]

+SV Seeker yes, I had the wires mixed up on the THC unit. My manual suggested 130v for the thickness i was cutting but had to adjust to ~90v for it to cut correctly. Any idea why my voltage is so far off the recommended?

[@SVSeeker]

+diederrr Not sure. You might put a volt meter on it and see if it is really 90v. If it is, then you might just be cutting with the nozzle closer to the steel that what the manufacturer thinks is going to be the case. Doesn't setting the THC to 130v just increase the height of the torch?

[@diederrr]

+SV Seeker I will put a meter on it while its cutting. 130v makes it want to cut about 1" off the plate. I really appreciate your responses, these machines can be a test of patience.

[@diederrr]

+SV Seeker One thing i noticed is when you said "I have to start pierce point at the lowest spot or it wont work... If you enter -5 value for THC MIN, you will be able to start on high side or low side. wont matter.

[@Stubytube]

send an email you need to ask you some questions thanks......

[@SVSeeker]

Glad to. Email me at: svseeker ( at ) ymail (dot) com I'll send you my PLASMA.xml that I have now modified with MachScreen so that you can enter a negative number in the Minimum height.

[@wakedindustrial6368]

So nice man, I like it!! Now I just start to bulit a cnc machine.. can you give me your email to contact you for some help?

[@SVSeeker]

I did not build my CNC, but I have some notes that might help you here: svseeker.com/cnc_build_or_buy.htm And you are welcome to write me at [e-mail]

[@jonatangarcialeon6229]

HELLO, AS YOU ARE PLEASE YOU CAN ACTIVATE SUBTITLES IN SPANISH I SUBSCRIBED TO YOUR CHANNEL THANK YOU FRIEND.