manual height control and pierce move delay

[Tyler Ude]

i have a 2x2 with esab powercut 1300 plasma. The machine is working and cutting fine but i have one annoyance with it. Ive emailed support but they stopped helping when i said it was a manual height control.

basically whats happening: I hit start on the program. The table jogs out and the plasma will fire and it will immediately start moving, cutting out the section. Once it stops and jogs to the next pierce point, it will pierce and then sit there for 3 seconds before moving. Id like it not to sit there.

In the M code definitions i have the "Plasma On" set for a 3 second delay. If i lower it, the very first pierce on the program gets messed up. The machine will actually start moving before the torch fires and it will leave a small gap in the cut. All of the other pierces in the program will have the correct delay time that is set.

How do i get the first pierce to delay the same as the rest? I asked on pirate and they said that i need to hook up the "okay to move" or as my esab calls it "motion allow" to the Torchmate but all the wiring diagrams i have, thats for AVHC and not the manual control. Can i still hook that up? what pins on the 501A box does it need to go to?

here is the M-Code Definitions:

 

[LECS-Chad]

You would be using the INPUT on the sig gen. So you would require the INPUT cable and attach those said wires to it. Then you can set that INPUT as your "motion allow" in the M-CODE TO EXECUTE MACROS. This would work as your OK TO MOVE to help resolve the pierce issue you are having.

 

[Tyler Ude]

okay, thats about what i thought. I have a cable/connector to plug into the input. Do i just pick 2 pins for my "motion allow"?

You went a bit over my head on the setup of it in the driver software. I dont see anywhere in the Input section or under the Macro's that would give an okay to move signal. Can you be a bit more specific on what i need to change or do?

 

[Tyler Ude]

i think i got it:

from pirate: http://www.pirate4x4.com/forum/torc...-pinouts-mo-501a-controller.html#post13240782

Yes the pins to the right are the correct input lines. You can also double check for yourself that you have a solid connection by going on line with the software. Select Controller at the top of your screen, then select Input Line Status. Jump the pins together and you will see a reaction from both input lines when they are closed together. Once your wires are made solid. Close out of that screen and go to the Configuration drop down and select I/0 Input lines.

For line 1 under Function "Select Control" and give a generic description as "Pierce Complete" or "Ok to Move". Wiring Status for the connection should be set to "NO".

For line 2 under the function "Select Feed hold" The description will be automatically placed to feed hold. Set that wiring status to "NO" as well.

Their is nothing else to change in this window just what I mention above.

To the left in the configuration window scroll down to "Programming" and select "M-code Defentions".

Take your M50-Plasma On Delay seconds to ".1" seconds. This way when your torch send the Ok to Move signal this will close input line 1.

Basically saying. "Hey Guys I'm done piercing! Lets start Moving!"

In the same screen at the bottom their is another panel labeled "M-codes to execute Macros. The first box for m-code type in 20. Give a description again such as Pierce Complete or Ok to Move. To the right of that their is a Macro edit window that is grayed out. Click on it and this will open a m-code macro window.

Almost like a notepad type as followed.
M50
M101 i1

Select Ok to close this window.

Last but not least go back to left in your Config window and select "M-code Executions" just under M-code Definitions. There is a selection for Full. Leave this on full. The only thing were changing is the Feed Rate Move. Set this number to 20 so that the macro you created will see input line 1 to give the signal to start moving the motors.

Select Ok and go to "File" "Save Setup"

Re load a DXF file and start a cut. When the torch fires it should send the signal to the controller when the torch is finished piercing. If the controller doesn't see that signal within five seconds you will get an error saying "The Current M100/M101 Command has Timed Out"

If you get this error recheck you Ok to Move wires to make sure their solid. Also using a more appropriate cutting amperage,and correct tip for the material your cutting helps tremendously. Sometimes if you cut to hot the torch has blasted away to fast and the signal has then been missed. Just an FYI.

I trust Hypertherme and Thermal Dynamics Ok to move signal directly to the box, but beware if you plan on experimenting with another cutter that may output voltage to the controller be on the look out for footing some $$ into the repair.

 

[LECS-Chad]

Yes that is correct.