tlspeed1
I can manually turn the Z pretty easily.
What is your take on the other issues with the DTHC?
jeepsr4ever
Sounds like a hardware issue if the ports are working correctly. CandCNC will set you up with a RMA for that. That Z axis sound is and stalling looks like you havent set your steps per correctly. PM sent
jeepsr4ever
[QUOTE][COLOR=#ff0000]If you can confirm activity on the serial port from the PC (pins 2 & 3 are TX and RX and 5 is GND)[SIZE=5] .then the problem has to be in either the serial port on the UBOB or the Plug-in (ccc_comm) is not running right on that PC.[/SIZE] A breakout tester is handy but a logic probe can see the pulses from the PC TX (going to UBOB input) on the ESPII box) If you have TX FROM the PC then the port is at least sending data. Then the UBOB talks back in response if it sees the right data.[/COLOR]
[/QUOTE]
It could be the Ubob in the control box. We have seen this issue ...rarely have issues with these lelctronics but between Candcnc (texas) and Bulltear (Minnesota) and you (Wisconsin) anything can happen in shipping.
tlspeed1
Well, we got got the boards back and the DTHC came online and all the tests preliminary tests in which the setup manual suggested were a success.
I loaded on some .25", because that is the material I need some brackets out of first. I completed the automatic touch off of the Z axis, and edited the post like it states. I then cut some test lines as recommended with the THC off. The cuts came out pretty good, and I found a good starting set point. I turned the THC back on and loaded some some brackets that I needed, and got the following results.
[ATTACH=CONFIG]192[/ATTACH]
[ATTACH=CONFIG]193[/ATTACH]
[ATTACH=CONFIG]194[/ATTACH]
Cut quality looks ok...
I am getting a strong bevel which I would like to eliminate. Any suggestions?
My biggest problem is the Auto touch off is flaky. On one pierce it actually touches the material, zeros, pierces correctly and cuts the part. The next time the Z will go down to touch off but stop midway (not even close to the material) zero, then go to pierce height, which ends up being way to high of the material to even pierce. Its almost like the Z looses track of position. I have also had the Z bury it self into the material in the middle of cutting (thanks for the breakaway) Any suggestions.
jeepsr4ever
That bevel is a directional issue...go the other direction. The best cut is on the right side of the tool path. Also cehck to see if your torch lead isnt allowing full drop on the Z
tlspeed1
Yes I changed the direction...didnt seem to help
There is plenty of slack in cable for the torch. Unless the Z axis is hanging up on the linear slides.
What is the correct sequence for loading in a new job as far as zeroing the Z goes
tlspeed1
Yes I changed the direction...didnt seem to help
There is plenty of slack in cable for the torch. Unless the Z axis is hanging up on the linear slides.
What is the correct sequence for loading in a new job as far as zeroing the Z goes
tlspeed1
Yeah...so I just put a dial indicator on the torch head. I have tried several different jobs, and it will always complete the first pierce, maybe the second at the correct height, but it will eventually end up trying to pierce double sometimes even triple my pierce height
jeepsr4ever
Does the DRO on the Mach screen indicate a taller height? Can you push up on the Z and does it move freely? Do you have the correct steps per for the Z axis in motor tuning?
tlspeed1
No the the DRO reads out the desired pierce height according to the Gcode. In this case the Z will position from previous cut, go down, stop, zero it self then go to pierce height which is .160" (DRO is reading this) , but the dial indicator was reading .4" height from material
Steps are at , per your instructions
The Z slides freely.
If I set it on the work surface and and zero it, and then command it to 1" , I get 1" of height out of it so it seems to be calibrated.
At this point it wont even finish a part because it ends up trying to pierce to high, and faults out
jeepsr4ever
Behind the Mag plate are 4 little screws. They remain loose for plasma cutting and are tightened for routing. It is possible they need to be loosened a little more. If you physically grab the Mag plate and force it up does it go up enough to alow you to hear the click of the microswitch?
jeepsr4ever
Also is your bevel always on the same side?
tlspeed1
4 screws were loose, Z slides up and down freely. I can hear the micro-switch click when I slide it manually and when the torch touches off when you "Ref Z"
What are correct steps for when you load in new G-code for setting the Z? Maybe I am missing something.
The Z is clearly loosing its position. Its like the Z is adding up all the moves over time to determine a new 0.
I am not worried about the bevel right now....this is more important
jeepsr4ever
Your Z is correct for the steps per. I wouldnt say its adding yet. It could be a sticky switch for Z home.
jeepsr4ever
Which post processor are you using for sheetcam...should be MP1000-THC only for plasma.
jeepsr4ever
[QUOTE=jeepsr4ever;132036]Which post processor are you using for sheetcam...should be MP1000-THC only for plasma.[/QUOTE]
I dont think this would matter there isnt a post that would cause this after running through them. Go to diagnostics in Mach 3 and push the Z up until the Z home lights up. Repeat this until you feel a bind or see an error. The tolerances are pretty tight on the Z axis and I can imagine anything binding up. I wonder if its a switch issue.
You said
[QUOTE]On one pierce it actually touches the material, zeros, pierces correctly and cuts the part. [SIZE=5][COLOR=#000000][/COLOR]The next time the Z will go down to touch off but stop midway (not even close to the material) zero, then go to pierce height, which ends up being way to high of the material to even pierce. Its almost like the Z looses track of position.[/SIZE] I have also had the Z bury it self into the material in the middle of cutting (thanks for the breakaway) Any suggestions[/QUOTE]
This would indicate a bind in the Z axis to me. This means the Z is held up and the home switch is activated too high. It wouldnt take much to hold up the Z axis. More common is the torch cable coming in contact with the upper Z axis linear support and thrust bearing mount. Its the top piece of 3/4" thick aluminum and if the torch lead hits it sometimes it will give the Z axis a false height reading as it holds up the Z. The lead needs to be free.
The Z axis burying itself into the cut means your not reading tip volts correctly. Also what is your velocity and accel numbers for Z?
tlspeed1
I have looked at the Z, dis-assembled, reassembled it, I don't feel that it is sticky
I have tested the switch and ran the Z up and down a thousand times while watching the Z home light. I only see it light up when the torch is indeed home, and never seen it stay lit up.
Yes, MP1000-THC. There is a post I thought of trying....MP1000-THC-Zref....but only because it said Zref in it.
I have lots of slack in the torch cable in order to not let it get caught in the Z.
Per your specs.....Velocity 800, Accl 40
jeepsr4ever
Velocity 50-80, accel 15 on the Z axis
tlspeed1
If I run it with THC off, so its not looking for volts or anything. It will keeps adding up the Z movements. Out of 4 pierces, the first starting at .16", then the second at .about .19, the third at about .4, and it tries to to do the final one around .55". Somehow it is adding up somethign.
tlspeed1
[QUOTE=jeepsr4ever;132041]Velocity 50-80, accel 15 on the Z axis[/QUOTE]
Sorry, I looked at the X axis,
Z is at 50 and 10
