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Thread: DIY Arduino THC - Video

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EmptyNester DIY Arduino THC - Video 12-27-2012, 07:39 PM
acourtjester I bet you feel like an... 12-28-2012, 01:55 PM
greygizmo Looks like it is coming... 12-28-2012, 05:16 PM
EmptyNester Thanks MuttonHawq. I've... 01-25-2013, 11:04 AM
EmptyNester Status Update 01-02-2013, 12:58 AM
sportbike That looks nice. I will have... 01-02-2013, 01:12 AM
SeanMurphy265 I bet there are some THC... 01-03-2013, 02:37 AM
EmptyNester I doubt that. :) There's... 01-03-2013, 04:18 PM
sportbike That's probably not too big... 01-06-2013, 11:36 PM
EmptyNester More Understanding - not much... 01-06-2013, 11:18 PM
sportbike I would think running the... 01-06-2013, 11:40 PM
EmptyNester Sorry for the delay Sportbike... 01-10-2013, 11:59 PM
Rambozo Because of the tip outside... 01-11-2013, 05:05 AM
EmptyNester It's funny, but I had never... 01-11-2013, 11:13 AM
EmptyNester I'm currently using an... 01-26-2013, 12:39 AM
Rambozo I've seen one video where... 01-26-2013, 12:59 AM
EmptyNester Any idea what kind of... 01-26-2013, 01:51 AM
sportbike I just looked at it again and... 02-01-2013, 12:52 AM
EmptyNester I hadn't notice that before... 02-01-2013, 01:53 AM
EmptyNester Rev B Hardware officially a... 03-10-2013, 11:22 PM
gerrymoore Hi all...I've been following... 03-12-2013, 12:57 PM
bfleming No 100% sure on the arduino,... 03-12-2013, 11:45 PM
EmptyNester You are right - the flash is... 03-13-2013, 12:02 AM
bfleming Now that's interesting that... 03-13-2013, 01:01 PM
EmptyNester Was the kerf it was crossing... 03-13-2013, 04:03 PM
bfleming Wasn't a kerf jump, it was... 03-13-2013, 10:50 PM
Rambozo Sounds like it to me. You... 03-14-2013, 12:03 AM
gerrymoore If it's any help....my plasma... 03-15-2013, 10:22 AM
everlastsupport GerryMoore, all good info. I... 03-15-2013, 10:33 AM
bfleming Wow thanks for all the... 03-15-2013, 11:55 PM
acourtjester Thanks Empty Man you have... 07-24-2013, 04:39 PM
acourtjester Is there a place to down load... 07-22-2013, 05:04 PM
EmptyNester I updated the manual with... 07-23-2013, 12:01 AM
cwalker1960 Hi EmptyNester, If you still... 01-09-2014, 02:14 AM
EmptyNester While the software should be... 01-09-2014, 10:54 AM
cwalker1960 It doesn't have a cnc... 01-09-2014, 01:12 PM
EmptyNester When you are working with raw... 01-14-2014, 12:16 AM
none Hi, Im new to this forum... 02-24-2014, 07:45 PM
meJasonT Hi Guys, Im new to the site... 08-30-2015, 08:59 AM
furkanyilmaz Hi Cwalker I am currently... 06-03-2015, 08:05 AM
sportbike Looks very nice. Were the... 07-14-2013, 11:32 PM
EmptyNester Thanks. They were bare... 07-15-2013, 12:21 AM
EmptyNester Update on New Boards 07-14-2013, 11:10 PM
EmptyNester Mach3 Integration 06-01-2013, 09:47 PM
EmptyNester Testing THC w/ Arduino Uno... 05-25-2013, 11:53 PM
EmptyNester Rev D & E Status 05-14-2013, 11:28 PM
sportbike Wow, that looks pretty good... 02-01-2013, 12:49 AM
EmptyNester Latest Update 01-11-2013, 12:17 AM
EmptyNester Working on Torch Control... 01-16-2013, 11:40 PM
EmptyNester Test Cuts with THC Control 01-25-2013, 12:57 AM
MuttonHawg This is a heck of a project -... 01-25-2013, 04:43 AM
agent4573 Sorry for taking so long, got... 01-25-2013, 07:34 PM
EmptyNester No problem, I completely... 01-25-2013, 07:51 PM
MuttonHawg Do you mean the sample rate... 01-25-2013, 08:21 PM
EmptyNester I was seeing variability... 01-25-2013, 08:57 PM
sportbike There is a post in the Pi... 01-26-2013, 10:20 PM
EmptyNester Kerf Detection Appears to Work 02-03-2013, 08:53 PM
Rambozo Very nice. I'm sure you can... 02-04-2013, 02:17 AM
furkanyilmaz Hi all, I made some cnc... 05-21-2015, 07:33 PM
EmptyNester Furkanyilmaz, I'll try to... 05-22-2015, 01:07 PM
furkanyilmaz Hi Rege, Thank you so much... 05-22-2015, 02:07 PM
none Although this thread looks... 08-19-2015, 12:20 PM
EmptyNester The micro-usb on the Arduino... 08-20-2015, 02:04 AM
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  1. #1

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by acourtjester View Post
    Is there a place to down load the Adriano sketch for the THC?
    I updated the manual with directions. But, you have to download that The updated manual is on Git Hub. But, I've copied that section of the manual below........ When you download the zip file from Git Hub (as directed below), you get a 5 subdirectories:
    1) "ArduinoSource" (the Arduino THC source code that can be compiled and downloaded)
    2) "HardwareDesign" (Eagle files for both versions of the board)
    3) "Mach Plugin" (Mach files to talk to the THC w/ a display screen for the interface)
    4) "THC Manual" (The instruction manual for the boards and software.)
    5) "WindowsSource" (The source code for the Windows interface program to run the THC.)

    The section from the manual is:

    7. Programming the Arduino

    - Download the Arduino Tool Set

    The Arduino compiler and tool set are constantly being updated. The currently supported version is 1.05. The software should work on new versions, but changes in the compiler can sometimes cause compile errors that require minor changes.
    To download the Arduino tool set:
    1) Go to www.arduino.cc
    2) Click the “Download” label in the top title bar
    3) You can use either the “Windows Installer” or the “Windows (ZIP File)”.
    a. If you use the “Windows Installed”, run the program after downloading
    b. If you use the “Windows ZIP file”, open the file after downloading and copy to a convenient location (usually “C:\Arduino-1.0.5” (or something similar)
    Run the Arduino IDE and make sure it works.
    If you’ve not used the Arduino before, try some of the example software to get the hang of the software and downloading.

    - Download the Source Code

    To build the software and load it on the Arduino, you need to have the source code. All source code is maintained on GitHub (www.github.com).
    1) Go to the Git Hub site
    2) Enter “regeg/ArduinoTHC” in the search box on the top menu bard of the window.
    The Git hub name you search on is case sensitive! You must match the case: “regeg/ArduinoTHC”
    3) Once the project page comes up, click the “Download ZIP” on the right size of the page.
    4) Save the ZIP file somewhere convenient
    5) Open the zip file and copy the directories to a convenient location

    - Building and Downloading the Source Code

    Now that you have the source code downloaded, you must build it and program the Arduino.
    1) Start the Arduino development environment
    2) Enter the “ArduinoTHC” directory (in the location you previously downloaded it)
    3) Enter the “ArduinoSource” Directory
    4) Enter the “THC_REV-EM sketch”
    5) Open the “THC_sketch.ino” file
    6) The project should now be opened with a number of tabs across the top (all the files in the project)
    7) Select the “Platform.h” file.
    8) Set the “define” for the hardware you are using
    a. If you are using an Arduino Micro Pro, make sure the line with “#define MICRO_THC” IS NOT commented out (a “//” denotes a comment
    b. If you are using an Arduino Mega, make sure the line with “#deifne MICRO_THC” IS commented out.
    9) Plug in your Arduino (if using an Arduino Mega, unplug the shield before programming)
    10) Select the “Board” Menu
    11) Select the board type you are using, either
    a. Arduino Mega 2560, or
    b. Arduino Leonardo (for the Micro Pro)
    12) Select the serial port that the board is on
    13) In the tool bar, click the icon with a check mark. The software should compile without errors.
    14) Click the icon with the arrow pointing to the right to download the code to the board
    Once programmed successfully, you should be ready to go.
    Just starting in Aug '10
    ---
    Hobart Handler 187
    Power Plasma 50

  2. #2
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    Default

    Hi EmptyNester,
    If you still have any of the mega shield boards for sale , I'm interested.
    I just found this thread yesterday and read it all the way through. Great work !! I have a different brand of plasma cutter but I'll try to work out the voltage divider. I've been searching for a while for an Arduino flavor THC and it sounds like you've nailed it down.

  3. #3

    Default

    While the software should be independent of the torch, the hardware is specific to the PP50 (which I highly recommend). Does your torch have a CNC interface?
    Just starting in Aug '10
    ---
    Hobart Handler 187
    Power Plasma 50

  4. #4
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    Pelion,South Carolina
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    Default

    It doesn't have a cnc interface but it does have an arc good signal that is used to energize a trigger hold relay,, It's an esab powercut 1500. Am I wrong in thinking that if I can get the output voltage signal stable and within range everything else should work out okay?

    Quote Originally Posted by EmptyNester View Post
    While the software should be independent of the torch, the hardware is specific to the PP50 (which I highly recommend). Does your torch have a CNC interface?
    Last edited by cwalker1960; 01-09-2014 at 01:17 PM.

  5. #5

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by cwalker1960 View Post
    It doesn't have a cnc interface but it does have an arc good signal that is used to energize a trigger hold relay,, It's an esab powercut 1500. Am I wrong in thinking that if I can get the output voltage signal stable and within range everything else should work out okay?
    When you are working with raw torch voltage you have a lot more issues with noise, isolation and negative (versus positive) voltage.

    I've not played with raw voltage and I would think there's a good chance of frying the board immediately. If you want to experiment, I'd believe that you'd need start from the beginning with voltage dividers and looking at the quality of the signal you get. But, doing that can be very dangerous.

    That's why I really endorse the PP50 for home CNC use.
    Just starting in Aug '10
    ---
    Hobart Handler 187
    Power Plasma 50

  6. Default

    Hi,

    Im new to this forum and I just found this topic which I found it very interesting. I checked out your github and I noticed that you updated the kerf detection in your code 3 months ago but in your topic you didn't mention anything about the changes you made. Im also interested if you meet the problem when the tip accidentally hits the workpiece. What voltage did you measure or what your system does in order to stop the cutting process?
    Very well done, I also really appreciate your hard work and effort you put into this even though it is just a hobby.

  7. #7

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by none View Post
    Hi,

    Im new to this forum and I just found this topic which I found it very interesting. I checked out your github and I noticed that you updated the kerf detection in your code 3 months ago but in your topic you didn't mention anything about the changes you made. Im also interested if you meet the problem when the tip accidentally hits the workpiece. What voltage did you measure or what your system does in order to stop the cutting process?
    Very well done, I also really appreciate your hard work and effort you put into this even though it is just a hobby.
    Thanks.

    I had the kerf detection working great. I could cut a square with the 16 ga sheet at a 45 degree angle. In the process of refactoring (major changes to clean stuff up and integrate it with Mach 3) I broke the kerf detection. It still needs a little work but I haven't spent time on it in a while.

    I'm not aware of any way you can tell if you've contacted the surface with the tip. The best thing to do for the tip hitting the surface is using the magnetic break-away mounts (I do not have one).

    While I don't have the software proactively cut the torch off - it is possible. It just flips the relay to the torch to kill it and sends the PC the signal that there is no arc. Mach will stop movement if its in THC mode and the arc goes away.

    I did do one dumb thing recently. I use SheetCam and I turned on the "leadout" feature for inner cuts. What happened is that it finished the cust and the piece started falling while the lead-out was being cut. It caused the torch to plunge. The easy fix is to no use lead outs on inside cuts.
    Just starting in Aug '10
    ---
    Hobart Handler 187
    Power Plasma 50

  8. #8
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    Hi Guys,
    Im new to the site and not quite sure where to ask my question, so sorry if ive gone off the reserve on this topic.
    i have built a CNC table and im trying to get my head around the Plasma cutter before hooking everything up.

    Ive purchased a cheap ebay plasma Cut50, i had no choice - down to cost and demand.
    Im wanting to incorporate the Arduino THC which leaves me with a couple of questions.
    the voltage measurement is it taken from the torch and earth clamp connectors and i would be expecting to get something like 200v to 300v.
    my other question is more of a request really.
    The arduino is something im familiar with and ive started to convert my milling machine into a CNC using GRBL (an open licence CNC code and front end built around the arduino) the problem i have is that the Arduino THC is built to interface with Mach3. I am considering reworking Regeg's Arduino THC code so i can turn the arduino THC into a stand alone unit which will directly drive a motor itself, it would then only require a torch on/off command and a error/reset signal to indicate an arc loss etc.
    the question is how can i get in touch with Regeg (https://github.com/regeg/ArdunioTHC).

    And just to show my ignorance i have a real newby question.
    i dont have a clue what plasma ive bought:-
    i think its a HF one with no pilot start as i have to make contact with the work piece before it arcs
    ive found a site where a guy has connected an earth clip to the torch tip to create a pilot arc before cutting.
    is this a feasible solution to not having to contact the work piece to start the arc.

    i guess the alternative would be to use the torch on command to start a process where the THC would drive the torch to make contact and then lift it to correct height after a certain time period. If its possible to generate a pilot arc with the earth clip onto the tip then the THC could make the earth circuit to pilot the torch then once the arc strikes disengage the pilot earth connection.

    i tried to find pilot arc circuitry/schematic on the tinterweb with no success, so i will be experimenting any time soon.

    look forward to any feedback or suggestions.

  9. #9
    Join Date
    May 2012
    Location
    Disneyland
    Posts
    2,662

    Default

    A couple of things.

    Yes, you could have a THC directly drive your Z axis, with the right code. The basics would be pretty easy, but there are subtleties that would take some tweaking. This could probably be handled by a single Ardunio, depending on your stepper or servo drives. Or you could split the workload between two if you are doing all the low level motion control in software.

    Depending on how you are generating your g code, you might want something with a little better front end like Mach or LinuxCNC to give you a nice MDI, preview and other features that are good for hobby machines. Even something like a Raspberry Pi can make a good front end to an Arduino motion control solution. Then you have enough memory and processing power to work with more complex files and be able to keep up.

    Voltage to a THC is typically fed from a voltage divider, either built into the plasma unit or by an addon board installed inside.

    True pilot arc is somewhat built in to the design, not that easy to add. Starting can be blowback, high frequency (not recommended for CNC), high voltage, etc. This is somewhat easier to make changes to, if you want to go from one to another.

    But the big issue is that low cost plasma cutters and CNC do not mix. The duty cycle is way too low and they die in no time. So it's not worth investing any time in improving your unit. If you want to use it to build your CNC and THC and get all the bugs out before buying a good plasma unit, that's ok. You don't have to worry as much about blowing up something expensive while you are learning. But just don't expect it to do the job for a CNC cutter. Many of those type units don't even hold up to extended hand use, they are really designed for occasional light duty use, and anything more than that takes them out in short order. Built down to a price.
    Long arc, short arc, heliarc and in-the-dark!

  10. #10

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by meJasonT View Post
    Hi Guys,
    Ive purchased a cheap ebay plasma Cut50, i had no choice - down to cost and demand.
    Im wanting to incorporate the Arduino THC which leaves me with a couple of questions.
    the voltage measurement is it taken from the torch and earth clamp connectors and i would be expecting to get something like 200v to 300v.
    my other question is more of a request really.

    And just to show my ignorance i have a real newby question.
    i dont have a clue what plasma ive bought:-
    i think its a HF one with no pilot start as i have to make contact with the work piece before it arcs

    look forward to any feedback or suggestions.
    Jason,

    I went through extensive web and product searches trying to do this as economically as possible (it's a hobby for me rather than a business). Ultimately, I ended up with an Everlast Power Plasma 50 for a number of reasons:
    • pilot arc start
    • CNC port
    • user feedback on the machine
    • user feedback on support from Everlast


    I would not expect that you'd be able to use the THC design for a number of reasons:
    • the noise of HF start would probably be too difficult to overcome in a home built system
    • the high voltage input (100 to 120 volts) is based on a voltage divided input that's a pretty clean signal (I would expect that there's a good chance the THC would be fried if connected to the full/raw torch voltage)
    • there is no stepper driver interface to drive the Z-axis
    • the THC doesn't know the height of the object being cut, so you could end up crashing the torch head badly (that's why integration with Mach is important)


    I would have to strongly advise you not to try to use this design. It would probably be pretty frustrating and not work. It might be reasonable to use as a starting point, but I expect you'd need to redesign the voltage sensing and filtering circuit. Having done this one and know the work involved, I personally wouldn't try to undertake it.

    Disclaimer: I'm not an employee or compensated in any way from Everlast. I'm just a customer who's very happy with my products from them and the experience I've had dealing with them.
    Just starting in Aug '10
    ---
    Hobart Handler 187
    Power Plasma 50

  11. Default

    Quote Originally Posted by cwalker1960 View Post
    Hi EmptyNester,
    If you still have any of the mega shield boards for sale , I'm interested.
    I just found this thread yesterday and read it all the way through. Great work !! I have a different brand of plasma cutter but I'll try to work out the voltage divider. I've been searching for a while for an Arduino flavor THC and it sounds like you've nailed it down.
    Hi Cwalker I am currently working on this project and it didnt work yet. Could you help me? I have same problem about Mach3 plugin but my real problem is about eagle. Did you print the pcb from eagle or did you redesign it?

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