Plasmacam Communcation Error-Low Voltage Port

[Metriccar]

I've been getting this error message a lot lately. It's very similar to the error you would get when you turn the controller on with DesignEdge still running.

It's not always the same message, but it's always a Communication Error and usually something about interference with machine and Plasma cutter, and a low voltage port. Example below. This comes up when it's cutting and stops the machine. I have to initiate again. Sometimes it will work fine for a while, sometimes it doesn't last at all.

I have been using this machine steadily (a couple hours a day a handful of days a week), and not sure why it's suddenly coming up now.

photo.JPG

[CNCCAJUN]

Did you start running anything new in your shop or home if the power source is shared?

i.e. a heater . . . ?

Bad parallel port cable? They were famous for failing in the first few years of PCs.
Steve

[DCMetalArt]

Could also be as minor as a bad ballast in a light fixture in your shop.
Also maybe check your ground wire clamp. I had to clean the area where its was connected to the grates (lots of slag built up and rusted).

[Metriccar]

I haven't changed anything, but I also noticed my monitor had a lot more waves on it whenever the Plasmacam controller was turned on. I put the controller on it's own outlet toward the wall instead of running them all together like it has been for quite some time, and it cleared the waves up, and seems to be cutting better now. Not sure what could have caused the sudden change.

[CNCCAJUN]

I do know that as it gets colder in some areas your ground rod will act differently.

Start shutting things down one by one and you will probably find the culprit.

As mentioned, bad ballast can cause problems . .

Steve

[chrisj380]

Mine did the same thing. Plasma Cutter has to be on its own power supply. I ran a new line just for it. Hope this helps anyone in future.

[PlasmaMac]

With DesignEDGE luckily you can configure a low voltage port within the system setup under your settings menu, like so:

untitled.JPG

Nevertheless, I highly recommend getting a 3.3/5.5v or 3/5 v dual voltage port from these guys:
Axxon Computer Corp: 1-800-361-1913 (Just tell them that you have a plasmacam) and they will hook you up.

Also, try plugging in you PC into a different circuit (separate from the machine and plasma cutter if possible).

either one of these should do the trick.

JAG