Hello, I just bought a used plasma table and would like to add THC to the setup? The table uses an andrino board.
Sorry if the question has errors. Thank
Experience for newcomers
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robertspark
- 4.5 Star Elite Contributing Member
- Posts: 1816
- Joined: Mon Jun 12, 2017 6:43 pm
Re: Experience for newcomers
I'm sure it can be done
the problem with Arduino is speed.....
I do believe that it bit bangs steps
https://www.airspayce.com/mikem/arduino/AccelStepper/
then again your question is about THC.
basically you need a means to measure the torch to table voltage (safely). note the torch is (-) with respect to the table (+)
you then need a comparator to prove an up signal if the voltage measured is to low and a dow signal if the voltage is loo low against a setpoint (with an element of hysteresis (dead band))
you also need either an input to receive an ARCOK signal from your plasma cutter or a second comparator that will measure the arc voltage to provide an arc ok signal to verify that the arc has transferred from start to cutting.
then finally you need an output (or two) to drive the z axis up or down based upon the torch to table voltage
here is one someone designed and made
https://github.com/HaleDesign/TorchHeightController
you could also buy a stand alone THC like the proma SD or 150 or many other similar ones.
you will need to figure out how your Arduino controlled plasma table works and if it can accept additional inputs that could control thc or if you need a stand alone THC.
good luck
the problem with Arduino is speed.....
I do believe that it bit bangs steps
https://www.airspayce.com/mikem/arduino/AccelStepper/
then again your question is about THC.
basically you need a means to measure the torch to table voltage (safely). note the torch is (-) with respect to the table (+)
you then need a comparator to prove an up signal if the voltage measured is to low and a dow signal if the voltage is loo low against a setpoint (with an element of hysteresis (dead band))
you also need either an input to receive an ARCOK signal from your plasma cutter or a second comparator that will measure the arc voltage to provide an arc ok signal to verify that the arc has transferred from start to cutting.
then finally you need an output (or two) to drive the z axis up or down based upon the torch to table voltage
here is one someone designed and made
https://github.com/HaleDesign/TorchHeightController
you could also buy a stand alone THC like the proma SD or 150 or many other similar ones.
you will need to figure out how your Arduino controlled plasma table works and if it can accept additional inputs that could control thc or if you need a stand alone THC.
good luck
