Flash Mesa board for 2 thcads

[kn612]

What's the process for flashing a 7i96s for 2 thcads. One thcad for ohmic, one for THC. I'm either stupid or making it harder than what it is.

https://forum.linuxcnc.org/27-driver-bo ... le?start=0 -is this the magic command?

[acourtjester]

I used a the 7I78E card on my controller, did you download the files from Mesa that has all the card files. Its been a while but after that there is another step that needs to be done. I'm sure other LinuxCNC member here will give you the steps needed. Look up mesaflash instructions

[kn612]

Yeah I have the board files downloaded from mesa website. Don't know what to do with that firmware file next.

[Rodw]

You are on the right track
download and unzip the firmware file from Mesa. there will be one that ends in pl.bit
Then as you found

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mesaflash --device 7i76e --addr 10.10.10.10 --write ./7i76e_7i76x1_Dpl.bit

In your hal file change the number of encoders in this line

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loadrt hm2_eth board_ip="10.10.10.10" config=" num_encoders=3 num_pwmgens=0 num_stepgens=5 sserial_port_0=2xxxx" 

Then configure the encoder in hal

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# --- 7i76e ENCODER SETUP FOR OHMIC SENSING---
setp hm2_7i76e.0.encoder.01.counter-mode  1
setp hm2_7i76e.0.encoder.01.filter        1
setp hm2_7i76e.0.encoder.01.scale        -1

[kn612]

Is there a specific place I need to put the dpl file after downloading?

[Rodw]

no. Just run mesaflash from the same directory.
If you are old enough to remmeber DOS ./ means this folder and ../ means parent folder

NOte I used ./ in my example

[kn612]

[Rodw]

Yeh, just reboot.

[kn612]

To configure ohmic is that something we do in Hal? With the component you wrote? I see no options in pncconf

[caretech]

kn612,

You are correct, pncconf does THCAD-based torch height control setup now but not ohmic sensing yet. (at least, not when I set up my machine a few months ago) You need to do that part of setup manually.

I found the ohmic3.comp file on the LinuxCNC forums, with corresponding HAL code. I put the HAL in my custom.hal file so pncconf won't over-write it, and that works great. (no additional hal file references needed in your INI file this way) As I recall, you'll want to give the code a look to ensure (1) that it is using the correct encoder input on your mesa, and (2) you'll want to replace the encoder reading high / low numbers in the code with the actual numbers from the sticker on your THCAD board.

Ensure you have linuxcnc dev installed (package is called linuxcnc-uspace-dev in my case) so that you have the halcompile utility. Then, from the directory where you have saved the ohmic3.comp file, run the following:

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sudo halcompile --install ohmic3.comp

You'll find this linuxcnc thread helpful. I think all you need should either be there, or linked from there.

[kn612]

Awesome. Thank you guys. Lots of good info, that's why I really like this place.

[kn612]

Aright guys, still playing around with configuring ohmic sensing with a thcad. Im stuck at configuring the settings for ohmic. Do I need to actually copy and paste ohmic3.comp into one of the hal files? I attached both hal files and ini in word format along with a prtscreen of the last terminal I used halcompile to install ohmic3.comp. My configs are only set up far enough to jog all the axis and fire the torch at the moment. If anyone has any examples of their thcad ohmic configs I would love to have a look.

plasma_tableini.docx

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plasma_table.docx

(6.82 KiB) Downloaded 6 times

customhal.docx

(4.98 KiB) Downloaded 8 times

[acourtjester]

I cannot help with your ohmic sensing with a thcad setup as I use a different module. I could not get it to work (my problem not the setup) but am successful with what I use. I use it with both Plasma and router touch offs with LinuxCNC on my table. Very simple to hook up and use, I select it in Pncconf for ohmic sensor using an input pin and done. You can get the module in 5, 12, and 24 volt units for easy powering on the table controller.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/401188750996?var=670761872997

Ohmic Sensor Module.JPG (51.19 KiB) Viewed 114 times

[caretech]

Per your screenshot, you have successfully installed the Ohmic3 component. Good job! Now it just needs to be referenced in your custom HAL file. I'll see if I can get you some relevant content from my file soon. My custom.hal file has a bunch more stuff in it -- logic that controls my five-zone downdraft damper system based on gantry X position, logic that turns on my downdraft fan when I cycle start, and keeps it running for 45 seconds after the cycle completes. Fun stuff.

[kn612]

Tom, I will go to the optoisolated relays and diode ohmic setup if I struggle with hypersensing. Bought all the mesa hardware, need to give it a go first. I'm close, think it's just a couple things in the HAL file for everything to talk to each other. It's my limitations with Linux and coding at the moment. Pncconf makes it easy with the graphical interface but anything to do with the terminal window is an uphill battle but it's getting easier as I get more familiar with it.

Caretech, I would really appreciate being able to compare HAL files. We need a topic in the Linux part of this forum for plasma HAL examples. That would really help guys like me with limited code/Linux experience but are skilled on the hardware/fabrication side of a diy table.

[acourtjester]

I am in a similar place with LinuxCNC, it is well worth the effort getting it functional, QTPlasmaC has nice features. I to bought the Mesa board for the Ohmic circuit but could not get the software to go. I had used the module on other tables and software so lazy way out when with it. Works so well I may not change it out.
have fun
Tom