Price CNC THC any pointers?

[Jeepn2]

Getting tired of fighting my Proma and ordered a PriceCNC, hopefully not a mistake. Does anyone have any pointers or suggestions on the best way to get everything set up using a Gecko G540, Hypertherm 45, using Mach3 for control. Thanks in advance. JC

[Blackslacks]

That's exactly the setup I have (45xp). Price will supply you with a wiring diagram for the Gecko. Follow it exactly and you should have no problem. It will take a few test cuts to fine tune it but that's to be expected. There is also a post processor on their website you can download. I'm happy with it.

[Jeepn2]

Thanks, it looks like delivery time will be in a about 10 days, looking forward to something that works..

[acourtjester]

I agree the Price THC is a nice unit here is a video I made when I got mine, like Blackslacks said follow the manual.

[Jeepn2]

Thanks Jester, I may have set my Z offset/backlash wrong. I have mine set for when the limit makes on the way down and the difference when it breaks on the way up, there does seem to be an inconsistency between the 2 methods if that makes sense. Also currently my Z zeros using the home switch, should this be changed to the probe function as in the Price manual?

[Blackslacks]

your floating head switch must be wired to port 1 of the Gecko (the other output will be used by the anti dive). You can wire the floating switch in series with other limit switches you may have. All the switches should be NC. Set the probe in ports and pins (1,17 same as other limit switches). Use the Price post. If you want it to work I suggest setting it up the way they instruct.

[acourtjester]

When setting up for plasma the Z should home down, and you don't use the Ref All button just manually set the Z DRO at the metal surface.

[Jeepn2]

Jester, Thanks for the info and response. I have changed my way of setting the Z zero now to the way you described, so far so good. I hope you can help with my next couple of questions since you have been there done that.
1. Can the probe and Z home switch be one and the same or is something else needed? Do I need a separate set of wires or can they be common to both?
2. By looking at the Price THC install directions it looks like I will still need to use my relay to fire the torch is that the case?

[acourtjester]

I use mine where the probe is separate two reasons the post processor for the probe used G31. And the Ohmic sensor I use is normally open so will not work with the home/limit switch string of normally closed. I use the floating head switch as a safety if the probe fails this is the normal setup. If you elect to use the probe with the floating head in a normally closed setup and the probe fails you pierce height will be off by the switch backlash distance.
This is no way connected to the torch fire circuit but your BOB may not have a relay for torch fire so you will need a separate relay triggered by the BOB.