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Topics - hswaters

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When I use the input for the PMDX-416 estop I do not get any indication of change on the mach4 diagnostic list of inputs.  I have a set of switches that are all wired to the NC position so that if one switch opens I should get a low signal on input 10.  But no matter what I do I never get a change on it.  It is always green even if I unplug the wiring connector.  What the heck is causing this.  Anybody else ever have this problem

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SmartBOB controllers and dedicated accessories / grounding question
« on: October 13, 2019, 03:41:08 PM »
I have a PMDX-416 and mach4 on my plasma torch table.  I have installed a Proma SD 50 torch height controller.  The Proma shows taking the output of the PMDX step and dir signals to the Proma and from the Proma to the stepper controller.  Basically inserting the Proma in the circuit between the smartbob and the stepper controller.  The Proma instructions show connecting the power ground to the step and dir grounds. 
The Proma needs 7 to 35 volts for power.  I cannot get that much from the smartbob so I get it from the 10 amp power supply that runs the motors.  So the smartbob and the power supply grounds are both separate.  Will I have a problem if I tie these two grounds together.

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I have mach4 and a plasma cutter table.  I want to install a Proma SD 150 torch height control.  I am new to mach4, PMDX, and Proma so assume that I know nothing.  I was looking at the torch configuration in mach4 and it gives the choice of manual, digital, and analog for the THC and in the example says to take analog.    The configuration assumes that I have a pokeys???  so I am not sure the information is good for the Proma.  The Proma manual shows how to connect the wiring but does not mention mach4 or any software.  Their is also a lot of talk about a register with information and it shows one for pokeys.  I would guess I have to create a register for the Proma?  It would be wonderful if I could find someone who has installed a Proma SD 150 on the PMDX-416 and mach4.   

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I have a plasma table I am building;  I have put limit switches on both ends of each axes.  For simplicity I wired them all in series as normally closed.  So if any switch is opened I get a low signal on input 10 which stops everything.   Input 10 is on a pmdx416. I am not sure if this is the right way to set it up or not.  I found in the configuration a bucket full of inputs listed in way greater numbers than exist on the smartbob.  When I was working I used control software to condfigure controls for petrochemical applications.  In that software you simply refereed to the input number and you could assign it to any control action you wanted to.  I suspect mach4 must be like this but I am not sure how to implement it.  I hipe my wording of the question is not as confusing for you as it is for me.

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General Discussion / Introduce myself also
« on: September 02, 2019, 06:10:41 PM »
Hello folks.  My name is Harold and I am retired and a certified old geezer.   I have purchased mach4 and a pmdx-416 for my plasma cutter table.  Actually I am just now building it and have arrived at a point near where I will have to try it with real metal.  I am not sure how mach4 uses the pierce command which I think is "P" to activate an output to start the plasma on my torch.  I do not have a THC and may not ever get one unless it just is unavoidable.  Is their a particular output that is going to be triggered or do I have to create some code in the screen?   I am at the point where I need to wire the torch to some signal to get it started.  I am new to CNC and in fact the reason I started on a plasma torch is I figured it would be the simplest project to tackle.  Maybe later I will convert my manual mill to cnc or maybe not. 

Anyway can someone point me in the right direction to get this information.  I am an ancient redneck so I will need some very specific details.

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