THC problems

[Jduke]

when the THC came out from cnc4pc, I jumped on it pretty early as a low cost way to get THC integrated to my AXBBE controlled plasma table.

I have the Ohmic sensor working and I have the THC wired up for quite some time, but I have never been able to get the THC to work.

I had given up quite some time ago because there weren't many people that had used it to work out whether the problem was me or something else.

now that several people have them up and running I am hoping someone can help

my Ohmic sensor works great, unfortunately I can't seem to work out where the problem is.

when I click the knob to take it to test rather than getting test and arrows, I get a Gear icon with a Wrench across it. I don't see in the original manual what the significance of this Icon is
anybody have a clue for me?

mine is an early version did they add the ability to test later on? can I get mine updated?

Id really like to test it out and get it working.

Duke

[Jduke]

After a little more tinkering it looks like I have an older version of the THC.

You can’t test the motion unless it’s running.

Was able to finally get it to at least make one cut correctly after dialing the voltage down to where it doesn’t jump up away from workpiece and then dialing hysteresis up to where it doesn’t oscillate up and down.

Still think I have some learning to do, but at least it looks like I may be able to get it dialed in at some point.

Duke

[Annefnd]

Hi Duke,

I totally understand how frustrating it can be when something just isn't working as it should, especially after you've put a lot of time and effort into setting it up. I remember dealing with a similar issue on my own plasma table a while back. Here are a few steps that might help you troubleshoot and hopefully get your THC working:

1. Firmware and Software Updates
First, double-check that both your THC and the AXBB-E controller have the latest firmware and software updates. Manufacturers often release updates that fix bugs and add new features. It’s worth visiting the CNC4PC website to see if there are any updates available for your specific version.

2. Configuration Settings
Ensure all your configuration settings are correct. It might sound basic, but it's easy to overlook something. Go through the user manual again and verify that all inputs and outputs are mapped correctly. Sometimes a small setting can cause the entire system to malfunction.

3. Understanding the Gear Icon
The gear icon with a wrench you’re seeing might indicate a configuration or hardware issue. Unfortunately, if this isn't covered in the manual, it might be a new feature or error code added in a recent firmware update. I’d recommend reaching out directly to CNC4PC’s customer support. They can provide you with specific information about what that icon means and how to resolve it.

4. Test Mode
From what I know, earlier versions of some controllers might not support certain features like test mode, or they might require a specific procedure to activate it. Again, contacting CNC4PC support should help clarify this. Ask them if there’s a way to update your unit to include this feature or if there’s a workaround you can use.

5. Community Forums and Support
Forums and user groups are incredibly valuable. Many users have gone through the same issues and can offer practical advice. I’d recommend posting your detailed issue on forums related to CNC4PC, the AXBB-E controller, and plasma tables in general. Sometimes, community wisdom can provide a solution that isn't immediately obvious.

6. Reset and Reconfigure
If all else fails, try resetting your THC controller to factory settings and starting the configuration process from scratch. Sometimes, a fresh start can clear out any hidden issues.

Quick Fix
Make sure all your connections are secure and that there are no loose wires or connectors. It’s a simple thing, but sometimes the smallest details can cause the biggest problems.

I hope this helps! Don’t hesitate to reach out to the community or customer support—they’re there to help you. Keep us posted on how it goes, and good luck getting your system up and running!

Best,
Anne

[meena]

Hi Duke,

I understand your frustration. I've had similar issues with the THC system before. It seems like the gear icon might be a configuration warning or error code. I’d suggest checking if any settings were missed or if there’s a firmware update available for your version.

Regards,
Meena.

[Annefnd]

It sounds like you're making good progress with your THC setup! It can definitely take some time to get everything dialed in perfectly, especially when it comes to balancing things like voltage and hysteresis. Visit the page if you're interested. It's great that you're figuring out how to avoid the jumping and oscillating problems. That sort of fine-tuning can be a bit tricky but once it clicks, it makes a huge difference in the quality of cuts.

Have you found any specific resources or tips that have helped you troubleshoot along the way? It can sometimes be helpful to bounce ideas off others who've dealt with similar setups. Keep at it, you're getting closer to that perfect cut!