Neuron Lite vs Simplicity

[cncdrive]

You do not "need" the ArcOK signal, I mean you can turn that off in the UCCNC if you want, but then if the Arc does not build up the software will not know.
If the ArcOK wait is turned on then the software will not start the cutting movements if the arc does not build up.
So, it is better to sense the ArcOK condition and let the controller know.

[andrewwong2000]

Andrew, thanks for adding your impressions so far. What were the "quirks" that you are referring to? Anything that you could elaborate on?

Hi bob,

It has a steep learning curve - the manual doesn't match the software, it needs some understanding of your machine to adapt it to run.
It took alot of trial and error.

After rebuilding my milling gantry machine, I'm almost ready to cut. The Ohmic / Floating head sensors work, the cables are all installed.
The machine now seems to run the test OK.

I have my own website, and am going to do a getting started guide at some point soon. The UCCNC plug-in and the ability to really control
many aspects of the THC are hard to beat. I hope I will become experienced enough to make use of it all !

https://youtu.be/0MU_EeG1aoA

[andrewwong2000]

To add to previous post..

An example of quirky - the system does the right thing and show you a log of messages from the controller in UCCNC via the plugin. It's a good feature.
But the messages are not always very descriptive or helpful.

I had a problem that bugged me for 2 days - I'd jog down towards the plate, and the machine would "error" about 2 inches from the bottom. I checked every setting, you name it. It was only when I was standing right next to the torch that I noticed my floating head inductive sensor led flashed on jog down (torch cable got stuck on servo). Instead of Error, the log could tell you that the Floating Head just triggered, or Ohmic triggered etc. Instead it just says "Error".

[andrewwong2000]

Footnote : I asked Andrew Shmatok last night about the fact that the NeuronCNC plugin windows and messages appear behind the UCCNC window - usually you know this has happened because UCCNC stops responding.

He’s just updated the plugin to address this and also there’s a new firmware.

Will download and give it a go tonight !

[andrewwong2000]

Footnote : I asked Andrew Shmatok last night about the fact that the NeuronCNC plugin windows and messages appear behind the UCCNC window - usually you know this has happened because UCCNC stops responding.

He’s just updated the plugin to address this

OK maybe not !

There is an updated manual too..

[andrewwong2000]

An update about my Neuron Lite build..

Finally got the machine cutting.. and it seems to be pretty good so far.

Andrew Shmatok has been really very helpful and his experience shows in the tips and advice he shared with me.
Plasma is quite a different process, so there's more to learn than just the THC.

I run the Lite with DMM Servos, re-purposed the Mach3 Fusion360 Post Processor to give me good gcode and followed many
of the guides on earthing, noise isolation, good power conditioning.

So far, no problems with EMI which is a relief. I had a problem with the floating head giving me errors. Some time
understanding the signals from the Pepperl&Fuchs inductive sensor and trying different metals made it clear how to solve the
problem.. more ferrous metal!

So the first test cut surprised me a bit.. I don't have SheetCam and was worred I needed special Plasma rules for sharp corners... so wasn't expecting
this test to be so good. No custom toolpath, just grab the DXF and run it through Fusion 360 and UCCNC.. result was pretty excellent.

What was great was being able to switch between Al and Stainless so quickly using the Neuron plugin in UCNC.

[Robertspark]

Nice

[asuratman]

So far, no problems with EMI which is a relief. I had a problem with the floating head giving me errors. Some time
understanding the signals from the Pepperl&Fuchs inductive sensor and trying different metals made it clear how to solve the
problem.. more ferrous metal!

Hello andrewwong2000,
I just want to know on your neuron THC. I have neuron Lite also, I have installed them with UC300ETH-5 and common 5 axis BOB. I have problem with ohmic sensor on neuron diagnostic, it is green but blinking when torch tip touch steel plate (the led on ohmic sensor board light up and OK-not blinking). Do your led (green) on Neuron "Diagnostic/Common Settings" not blinking ? You can see it on neuron (THC SETTINGS) -- Diagnostic/Common Settings -- Ohmic.

Thanks. Asuratman.