Plasma CNC and Proma THC (torch height control) with PlanetCNC

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USING “PROMA COMPACT THC CONTROLLER” WITH PLANETCNC CONTROLLERS

All cables should be shielded. Everything should be properly grounded and earthed. Plasma torch is a big source of EMI, so consider a proper filtering.

Hardware:

There are two common versions of Proma THC controller:

1.) Proma Compact THC SD controller

THC controller itself generates “STEP/DIR” signals which drive Z axis accordingly to THC controller measurements:

THCSD

This wiring scheme itself is sufficient for user to correctly connect PlanetCNC controller and THC controller.

2.) Proma Compact THC 150 controller

THC150

THC controller controls the Z axis via JOG connector of PlanetCNC controller accordingly to THC measurements.

-JOG 8 is the input for controlling Z axis in negative direction (connected to DWN output terminal of THC controller)

-JOG 7 represents the input for controlling Z axis in positive direction (connected to UP output terminal of THC controller)

Note: Mk2 and Mk2/4 controllers have different JOG pinout.

Software settings:

In CNC USB controller software you set THC settings in “File/Settings/Axes/Options”.

SWSettings

‘THC enable’:
Enables THC control.

‘Axis’:
Select axis that will be controlled accordingly to THC controller measurements.

‘Speed only’:
THC control is applied only when machine reaches its max. set speed (THC is not applied when machine accelerates and decelerates).

‘Gear’:
Gear ratio for speed (to lower speed of axis compensation, softens the sudden moves).