Plasma Digital Torch Height Controller

IMPORTANT - Please read carefully to see if this DTHC is suitable for your system.

Other aftermarket THC systems include an interface card that you need to install inside the plasma cutter power supply yourself. This interface then connects to the actual externally mounted or housed THC card. A selection of Hypertherm models come with such an interface already built in as standard (Hypertherm refer to this as either the robotics interface or the machine interface). This DTHC is exclusively designed to connect to that existing interface. If you do not have one of these models then this DTHC is not for you.

So which models are supported?

The Powermax45 and Powermax1650 have the interface as standard with a plug brought out on the rear panel. The Powermax65 and Powermax85 have to be specifically ordered from Hypertherm with the interface option in place. Whatever model you intend to use with this DTHC you will need a machine interface cable available from your Hypertherm distributor.

The above systems all come with the option of having a hand held torch or a machine torch. To use this DTHC you MUST have the machine torch. This is because for safety reasons the robotics interface is disabled when the hand torch is connected.

I have absolutely no affiliation with Hypertherm so there may be other plasma cutter models or options that they sell that have a similar interface. If in any doubt I suggest you contact them and check whether your system has the same robotics interface as the Powermax45. A useful method of contact is via the Hypertherm sub-forum on cnczone.

If you understand the above then please read on. From here on for simplicity I will just refer to the plasma system as the Powermax.

What's needed in order to use this DTHC?

• A suitable Powermax plasma cutter with machine torch.
• A Machine Interface Cable with Voltage Divider Signal and D-sub Connector. If you don't already have one of these then they can be purchased from your local Hypertherm dealer. (Ask for part# 123896)
• A table controlled by a licenced^[1] Mach3 (VR3.043.022 or later) via the parallel port.^[2]
• Some method of performing Initial Height Sensing (IHS). Floating head and/or Ohmic sensing are two popular methods. You should be doing this anyway even if you don't yet use a THC.
• 1 spare SERIAL (RS232) port on your PC.
• 1 spare output pin on your parallel port/BOB.
• 3 spare input pins on your parallel port/BOB.
• Note that you don't need a second parallel port to use this THC.
• A regulated 5Vdc supply - what you use for the logic supply of your motor drivers is fine.

[1] Mach3's internal THC functionality is crippled in demo mode.

[2] Mach's internal THC functionality is ONLY fully functional via the parallel port. AFAIK NONE of the external motion cards available for Mach3 FULLY support THC.

What do I get if I buy the DTHC?

• The DTHC card itself of course, which measures approx. 100mm x 90mm (4" x 3.5").
• Ribbon cables to bring the Powermax Machine Interface and RS232 connectors out to your control panel.
• Self adhesive mounting posts for mounting the DTHC in your CNC control box.
• A 1.8 Metre DB9 male to female RS232 Serial Extension Cable.
• A Mach3 custom plasma Screenset with associated setup files.
• Comprehensive and easy to follow hardware and software installation instructions.

Digital Torch Height Controller

Custom Mach3 DTHC Screenset

How do I operate the THC?

• Set the required voltage for your job in the Mach3 screen DRO. Or set it in gcode with the S word.
• Switch on Mach3's THC control via the on-screen button.
• I suggest you also switch on Mach3's anti-dive control via the on-screen button.
• Run your job.
• If neccessary, you can fine adjust the required arc voltage on-screen in real time whilst your job is running.
• The actual arc voltage is displayed real-time throughout the cutting process. This makes tweaking your optimum arc voltage and hence your optimum torch to work height a snip.
• Once you've tweaked your system you can pretty much enter your required voltage or even better put it in your g-code and forget it, the DTHC will keep your optimum cut height without further intervention. No knobs to twiddle or madly flickering LCD displays to try to chase.

The Razordance Digital Torch Height Controller costs £185 (GBP). This price includes free shipping worldwide.

Shipping takes from 1 to 7 working days depending on your location.

Please note:

• Any and all local and import taxes or duties due, are your responsibility to pay.
• The item must be signed for on delivery.
• Please read the Terms & Conditions of Sale before you buy.

Payment is via PayPal. If you don't have a PayPal account you can pay with your debit or credit card as a PayPal guest.