Funny effects of difference computer and fire control versions

A interesting difference I have noticed in the table with different computers and fire control versions.

I had always stuck with the older version of fire control if it works why change? Fire control wouldn’t connect to the table I am blaming windows updates not sure though. I downloaded the newer compatible version and it seemed to work. I finished the project I was doing then noticed it wouldn’t let me run from a selected line. I tried 2 more laptops both worked as should with both fire control versions no recent updates.

I stopped trying to figure out the computer issue and just bought a mini PC I took @Bigdaddy2166
his suggestion. The first different I noticed with the newer version of fire control it is more stable with ghost voltage. My plasma puts out a very small amount of voltage that the newer version ignores and the older would show.

One surprise was I always used a cut height of about .049 to get a actual .060 height. Now I can cam a height of .060 and it’s accurate.

The crazy issue I noticed when attempting some 1/2 I had a decent dialed in cut.

I used the same setting and got this. The cut was trailing enough that when it had to blow through the pierce slag it wouldn’t completely cut through as you can see here and we don’t need to mention the taper😬.

I finally had time to sit down and do some changes. I always cut 1/2 ar400 at 30 IPM using 135 volts nominal.

To get decent cuts I had to change my cut speed to 20 IPM and this cut was done with smart voltage. Volts ran about 139. You can see a ripple on the outside cut that was me playing with a over cut that fluttered a little bit.

Just be prepared to check settings and adjust them when changing anything from computer to software. I was surprised at the difference I had to adjust.


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SEE!!! That is what happened with me when I changed computers. :man_shrugging:

I am planning to cut that very thing. I broke mine…actually my daughter broke it. I am just too lazy to bring that 400 pound plate over to the table and I am not planning on pulling any posts anytime soon. :stuck_out_tongue_winking_eye:

:face_with_hand_over_mouth:

image
Good outcome!

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I honestly feel some with cut height issues it may be a computer issue.

I just wanted to share the experience hoping it will help someone.

Oh and show a hypertherm can do a crappy cut too. I am by far a seasoned cutter. I have burnt my share of steel though. It happens.

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Would the bulletproof thing that @Bigdaddy2166 recommends eliminate this variable?

The isolator? I really am not sure I just know Jim and myself have seen the same thing happen with cut height.

The connectivity I think is a Microsoft update that promotes people to upgrade. I was running 10 pro they will soon stop supporting it if my understanding it right.

As far as the understanding what’s up with the issue Iknow enough to be dangerous. I would like to know others opinions.

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I would not be able to test that theory as I have taken a sledge hammer to my previous laptop since it was no longer operational.

My new laptop has the same results of the cut height with or without the Bullet-proof USB device. Which is basically showing consistent numbers of what I CAM and what the table presents.

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Jim what did you have on that laptop that required you to bust it up?

Are you a secret agent or something :face_with_monocle:? :smirk::grin:

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I actually made the mistake of putting a file with my passwords on it. I don’t do that anymore. But, when it died the first time, I had to send it off to the company for warranty work and they wanted to give me a reconditioned computer. I said “NO. I want my computer back… Thinking of that file floating around.”

When it died the second time, in less than a year from the last repair, I was taking out frustration on it. It really did not give me closure, though. :rage: :rofl:

Here is that thing my daughter broke:

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Glad you got the secret codes back!

Yep a buddy of mine wanted those to put in his feed store. He sells a few every now and then.

Hey wait how did she break that? They say I can break anything too … huh we might be kin!:smirk:

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It doesn’t sound like an EMI problem. It could be the 5-volt USB signal to the control box. I’m not fond of laptops for that reason. Because of the battery, they design in power saver crap.
That Bulletproof device will amplify the signal from your laptop or computer like a repeater.
If you want to try one, I will send you mine to see if it works.

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I am sure I had actually set it up to fail as I use it every year and likely a stress fracture already in it. It broke on the third post: All in preparation for the new Chicken Playground Tent.

My tractor is larger (more horses) than theirs and she was operating the tractor while I set the post puller on the posts. She had to use the bucket tilt to get the leverage to even have a chance with those posts.

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The laptop won’t connect to fire control anymore… Well and be productive. It will connect to the compatible version but has a limp.

You may be on to something there. It would be interesting to see if someone else has this issue and it fixes it.

I do have two other laptops that would do the same I believe . By the time it was shipped both ways I am sure one could order one now days.

Have you checked your cut height? Do you have a laptop you could test this theory?

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That is a very nice offer BigDaddy!

Phillip, how is postal service there after the storm?

Who are you talking to??? You are the OP of this topic. :stuck_out_tongue_winking_eye:

Oh I can’t tell and disturbance in shipping… I know some truckers hauling lumber had to redirct because of i 40 being washed out. We did get power Saturday afternoon. I still live 3.5 hours away from the major damage. Man the stories we are hearing will get to a man in a hurry! We are lucky here just wind damage.

@ChelanJim have you already done cad work on the puller? I can share my dxf with you. I believe I did it for 5/16 chain though.

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I have not. Sure! Thank you.

I will share it this afternoon or tonight. I will start a thread in the project section and tag you in it. You may want to cut it out of 1 inch material and dare her to try to break it.

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@ChelanJim I have to apologize I cannot find the dxf or the .tap files for that puller. I found some different variations I was playing with at the time I made those. I will keep looking.

There is a chance they are on my passport. Question is if my wife can remember where she put it

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No worries. I have the original part and I am planning to make the chain attach with a bolt instead of cinching a link of chain.

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