There should be rubber grommets between the leg and the control box. I would think you could just take the box off the leg and test it again. you will need to remove the cover of the box to remove it from the leg.
Correct mine is an OG machine, came without any isolation between table and box. I added it after. Then I built my own controller (and THC) using a fiberglass enclosure, yada, yada.
Ok, so remove the box from being mounted to the table and rest it on some supporting stool or something, isolating it from the table and fire it up again.
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Let me see if I can relate all of the weird behaviors this setup is exhibiting. Sometimes just touching the work piece starts the air flow but not the torch. I can see a small spark when it touches the work piece. That seems to have stopped now, after restarting the Cut60.
Worried about the ground issue, I disconnected the control box from the plasma table and set it beside the table. The Mach3 software began complaining with the error “RNR motion card not found”. After several reboots of the computer and control unit, it seemed to have stopped with the error. I connected the trigger wire and attempted a cut, control box still air gapped, and while the air started, no arc. No arc when I pull the trigger manually. I pulled the torch from the holder and try again, nothing but air. Restarted the Cut 60. Now I have arc and air when pulling the trigger, but it does not stop for several seconds after I release the trigger. I immediately check the switch, it’s on 2T.
I then try it several more times. After 2 more times, I think, the trigger starts working properly and the arc stops when I release the trigger. I try it several times and it works as expected each time, now. I put the torch back into the holder, reconnect the trigger wire, and, still air gapped with the control unit, I run the program (Scorpion.tap, included with Mach3 software). It moved a little and starts the arc, and just sits there. I hear relays switching in the Cut60 but the arc is still going. It just sits with pilot arc going until, I guess, it times out and the arc stops. The program on Mach3 software is stuck at line 5 of the program and Mach3 still thinks the torch is on (yellow bar blinking). I hit emergency stop/reset twice to stop the program and reset, and now the “RNR motion card not found” error is back.
All ideas welcome.
A few things that we should know to help us help you is. Original crossfire or pro? How do you have the Primeweld wired to the control box? Are you using a laptop? Is it plugged in/charging when your trying to cut? Did you check for continuity between the table and plasma cutter case, table and control box, plasma cutter and control box, etc? Are you sure the 240 volt receptacle is wired correctly?
Original Crossfire, and early generation, because it uses Mach3 control. I connect with a 2.1mm x 5.5mm DC power cord, plugged into sockets on both ends. The notebook was plugged into AC outlet when I attempted cutting today. I have not checked continuity between the plasma cutter and the table as they are 10ft away from each other. The control box is air gapped from the table now, per someone else’s suggestion. The Air-gap does allow the arc to start. When control box is bolted to the table, I get no arc, but I do get air. Yes, I am sure the 220 is wired correctly. Two legs and a ground, no neutral.
What else can I tell you? I have a video of the behavior, but don’t see any way to post it here.
Thanks,
Chris
If you’re up for it I’d like to add the information from your Primeweld to this list. Take a read of this post and see what you think.
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even if he has the older cutter, the original 2x2 didn’t have the problems that the Pro did with it.
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I will get my SN for you tomorrow. I can tell you the purchase date, through Amazon, was 9-5-2020.
I may have found some useful info, at least on the “RNR Motion Card Not Found” error. See this vid:
I am thinking this may fix that problem, as I was able to reset the USB on my notebook by unplugging and replugging the USB cable. That action has not always worked, sometimes a reboot was necessary, but it seem like the symptoms are pretty similar.
Thanks,
Chris
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Sometimes those USB ports get bad too. I have some on my laptop out in the shop that you have to hold your mouth the right way for the data signal to be a constant stream. Seems to sometimes be good power and corrupt data.
I can certainly try another port. I think this cheap little notebook has one on the other side.
Chris
I didn’t notice if you’ve isolated your system box yet or not. However, if you haven’t DO THAT before you mess around with other USB ports. If you are having a ground problem there’s no point in blowing out any other ports.
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The control box is air gapped from the table, as I mentioned above. The only electrical path between the control box and the plasma cutter is the trigger wire.
Thanks,
Chris
Did you put an ohm meter between the ground on the USB cable and the table? From what I gather you should not have continuity there.
I have not done that yet. I can do it this afternoon.
Thanks,
Chris
how do you have the trigger wire connected? via the cnc port? if so which pins are you using?
My serial number is: 32007140138.
My CNC port is on lower right, looking at the back.
I am using the CNC wiring, wires 1 and 2, both blue.
It’s raining today so I can’t get the table out and connected to the plasma cutter to test anything. Space in my garage is tight.
Thanks,
Chris
OK, life and weather got in the way and I have just been able to get back on this. I made a sleeved washer set and isolated the control box from the leg. I tried it a couple of times with no luck, the torch firing then the program pauses long enough for the pilot to go out, then I just have the cooling air, then the program proceeds to completion.
I then tried unplugging the notebook from the charger and running the program on battery. It actually worked. That tells me I have some kind of ground problem someplace. Not sure where, though.
See attached pics.
Any ideas on what I need to check for grounding?
Thanks,
Chris
The laptop charger issue is a well known problem and some people have had success with using an adapter that doesn’t have a grounding prong on the plug. Most people just run the table with the laptop unplugged.
Another issue could be the version of Firecontrol that you are using. Version 21.1.4 has known issues with the program freezing while the torch is firing. There is a newer version 21.1.5 available for download.
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Mine is a Mach 3-era table. I am running 3.043.062 since I have read there were issues with .063.
I will do some research on the charger issue. Thanks.
Chris
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The charger issue shouldn’t affect you if you have a Mach3 system unless you’ve messed around inside the controller box and grounded something you shouldn’t have.
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