Powermax 45 XP Divided voltage

[lazylogger]

Hello, I am having trouble with my torch height control. I have a Candcnc system with a 45xp plasma. The torch starts to cut and after an inch climbs up to 2 in above the work. I have 1.6 volts coming from the voltage divider. The thing I am concerned about is this voltage does not change whether it's at cut height or 2in away. Shouldn't it change? Thanks in advance.

[weldguy]

It sounds like when your torch height controller becomes active (and inch or so into the cut) it detects the voltage is lower than your set point and it is raising the torch to try and reach the arc voltage setpoint.

I cannot be sure as I have no experience with your equipment however if the voltage reading your seeing never changes it could be that you are looking at the set point value and not the actual arc voltage value.

Are you new to operating this machine or is this a new problem that just started?

[acourtjester]

Yes the voltage should change with the height, how are you reading the voltage. This is from a long time ago with a CandCNC setup (DTHC-IV) I had and there was a switch on the module that was for a test voltage, you may have it switched for the test output,now.

[lazylogger]

I have been running it for a few years. this is a new problem. I am testing the voltage at the stereo connector that goes to pins 5 and 6 on the cpc connector.

[weldguy]

I have been running it for a few years. this is a new problem. I am testing the voltage at the stereo connector that goes to pins 5 and 6 on the cpc connector.

In that case it sounds like your testing the voltage directly out of the Hypertherm unit where it enters your C&CNC unit and if it is constantly outputting 1.6v regardless of arc length then it is possible that there is a problem with the voltage divider inside your Hypertherm. I would give their tech support line a call and see if they can confirm the issue and if it is covered under warranty. In the meantime all you can really do is cut with the torch height control off and hold your material down if its warping.

[lazylogger]

Thanks I talked with Hypertherm The told me it doesn't work that way, and I didn't understand that. How would the controller know what to do if the voltage doesn't change?

[weldguy]

Thanks I talked with Hypertherm The told me it doesn't work that way, and I didn't understand that. How would the controller know what to do if the voltage doesn't change?

Well, voltage does change based on arc length so that is very strange. I would be giving them another call back. There must be a misunderstanding.

[lazylogger]

Could anyone please point out the connections to test the cut voltage on this board? It is a 45 Xp Thanks

[weldguy]

I have never had one open myself but I have circled the 2 terminal that I believe will provide you with RAW arc voltage. This will be high voltage as I am sure you know so keep that in mind when working in an open machine that's plugged in.

[lazylogger]

Thank you very much!

[HypHyDef]

Hi Lazylogger,
I have sent you a DM, can you please check that and get back to me as soon as you can. thanks so much. I'm sorry to hear about the trouble you are having with your Powermax45 XP.