Any interest in Hypertherm Thermal Dynamics CPC cables

[shaolincrane]

I made my own cables and ended up with extra fittings and what not. They want like $130-$150 for these. I can make 4 7.5' long ones. I think $50 each plus the ride would be fair

Here is the one I made for myself as an example.

[adbuch]

What exactly does this cable do? You mention Hypertherm CPC, and Thermal Dynamics.
Thanks,
David

[shaolincrane]

It's the CNC controls cable. Arc start, OK to move, divided voltage, etc

[adbuch]

CPC port is on the Hypertherm. What does this have to do with Thermal Dynamics? Or does Thermal Dynamics also use a CPC port?
David

[djreiswig]

CPC = Circular Plastic Connector
Evidently TD used a CPC also.

[adbuch]

CPC = Circular Plastic Connector
Evidently TD used a CPC also.

So why does he mention Hypertherm? Do both Hypertherm and TD use the same connector? Or does the buyer need to specify? More information for this listing would be helpful.
David

[rdj357]

As pointed out, the CPC is for circular plastic connector which is used by different manufacturers for the same purpose - interface connection to the machine.

I think the value in many of the cords, including those we make specifically for PlasmaCAM - is for the user of a specific brand to have an option that easily connects at each end. Thermal Dynamics has a cable (https://bakersgas.com/collections/all/p ... ics-9-112x) that has an unterminated end. It is a bit pricey so the OP's offer may be helpful for some!

I have noticed that Hypertherm is offering a PlasmaCAM interface cable now as well - I can't speak to its quality since I've not had one in my hand but I can say that we try to produce ours with the best quality parts and careful quality control, have trackable shipping, and prompt customer service.

[adbuch]

If the cpc port wiring for both Hypertherm and TD are the same, then I now understand that he is offering an unterminated cable that will fit either machine. Otherwise, perhaps the OP will explain.
David

[shaolincrane]

As pointed out, the CPC is for circular plastic connector which is used by different manufacturers for the same purpose - interface connection to the machine.

I think the value in many of the cords, including those we make specifically for PlasmaCAM - is for the user of a specific brand to have an option that easily connects at each end. Thermal Dynamics has a cable (https://bakersgas.com/collections/all/p ... ics-9-112x) that has an unterminated end. It is a bit pricey so the OP's offer may be helpful for some!

I have noticed that Hypertherm is offering a PlasmaCAM interface cable now as well - I can't speak to its quality since I've not had one in my hand but I can say that we try to produce ours with the best quality parts and careful quality control, have trackable shipping, and prompt customer service.

Exactly all the things you said. Probably not the best for someone with a production table, where you plug-plug and go. Both the HT and TD harnesses are kinda pricy so I thought I could offer what I have to save some people some money if they are in the same position as me. As far as I can tell, they both use the same harness and pin locations.

[N2 Welding]

Hi are these still available, what were the part numbers so I can confirm fit and what type of shielded cable did you use?

[shaolincrane]

Since I'm making them, there are no part numbers.

[jimcolt]

Just for clarity: The plasma interface cables (aka CPC cables) were first used by Thermal Dynamics in about 1982.......it was used with their model PAC5XR air plasma system to interface to CNC machines that were used in the HVAC Duct cutting business (machines made by Cybermation, Lockformer and others. At about the same time Hypertherm introduced their first air plasma cutter (the HT40) using the same plug and pinouts. The plug end of the cable used a 14 pin Circular Plastic Connector (CPC) made by AMP Corporation. Typically on these cables there are the start signals for the plasma cutter (pins 3 and 4), the arc transferred signal from the plasma cutter (pins 12 and 14) and on some cables the divided arc voltage as used for torch height control feedback voltage) (pins 5 and 6). Almost all air plasma cutters produced to this date that were designed to be used for mechanized cutting use these same connections, though there are variations on the voltage levels used for the height control (pins 5 and 6, some Hypertherm Plasma Cutters) use a variable divided voltage that works with most height controls, while there are a few that use "raw arc voltage" that can be as high as 300 volts DC....which is dangerous if not installed and used in a safe manner!). Happy cutting (from the plasma history professor!) Jim Colt

[djreiswig]

What were/are the remaining 8 pins used for?

[shaolincrane]

They aren't used

[djreiswig]

Then why a 14 pin connector, if they only ever needed 6 pins?

[shaolincrane]

I can only speculate that since this connector is common in CNC devices it's used to be uniform but I'm not sure. I found a CNC router head in the shop while digging for some stuff that has the same connector but only uses 4 wires.