Torchmate 4x4 growth series AVHC dead new controller?

[Tonybain42]

Hello, I just got a growth series 4x4 table with a Thermal Dynamics A60 plasma. It has a machine torch and THC. I got it setup yesterday, minus a computer. The plasma powers up, the Compact CNC Controller "model 5501" appears to power up, the lights cycle, then the light on the right stays on. The AVHC does nothing. I opened it up and the internal converter is outputting 44VDC, but the screen never lights up or does anything. I'm new to these systems, So I don't know how to check if axis and THC motors work, I would guess they do. After reading several posts about how the AVHC (blue screen) is no longer available, how should I proceed. From other posts, I see flashcut and CandCnc offer controllers I could just replace what I have. I'm excited to get this up and running to start making things. I don't have the torchmate software, so i'm open to what ever works well.

[weldguy]

Exciting stuff! I am not very familiar with Torchmate so I won't be much help there but I know that if I was in your situation I would try to get my hands on the software first off so I could try it as it sits, even without the THC. If the software option turns up nothing or becomes too costly I would certainly look into the Flashcut and C&CNC retrofits as you will be guaranteed success with either of those options. Interested to hear how your progress comes along with this so keep us posted.

[Tonybain42]

After talking to Torchmate they said it' it no longer available or supported, then talked to a electronics repair company that was on ebay that said they repaired them. They said average was 800 plus shipping both ways and a few weeks turnaround. Flashcut looked like a good option, but is expensive from what I can find. Then I found CandCNC.com and they offer a new complete controller with motors, THC, ohmic sensing and accepts the Mic-03 connection from the plasma for about 2k, I think I'm going to go that route.

[adbuch]

I think I would consider having the existing unit repaired. I like the sound of $800 much better than several thousand dollars. If you only need to get it up and cutting. If you have lots of extra time to mess around with it, then I do expect you may have some fun doing the Candcnc upgrade. You don't need the TMCad software to run the table, as it only produces g-code which you would send to the Torchmate controller. You can accomplish the same thing using Inkscape/SheetCam or some other combination of CAD/CAM software. SheetCam has a selection of Torchmate post processors to produce g-code compatible with your Torchmate controller.

David

[tcaudle]

It normally does not just stop at the $800 for the THC repair. Then even if you do get it running you are left with sub-optimum performance and 1990's technology. I guess it depends on if it's to make money and be reliable or it's something to tinker with and try to bring back from the dead. A full retro does not need to be thousands . As I get older I have less time to mess with stuff that does not work . I have gotten to the point in my life where when I go out into my shop and want to use a piece of equipment, I don't want to have to work on it for hours to do one task. I used to buy a lot of used equipment and rebuild it . I also have a lot of old stuff laying around .

[weldguy]

$800 to fix the old stuff and have old stuff and be unsure or $2000 for brand new C&CNC equipment with support, I too would go with the C&CNC setup. You will get your 2k back in no time.

[Tonybain42]

Thanks for the replies everyone. I agree, the 800 would probably only be the start, so I've decided to go with the candcnc entire upgrade to new hardware and motors. If anything else had to be replaced, if available would be at more cost. The candcnc equipment is repairable and upgradeable if needed.

[adbuch]

Thanks for the replies everyone. I agree, the 800 would probably only be the start, so I've decided to go with the candcnc entire upgrade to new hardware and motors. If anything else had to be replaced, if available would be at more cost. The candcnc equipment is repairable and upgradeable if needed.

Which candcnc kit are you getting, and what is the cost?
Thanks,
David

[tcaudle]

This is not a full production table so we recommended our cost effective HS-45 Turnkey solution. https://www.candcnc.com/store-home/home ... nt-bundle/
Its a 4 axis CNC controller (expandable to 5 axis for rotary) with the high speed DTHC5 and the PWMIIA digital pickup. Using the MIC-03 cable, it plugs directly into his Hyperthem CPC connector. All our systems come with a quad processor Mini PC, preloaded with COMMANDCNC, INKSCAPE. SheetCAM, ORCAD, custom POSTS and tool sets for SHEETCAM (for plasma and 2.5D routing) and VECTRIC for toolchange and routing.

Total cost of the HS-45 WITH PC, software and 4 Pre-wired 620 oz-in motors is under $1800.00 including shipping. That gets you everything including phone support, warranty and free updates for software.

The only other expense will-be dealing with the TM "Torch Lifter" with its "smart" motor and tuning that into a conventional Z with a floating torch holder . As an option he can add the FT-02 ohmic sensor to add two levels of touch off.

The HS series uses the same software and supports all of the same accessories as all of our other series. About the only missing feature on this model is the built-in dual AC switched outputs, but those can be added as an option on the HS , That allows you to add plate marker , oxy-fuel and other external loads.

[SegoMan DeSigns]

You made the right choice going with new. Get it up and running and make parts not machine repairs. With the "extinct" status on the T M the parts you have can now be sold on ebay to help pay for the new stuff.

[tcaudle]

Yeah, the most valuable thing is that "Smart " motor. No way to tell if its good or not if the THC won't move it. Those things are like dinosaur teeth: scarce and expensive . A now extinct table builder sold all Smart motors and once they started to fail they switched to other servos but it was too late . They gone.

[Tonybain42]

This is not a full production table so we recommended our cost effective HS-45 Turnkey solution. https://www.candcnc.com/store-home/home ... nt-bundle/
Its a 4 axis CNC controller (expandable to 5 axis for rotary) with the high speed DTHC5 and the PWMIIA digital pickup. Using the MIC-03 cable, it plugs directly into his Hyperthem CPC connector. All our systems come with a quad processor Mini PC, preloaded with COMMANDCNC, INKSCAPE. SheetCAM, ORCAD, custom POSTS and tool sets for SHEETCAM (for plasma and 2.5D routing) and VECTRIC for toolchange and routing.

Total cost of the HS-45 WITH PC, software and 4 Pre-wired 620 oz-in motors is under $1800.00 including shipping. That gets you everything including phone support, warranty and free updates for software.

The only other expense will-be dealing with the TM "Torch Lifter" with its "smart" motor and tuning that into a conventional Z with a floating torch holder . As an option he can add the FT-02 ohmic sensor to add two levels of touch off.

The HS series uses the same software and supports all of the same accessories as all of our other series. About the only missing feature on this model is the built-in dual AC switched outputs, but those can be added as an option on the HS , That allows you to add plate marker , oxy-fuel and other external loads.

That's exactly what I was planning to go with. I plan on getting that setup that comes with the motors to go ahead and just replace them all, eliminating the torchmate smart motor. I plan on getting the HS-45 bundle with 4 motors, the MIC-03 cable and FT-02 options. If you think there's anything else I would need, please let me know. Thanks!

[tcaudle]

As we discussed you need to address the rigid mount on the torch lifter . Some form or bolt on floating torch holder would be in order . I dot have a TM torch lifter assembly I can reference but I have full CNC machine shop and we offer a complete Super Z II but its probably overkill for this project to stay under budget. The Super Z II DOES have a floating torch holder sub assembly that just might with slight mods fit the old torch lifter if you can mount a 23 stepper whee that Smart motor is.

If you want to work with us get me some detailed pix of the TM torch lifter sub assembly . An even petter option would be to contact me direct email or via the RFS form in the SUPPORT Section and I will make you an offer that will be hard to refuse!

We sold two other retros for TM tables last week but they were different models and they went with the full Super Z II option

[ETCWeld]

You made the right choice going with new. Get it up and running and make parts not machine repairs. With the "extinct" status on the T M the parts you have can now be sold on ebay to help pay for the new stuff.

thanks for pointing me in this direction.

As we discussed you need to address the rigid mount on the torch lifter . Some form or bolt on floating torch holder would be in order . I dot have a TM torch lifter assembly I can reference but I have full CNC machine shop and we offer a complete Super Z II but its probably overkill for this project to stay under budget. The Super Z II DOES have a floating torch holder sub assembly that just might with slight mods fit the old torch lifter if you can mount a 23 stepper whee that Smart motor is.

If you want to work with us get me some detailed pix of the TM torch lifter sub assembly . An even petter option would be to contact me direct email or via the RFS form in the SUPPORT Section and I will make you an offer that will be hard to refuse!

We sold two other retros for TM tables last week but they were different models and they went with the full Super Z II option

I will be reaching out to you in the next day or two. My first question though is when we eliminate the AVHC (blue screen) controller, how do we program cut speed, voltage, height, etc. and is there a student software solution with your company?

[tcaudle]

All of the cut parameters are derived from the g-code . While you can manually override them at the Console there are stored TOOL SETS in SHeetCAM that have all of the settings for each type of material



So here is the process:

Use any CAD or Vector Drawingg tool to creat the shppes to cut that will let you export in DXF or SVG formats. We include Inkscape and OrCAD both of which are free and run on Linux or Windows so you can use them in a class room setting if you want. While SheetCAM will work in Linux or Windows as well you need a license to actually generate GCode fiels over a few hundred lines of code. That being said youcan load a demo version of SheetCAM to multiple desktops and use it for training and to learn the steps and interface. So far you have spent nothing on a classroom setup but the hardware and it can be LINUX or Windows OS.

TO use SheetCAM there are lots of tutorials and support . (including here) It consists of :
1. Importing a Drawign in DXF or SVG .
2. Using the nesting and contour selection tools to move the entire drawing on the material and to select each contour (outline) and group them on layers
3. Assign a Layer to an Operation . In that stage you pick HOW you want that layer to cut and you select the predefined tool with its chart settings to cut it with
4. Once you have all of the layers assigned to Operations yoursPOST Process (using one of our free POSTS that are included)
The resuilting G-code then gets opened in CommandCNC to run the machine.

CommandCNC is a Linux application due to its need for Real Time Interface tot he hardware. If you want to teach that interface the workstation needs to boot to LINUX . While it doe snot need to be the special RTK version of LINUX to run CommandCNC it dows need that ot actuall run a table and connect to the Controller.

Linux and SIMULATED CommandCNC (not connected to the controller are open source and FREE

Setting up a multi station training room that has ALL of the apps loaded is pretty easy. We have one with 8 workstations but we only have one main cutting table in another area .

The course we reach take 2 1/2 days and consists of
Day1: Learning Inkscape vector Drawing .
Day 2 Using SheetCAM to build cut files
1.2 day 3 . Using CommandCNC and cutting on a table
Is the basic t flow of CAD->CAM->CUT


One last idea: If you want Windows Access on a 1 to 1 basis between the Linux CommandCNC interface on the table to a Windows desktop you can use AnyDesk 1 to 1 and its also FREE . That will remotely let you access and control the Linux CommandCNC computer at the table .

Since the OS is Free , the Drawing and CAD programs are Free, and SheetCAM full license is 165 bucks The cost of a classroom setup is minimal . If you don't need full G-code output from SheetCAM (you can carry the JOB file you made on the demo version out to a licensed version) and it will generate full G-code there) its even less expensive. Simply the cost of the computers and monitors for the classroom

[ETCWeld]

All of the cut parameters are derived from the g-code . While you can manually override them at the Console there are stored TOOL SETS in SHeetCAM that have all of the settings for each type of material



So here is the process:

Use any CAD or Vector Drawingg tool to creat the shppes to cut that will let you export in DXF or SVG formats. We include Inkscape and OrCAD both of which are free and run on Linux or Windows so you can use them in a class room setting if you want. While SheetCAM will work in Linux or Windows as well you need a license to actually generate GCode fiels over a few hundred lines of code. That being said youcan load a demo version of SheetCAM to multiple desktops and use it for training and to learn the steps and interface. So far you have spent nothing on a classroom setup but the hardware and it can be LINUX or Windows OS.

TO use SheetCAM there are lots of tutorials and support . (including here) It consists of :
1. Importing a Drawign in DXF or SVG .
2. Using the nesting and contour selection tools to move the entire drawing on the material and to select each contour (outline) and group them on layers
3. Assign a Layer to an Operation . In that stage you pick HOW you want that layer to cut and you select the predefined tool with its chart settings to cut it with
4. Once you have all of the layers assigned to Operations yoursPOST Process (using one of our free POSTS that are included)
The resuilting G-code then gets opened in CommandCNC to run the machine.

CommandCNC is a Linux application due to its need for Real Time Interface tot he hardware. If you want to teach that interface the workstation needs to boot to LINUX . While it doe snot need to be the special RTK version of LINUX to run CommandCNC it dows need that ot actuall run a table and connect to the Controller.

Linux and SIMULATED CommandCNC (not connected to the controller are open source and FREE

Setting up a multi station training room that has ALL of the apps loaded is pretty easy. We have one with 8 workstations but we only have one main cutting table in another area .

The course we reach take 2 1/2 days and consists of
Day1: Learning Inkscape vector Drawing .
Day 2 Using SheetCAM to build cut files
1.2 day 3 . Using CommandCNC and cutting on a table
Is the basic t flow of CAD->CAM->CUT


One last idea: If you want Windows Access on a 1 to 1 basis between the Linux CommandCNC interface on the table to a Windows desktop you can use AnyDesk 1 to 1 and its also FREE . That will remotely let you access and control the Linux CommandCNC computer at the table .

Since the OS is Free , the Drawing and CAD programs are Free, and SheetCAM full license is 165 bucks The cost of a classroom setup is minimal . If you don't need full G-code output from SheetCAM (you can carry the JOB file you made on the demo version out to a licensed version) and it will generate full G-code there) its even less expensive. Simply the cost of the computers and monitors for the classroom

wow, how's that for some quality information! Thank you!!
I am looking forward to having the time to move forward with this. I asked the principal if she was okay if I moved into this direction and she said yes, but she wants to see what the final numbers look like from lincoln. I told her she would likely only be more convinced

I'll be in touch, and once again thank you and to all of the other contributing members who are always helping us!!!

[ETCWeld]

I just received our Torchmate Retrofit upgrade QUOTE... wow!!! more than $20k I can almost buy a new table for that...

I will be moving forward with this as soon as I have the time to next week.

[AREA]

I just received our Torchmate Retrofit upgrade QUOTE... wow!!! more than $20k I can almost buy a new table for that...

I will be moving forward with this as soon as I have the time to next week.

You're referring to a retrofit quote from Torchmate for 20k not C&CNC, is that correct?

[tcaudle]

Has to be . We don't have anything in our product list that cost s20K! The TM upgrades are WAY (like WAY WAY) less than that

[adbuch]

I just received our Torchmate Retrofit upgrade QUOTE... wow!!! more than $20k I can almost buy a new table for that...

I will be moving forward with this as soon as I have the time to next week.

You're referring to a retrofit quote from Torchmate for 20k not C&CNC, is that correct?

I had the same initial thought, but I figured he was talking about 20k for Torchmate OEM items. I thought the candcnc kit was more like 4k to 5k price range.

David

[AREA]

Has to be . We don't have anything in our product list that cost s20K! The TM upgrades are WAY (like WAY WAY) less than that

That's what I figured but I was hoping he would clarify as to not scare anyone away from the C&CNC retrofit option.

[SegoMan DeSigns]

TM is proud of their parts, when I got the new to me 2x2 it was going to be over $4K to upgrade to their Accumove system. I used those funds and the 2x2 to build the 6x12 table. The 2x2 is still cutting 7 years later, you just don't cut faster than 150IPM with it.

[ETCWeld]

Has to be . We don't have anything in our product list that cost s20K! The TM upgrades are WAY (like WAY WAY) less than that

That's what I figured but I was hoping he would clarify as to not scare anyone away from the C&CNC retrofit option.

sorry I had sent you a pm and never saw these responses.
So the almost $30k retrofit was all TM
Then I had the Lincoln recommended contractor quote me a flash cut retro fit that would allow me to keep my hypertherm and it was in the low $20k range.
I had asked in the pm if we could get a quote for the cancad, so I could present it to the boss lady now that I have her shocked:)

[adbuch]

Has to be . We don't have anything in our product list that cost s20K! The TM upgrades are WAY (like WAY WAY) less than that

That's what I figured but I was hoping he would clarify as to not scare anyone away from the C&CNC retrofit option.

sorry I had sent you a pm and never saw these responses.
So the almost $30k retrofit was all TM
Then I had the Lincoln recommended contractor quote me a flash cut retro fit that would allow me to keep my hypertherm and it was in the low $20k range.
I had asked in the pm if we could get a quote for the cancad, so I could present it to the boss lady now that I have her shocked:)

I think you probably need to reach out to Candcnc directly. I think that Tom Caudle is affiliated with Candcnc - so you could reach out to him as well.
I was under the impression that a retro fit kit was more like $5k, so similar to the retrofit kit they offer for the older Plasmacam tables.


David