Machine torches on all the Hypertherm Powermax units will only accept the start signal from the
CPC port. Hand torches are designed to start with a trigger switch mounted on the torch. The different starting methods are necessary for safety purposes.....so that a hand torch does not accidentally fire from a machine interface, and so a machine torch does not accidentally fire from a hand torch trigger switch. Not all plasma cutter manufacturers pay attention to safety to the level that Hypertherm does.
If you are planning to use the hand torch on a Plasmacam machine...you must use the special interface
cable that Plasmacam supplies, and follow their detailed wiring instructions...there are four connections that must be made inside the plasma cutter, two on the main control board (screw terminals) and two on the torch trigger wiring (cut and splice wires in the plasma cutter). You then must zip-tie the hand torch trigger switch and mount the hand torch on the supplied mount.
With a Powermax machine torch....you must have a power supply that is equipped with the
CPC interface port (can be added in the field if your Powermax did not come from the factory with this). You must then reset the internal voltage divider dip switches to the correct division ratio for a Plasmacam machine (21.1 : 1), then purchase a Plug and Play
cable (get it at
http://www.pjmetalfab.com or make your own) that plugs into the Plasmacam control box and into the PowermaxCPC port. Ready to cut with no internal connections. This makes the plasma portable (leave the machine torch on the Plasmacam machine)...and you can plug in the hand torch and use it anywhere you want when not machine cutting. You need a machine torch mount as well....I suggest the
www.snapncut.com magnetic breakaway mount.
Jim Colt Hypertherm
